Firebaugh — Zoning

Overview

Firebaugh’s zoning ordinance sets what you can build, where, and how big, and ties those rules to the City’s Official Zoning Map. The code controls uses, density, building height, setbacks, and lot dimensions, and locates zone districts on the map kept by the Planning & Building Department. See the ordinance components and Zoning Map framework in § 25-1.4 and the definition of zoning in § 25-9.2. Districts in effect are listed in § 25-9.3.

Only the uses allowed in your district and the development standards for that district may be established on a site; anything else is prohibited unless specifically permitted or conditionally permitted in that district (§ 25-9.7).

Use the City’s Official Zoning Map to confirm your base district and any overlays (on file with the Planning & Building Department per § 25-9.5). If boundaries are unclear, apply the boundary rules in § 25-9.6. For a broad orientation across topics, also see the Firebaugh zoning & planning overview.

How Firebaugh’s Zoning System Works

• The ordinance consists of zoning regulations and the Official Zoning Map; the map delineates where each district applies (§ 25-1.4, § 25-9.5).
• Districts in effect: UR, RA, R-1, R-1-5, R-1-4.25, R-1 (TN), R-1-5 (TN), R-1-4.25 (TN), R-2, R-3, C-1, C-2, C-3, M-1, M-2, O, G, MHP (§ 25-9.3).
• Mixed-use is allowed in commercial zones with special rules on density and parking (§ 25-41.3).
• Commercial design guidelines apply citywide to commercial projects and complement zone standards (§ 25-27.1). Related approvals occur through design review.
• Map updates are adopted by ordinance and must be recorded on the map with date/ordinance number (§ 25-49.8). Sample recent changes are listed in § 25-9.5.c.

To understand allowed uses, dimensional standards, and cross-cutting rules (parking, landscaping, signage), also consult: Firebaugh Land Use, Firebaugh Development Standards, Firebaugh Parking, Firebaugh Landscaping and Screening, and Firebaugh Signage.

Official Zoning Map and District Boundaries

• The Official Zoning Map is part of the ordinance and held by the Planning & Building Department (§ 25-9.5.a).
• The Department amends the map upon annexations and rezonings; amendments are recorded with date and ordinance number (§ 25-9.5.b, § 25-49.8).
• Where a boundary is uncertain, it follows streets, alleys, property lines, or rail rights-of-way; when in doubt within a block, use the nearest interior lot line (§ 25-9.6).
• Examples of adopted map changes:
  • A parcel at the northwest corner of 15th St and Q St changed from R-1 to R-2 [Ord. 18-03] (§ 25-9.5.c.1).
  • Parcels on the east side of N. Dos Palos Rd (SH 33) near Lyon Ave changed from C-1 to R-1-5 and R-3 with conditions on right-of-way and improvements [Ord. 19-01] (§ 25-9.5.c.2).
  • Two APNs west of Washoe Ave prezoned UR [Ord. 21-01] (§ 25-9.5.c.7).
  • Two parcels near the Lyon Ave alignment changed from C-1 to R-2 [Ord. 23-01] (§ 25-9.5.c.8). For parcels with uncertain zoning, verify on the City’s map file (§ 25-9.5.a) and consider Variances and Exceptions only if strictly necessary.

Residential Districts

R-1 — Single-Family Residential (6,500 sf min.)

• Purpose: Not found in source materials.
• Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
• Key dimensional standards:
  • Minimum lot area: 6,500 sf (§ 25-15.5.a).
  • Minimum width/depth: 60 ft interior width, 65 ft corner; 100 ft depth (§ 25-15.5.b).
  • Height: 25 ft / 2 stories; accessory 12 ft (§ 25-15.5.c).
  • Setbacks: Front 20 ft (may be 14 ft with porch ≥ 6 ft x 10 ft); garages/carports facing street 20 ft; sides 5 ft; corner street side 10 ft (20 ft at a street-facing garage/carport); rear 10 ft (§ 25-15.5.d).
  • Special rules include 0 ft setbacks for low accessory structures (with placement limits), min. 6 ft separation to dwellings, projections up to 30 in, 5 ft min. to alleys, and pool placement limits (§ 25-15.5.d(1)-(6)).
• Where it applies: Citywide as mapped (§ 25-9.5). See § 25-9.5.c.6 for a parcel changed from C-1 to R-1.

