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Kerman — Zoning

Zoning under the Kerman local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Quick answer

Kerman ties what you can build to the official zoning map and Title 17: residential ranges from R‑1‑7 single‑family (up to 9–12 du/ac) to R‑3 multifamily (20–24 du/ac) with a one‑story edge within 75 ft of R‑1 zones (§ 17.10.030; Table 17.06‑1). Commercial FARs run 0.3–1.0, and sites next to homes need a ≥7 ft masonry wall (§ 17.12.060(B); Table 17.06‑1). Detached ADUs in single‑unit zones need ≥4 ft side/rear setbacks (§ 17.40.010).

Last reviewed: July 25, 2026 · AI-generated analysis · General information, not legal advice · details

Compiled from Kerman's adopted code with AI research tools and grounded in the sources cited below. Verify with Kerman planning staff before relying on it.

Overview

Kerman’s zoning rules live in Title 17 (Zoning) and work together with the official zoning map to control land use and development intensity on each parcel. The city establishes base zones and “combining” (overlay) zones, each with specific densities or floor area ratios (FAR), and applies them on the adopted zoning map (§ 17.06.020; § 17.06.030). The Community Development Director interprets the code, with appeals to the Planning Commission and City Council (§ 17.04.020).

The official zoning map is part of the law in Kerman; your parcel’s base zone and any combining zone on that map control what you can use and build, and interpretations by the Director may be appealed (§ 17.06.030; § 17.06.020; § 17.04.020).

Use this page with the Kerman zoning & planning overview, Kerman Development Standards, Kerman Design Review, Kerman Overlay Districts, Kerman Parking, Kerman Signage, Kerman ADUs, and Kerman Nonconforming Uses.

How Kerman’s Zoning System Works

  • The city establishes base zones and combining zones and shows them on the official zoning map; every parcel has a base zone (§ 17.06.020(B)–(C); § 17.06.030).
  • Combining zones supplement the base zone and may add allowances/limits; where they conflict, the Director determines which applies (§ 17.06.020(C); § 17.04.020(A)).
  • Amendments (rezones) are by ordinance; the map must be updated within 30 working days after a rezone (§ 17.06.030(C); § 17.112.070).
  • “Shall” is mandatory; “may” is permissive (§ 17.04.020(B)).

Headline Controls and Cross-Cutting Rules

  • Fences: 42 in max in front setbacks; 7 ft max in required side/rear; up to 8 ft in nonresidential zones with a conditional use permit (§ 17.24.020).
  • Commercial/office/mixed-use properties abutting residential require a solid masonry wall ≥ 7 ft on the shared line (MU-to-MU residential abutment is exempt; alleys may waive) (§ 17.12.060(B)).
  • Residential ADUs are allowed citywide where residential is allowed; detached ADUs in single-unit zones must observe side/rear setbacks of at least 4 ft even if the zone requires more (§ 17.40.010(C)–(E)(1)(b)(iv)).
  • Multi-unit and qualifying mixed-use projects may use objective design standards under state streamlining; if you seek that path, Kerman’s objective standards chapter applies (§ 17.46.020).
  • Parking for commercial/office/mixed-use follows Chapter 17.28; industrial also follows 17.28, with added ratios when a use isn’t listed (§ 17.14.070).

District-by-District Reference

RR — Rural Residential

  • Purpose/character: Very low-density residential on larger lots (VLDR GP correspondence) (§ 17.06.020; Table 17.06-1).
  • Typical uses: Residential consistent with the residential land use table (§ 17.10.020).
  • Key standards:
    • Density: up to 2 du/ac (Table 17.06-1).
    • Fences: 42 in front; 7 ft side/rear (§ 17.24.020(A)).
    • ADUs allowed with citywide ADU standards (§ 17.40.010).
  • Where it applies: Parcels mapped RR on the zoning map (§ 17.06.030).

RR-43 — Rural Residential (43,000 sq. ft. min.)

  • Purpose/character: VLDR with a 43,000 sq ft minimum lot size (per district title) (Table 17.06-1).
  • Uses: Residential per Table 17.10-1 (§ 17.10.020).
  • Key standards:
    • Density: up to 2 du/ac (Table 17.06-1).
    • Fences/ADUs as above (§ 17.24.020; § 17.40.010).
  • Where: Mapped RR-43 (§ 17.06.030).

RR-100 — Rural Residential (100,000 sq. ft. min.)

  • Purpose/character: VLDR with a 100,000 sq ft minimum lot size (per district title) (Table 17.06-1).
  • Uses: Residential per Table 17.10-1 (§ 17.10.020).
  • Standards:
    • Density: up to 2 du/ac (Table 17.06-1).
    • Fences/ADUs as above (§ 17.24.020; § 17.40.010).
  • Where: Mapped RR-100 (§ 17.06.030).

R-1-7 — Single-Family Residential (7,000 sq. ft. min.)

  • Purpose/character: Low-density detached