R-1-5 — Single-Family Residential (5,000 sf min.)

• Purpose: Not found in source materials.
• Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
• Key dimensional standards: Same framework as R-1 with different lot size/width:
  • Minimum lot area: 5,000 sf (§ 25-15.5.a).
  • Minimum width/depth: 50 ft interior width; 90 ft depth (§ 25-15.5.b).
  • Height and setbacks: Same as R-1 (§ 25-15.5.c–d).
• Where it applies: Citywide as mapped (§ 25-9.5). See § 25-9.5.c.2 and .4 for map changes to R-1-5.

R-1-4.25 — Single-Family Residential (4,250 sf min.)

• Purpose: Not found in source materials.
• Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
• Key dimensional standards:
  • Minimum lot area: 4,250 sf; no fixed depth (must meet area) (§ 25-15.5.a–b).
  • Minimum widths: 40 ft interior; 45 ft corner (§ 25-15.5.b).
  • Height: 25 ft / 2 stories; accessory 12 ft (§ 25-15.5.c).
  • Setbacks: Front 10 ft minimum, but 20 ft required for garage portions facing a street; sides 5 ft; corner street side 10 ft (20 ft at a street-facing garage/carport); rear 10 ft (§ 25-15.5.d).
  • Accessory and pool rules as in § 25-15.5.d(1)-(6).
• Where it applies: Citywide as mapped (§ 25-9.5).

R-1 (TN), R-1-5 (TN), R-1-4.25 (TN) — Traditional Neighborhood Single-Family

• Purpose: Not found in source materials (TN framework provides an alternative development pattern).
• Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
• Key dimensional standards (Traditional Neighborhood pattern):
  • Minimum lot area: 6,500 sf / 5,000 sf / 4,250 sf respectively (§ 25-17.5.a).
  • Minimum widths/depths: Match the non-TN R-1 tables (e.g., widths 60/50/40 ft; depth 100/90/—) (§ 25-17.5.b).
  • Height: 25 ft / 2 stories; accessory 12 ft (§ 25-17.5.c).
  • Setbacks and porches:
    • R-1 (TN): Front 15 ft; garages/carports 20 ft; porch ≥ 8 ft deep spanning ≥ 1/2 facade; no garage forward of dwelling (§ 25-17.5.d).
    • R-1-5 (TN): Same as R-1 (TN) (§ 25-17.5.d).
    • R-1-4.25 (TN): Front 10 ft; garages/carports 20 ft; same porch and garage-forward rules (§ 25-17.5.d).
  • Corners: Street side 10 ft (or 20 ft at a street-facing garage/carport) and a usable porch ≥ 6 ft deep spanning ≥ 1/4 of that facade (§ 25-17.5.d).
  • Other special rules: 0 ft accessory setbacks behind front line; 6 ft min. building-to-accessory separation; 30 in projection allowance; 5 ft from alleys; portable carport limits; and garage/carport width limited to ≤ 50% of the dwelling facade (§ 25-17.5 Special requirements).
• Where it applies: Where mapped as TN variants (§ 25-9.3, § 25-9.5).

R-2 — Low-Density Multiple-Family Residential

• Purpose: Provide multifamily areas with medium densities and compatible community facilities; promote attractive, landscaped projects (§ 25-19.1).
• Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
• Key dimensional standards (§ 25-19.6):
  • Density: 1 unit / 3,250 sf lot area (max) (§ 25-19.6.a).
  • Min lot area: 6,500 sf; frontage: 60 ft interior / 65 ft corner; depth: 100 ft (§ 25-19.6.b).
  • Height: 25 ft / 2 stories; accessory 12 ft (§ 25-19.6.c).
  • Coverage: 50% max (§ 25-19.6.d).
  • Setbacks: Front 15 ft; interior side 5 ft; corner street side 10 ft (or 20 ft if a garage/carport opens to street); rear 10 ft (§ 25-19.6.e).
  • Building separation: 10 ft between habitable buildings; Special: garages opening to streets must be ≥ 20 ft from back of sidewalk or property line; projections, alley setback, and portable carport limits apply (§ 25-19.6.e–f).
  • Street orientation: Ground-floor units along streets must face the street and open to a porch ≥ 8 ft wide by 6 ft deep (§ 25-19.6.g).
• Where it applies: As mapped (§ 25-9.5). Example: the NW corner of 15th & Q changed to R-2 [Ord. 18-03] (§ 25-9.5.c.1). Two parcels near Lyon Ave changed to R-2 in 2023 [Ord. 23-01] (§ 25-9.5.c.8).

R-3 — Medium-High-Density Multiple-Family Residential

• Purpose: Same framework as R-2 with higher densities and affordability objectives (§ 25-19.1, § 25-19.2).
• Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
• Key dimensional standards (§ 25-19.6):
  • Density: 1 unit / 1,500 sf lot area (max); on parcels > 3/4 acre, a minimum of 20 du/ac unless a lower density can still achieve affordability (§ 25-19.6.a).
  • Min lot area: 7,500 sf; frontage/depth: same as R-2 (§ 25-19.6.b).
  • Height: 25 ft / 2 stories; accessory 12 ft (§ 25-19.6.c).
  • Coverage: 80% max (§ 25-19.6.d).
  • Setbacks, separation, street orientation: Same pattern as R-2 (§ 25-19.6.e–g).
• Where it applies: As mapped (§ 25-9.5). Some parcels along N. Dos Palos Rd were changed to R-3 with conditions [Ord. 19-01] (§ 25-9.5.c.2).

ADUs and JADUs (in residential and mixed-use zones)

• Allowance: ADUs/JADUs are allowed on single-family and multifamily lots in all residential zones and in mixed-use zones that allow residential; not allowed in nonresidential-only zones (§ 25-41.9.c.1).
• Key standards:
  • Setbacks: Detached ADUs may be 4 ft from side and rear (§ 25-41.9.c.4).
  • Height: ADUs limited to 1 story / 16 ft (§ 25-41.9.c.6).
  • Sizes: Detached ADUs up to 850 sf (1-bed), 1,000 sf (2-bed), 1,200 sf (>2-bed); attached up to 50% of primary floor area, capped at 800 sf; minimum 220 sf; JADU max 500 sf (§ 25-41.9.c.7).
  • Parking: 1 on-site space for an ADU unless state exceptions apply; none for JADUs (§ 25-41.9.c.8).
  • Access: Entrance must not face the public street; locate on side or rear (§ 25-41.9.c.12).
  • Spacing: ≥ 10 ft from other residential buildings; ≥ 6 ft from accessory buildings (§ 25-41.9.c.5).
• See Firebaugh ADUs and background under California ADU law. State housing constraints and incentives are summarized at California housing laws.

Commercial Districts

C-1 — Neighborhood Commercial

• Purpose: Not found in source materials.
• Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
• Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials. A general “Zoning Standards” table with front setback 10 ft, landscaped front parking setback 10 ft, and 35 ft / 2 stories max height appears in § 25-33.5, but the section does not identify which commercial district(s) it governs. Verify applicability with the City.
• Where it applies: As mapped (§ 25-9.5). Several parcels near Lyon Ave/N. Dos Palos Rd were historically zoned C-1 and later changed to residential (§ 25-9.5.c.2, .6, .8).

C-2 — Central Commercial

• Purpose: Strengthen the downtown with pedestrian-oriented design; buildings should front the sidewalk; large display windows along sidewalks; on-site parking to rear/side (§ 25-23.1).
• Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
• Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials; see § 25-23.1 for form objectives. Mixed-use is permitted in commercial zones with residential density governed by R-3 standards and potential up to 50% parking reduction through site plan review, not a variance (§ 25-41.3).
• Where it applies: Downtown as mapped (§ 25-9.5). Some parcels formerly C-2 were changed to G [Ord. 19-04] (§ 25-9.5.c.3).

C-3 — General Commercial

• Purpose: Provide locations for a wide variety of commercial and service businesses with high design standards and screening of outdoor work areas (§ 25-25.1).
• Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
• Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials. See citywide commercial design guidance (§ 25-27.1) and the general “Zoning Standards” in § 25-33.5 (applicability to C-3 not confirmed).
• Where it applies: As mapped (§ 25-9.5).

Commercial design rules that often apply across these districts:

• City commercial design guidelines address site planning, parking/circulation, landscaping, walls, building design, signs, and lighting; they complement zone standards and are applied flexibly (§ 25-27.1). Expect review via Firebaugh Design Review.
• Mixed-use projects must meet underlying zone standards, apply R-3 density to residential components, and may request up to a 50% parking reduction through site plan review (§ 25-41.3). Coordinate required parking on the Firebaugh Parking page.

Industrial Districts

M-1 — Light Industrial

• Purpose: Provide locations for light manufacturing, warehousing, storage, service commercial, and similar uses, while protecting neighborhoods and ensuring adequate truck and loading areas (§ 25-29.1).
• Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
• Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials. All industrial sites must meet performance standards (e.g., nuisance controls, waste discharges per agency rules, and air quality compliance) (§ 25-29.10).
• Where it applies: As mapped (§ 25-9.5).

M-2 — Heavy Industrial

• Purpose: Provide locations for more intensive industrial and manufacturing with public health and safety protections (§ 25-29.1).
• Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
• Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials; performance standards in § 25-29.10 apply citywide to industrial zones.
• Where it applies: As mapped (§ 25-9.5).

Other Districts

UR — Urban Reserve

• Purpose: Not found in source materials.
• Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
• Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
• Where it applies: Prezoning west of Washoe Ave for APNs 007-091-37 and 012-020-33 [Ord. 21-01] (§ 25-9.5.c.7).

RA — Rural Residential

• Purpose: Not found in source materials.
• Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
• Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
• Where it applies: As mapped (§ 25-9.5).

O — Open Space

• Purpose: Not found in source materials.
• Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
• Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
• Where it applies: As mapped (§ 25-9.5).

G — Government

• Purpose: Not found in source materials.
• Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
• Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
• Where it applies: Multiple parcels along O St/9th–Q St changed to G in 2019 [Ord. 19-04] (§ 25-9.5.c.3); two parcels later rezoned to R-1-5 north of Borboa Ln [Ord. 19-05] (§ 25-9.5.c.4).

MHP — Mobile Home Park

• Purpose: Not found in source materials.
• Typical permitted uses: Not found in source materials.
• Key dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
• Where it applies: As mapped (§ 25-9.5).

Cross-Cutting Standards and Special Topics

• Modular structures (commercial/office/industrial) must meet the use/zone standards and are processed via site plan review (per § 25-53 as referenced) with specific requirements (permanent foundation, skirting, compatible architecture, parking per § 25-45, landscaping per § 25-43) (§ 25-41.7). Coordinate early with Firebaugh Design Review and Firebaugh Landscaping and Screening.
• Density bonus: Residential projects may qualify for State-mandated bonuses and incentives; the City codifies thresholds and concessions (e.g., reductions in setbacks/parking, mixed-use approval) in § 30-1.4 with affordability retention for ≥ 30 years (§ 30-1.4.c).
• Development agreements: Unless otherwise provided, they “freeze” the rules in effect at execution for the covered property (§ 25-57.7).
• Nonconformities and relief: For existing sites/uses that don’t match current rules, see Firebaugh Nonconforming Uses. For site-specific relief, see Firebaugh Variances and Exceptions.
• Overlays and historic areas: Overlays are shown on the Zoning Map (§ 25-9.5); consult Firebaugh Overlay Districts and Firebaugh Historic Preservation.

Decision-Ready Standards (select tables)

Single-Family (non-TN) highlights (§ 25-15.5)

Traditional Neighborhood (TN) single-family highlights (§ 25-17.5)

Multifamily highlights (§ 25-19.6)

Commercial mixed-use and design (citywide)

Checklist

• Confirm your parcel’s base zoning and any overlays on the Official Zoning Map on file with the City (§ 25-9.5).
• If a boundary is unclear, apply the location rules in § 25-9.6 or request written confirmation from Planning.
• Verify your proposed use is allowed in the district (only permitted/conditional uses may be established) (§ 25-9.7). See Firebaugh Land Use.
• Apply the correct dimensional standards for your district (lot area/width/depth, height, setbacks, coverage) (§ 25-15.5; § 25-17.5; § 25-19.6).
• For multifamily R-3 on parcels > 3/4 acre, check the minimum 20 du/ac requirement and any affordability justification (§ 25-19.6.a).
• For commercial or mixed-use, plan buildings and parking per commercial design guidelines and consider mixed-use density/parking provisions (§ 25-27.1; § 25-41.3). Coordinate design review and parking.
• For ADUs/JADUs, confirm height, size, setback, access placement, and parking rules (§ 25-41.9). See Firebaugh ADUs.
• For modular buildings, prepare site plan review materials and meet parking/landscaping requirements (§ 25-41.7; § 25-45; § 25-43).
• If seeking density bonus or concessions, document eligibility per § 30-1.4.
• If standards cannot be met, discuss variances and exceptions. If the site is nonconforming, see Firebaugh Nonconforming Uses.

Risks & Ambiguities

Information Gaps

• Detailed lists of permitted and conditionally permitted uses for each district: Not found in source materials.
• Numeric dimensional standards for C-1, C-2, and C-3 identified by district: Not found in source materials (only general commercial guidance in § 25-27.1 and an unlabeled standard set in § 25-33.5).
• Purpose statements for R-1, RA, UR, O, G, MHP: Not found in source materials.

Plain-English Summary

Firebaugh assigns each parcel to a zoning district on the Official Zoning Map and then applies that district’s use list and development standards. Single-family lots have specific minimum sizes, setbacks, and height caps; multifamily zones add density, coverage, and orientation rules. Commercial and mixed-use projects must follow downtown form or citywide design guidelines and can use R-3 density with parking reductions. Always confirm your map designation and apply the exact standards for that district.

Source References

• Firebaugh Zoning Code: § 25-1.2, § 25-1.4, § 25-1.5, § 25-9.2, § 25-9.3, § 25-9.5, § 25-9.6, § 25-9.7, § 25-15.5, § 25-17.5, § 25-19.1, § 25-19.2, § 25-19.6, § 25-23.1, § 25-25.1, § 25-27.1, § 25-29.1, § 25-29.10, § 25-33.5, § 25-39.6, § 25-41.3, § 25-41.7, § 25-41.9, § 25-45, § 25-43, § 25-49.8, § 25-57.7, § 25-67.3 — https://ecode360.com/FI4072
• Firebaugh Planning Code: § 30-1.4 (Density Bonuses and Housing Goals) — https://ecode360.com/FI4072

Source passages

• Firebaugh Zoning Code (§ 25-27.1) High relevance show source text
• Firebaugh Zoning Code (§ 25-1.4) High relevance show source text
• Firebaugh Zoning Code (§ 25-9.5) High relevance show source text
• Firebaugh Zoning Code (§ 25-49.8) High relevance show source text
• Firebaugh Zoning Code (§ 25-17.5) Medium relevance show source text
• Firebaugh Zoning Code (§ 25-41.7) Medium relevance show source text
• Firebaugh Zoning Code (§ 25-15.5) Medium relevance show source text
• Firebaugh Zoning Code (§ 25-39.6) Medium relevance show source text
• Firebaugh Zoning Code (§ 25-9.3) Medium relevance show source text
• Firebaugh Zoning Code (§ 30-1.4) Medium relevance show source text
• Firebaugh Zoning Code (§ 25-9.7) Medium relevance show source text
• Firebaugh Zoning Code (§ 25-9.2) Medium relevance show source text
• Firebaugh Zoning Code (§ 25-19.6) Medium relevance show source text
• Firebaugh Zoning Code (§ 25-41.9) Medium relevance show source text
• Firebaugh Zoning Code (§ 25-67.3) Medium relevance show source text
• Firebaugh Zoning Code (§ 25-19.1) Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• Firebaugh Zoning Code: § 25-1.2, § 25-1.4, § 25-1.5, § 25-9.2, § 25-9.3, § 25-9.5, § 25-9.6, § 25-9.7, § 25-15.5, § 25-17.5, § 25-19.1, § 25-19.2, § 25-19.6, § 25-23.1, § 25-25.1, § 25-27.1, § 25-29.1, § 25-29.10, § 25-33.5, § 25-39.6, § 25-41.3, § 25-41.7, § 25-41.9, § 25-45, § 25-43, § 25-49.8, § 25-57.7, § 25-67.3 — (§ 25-1.2)

• Official Firebaugh code library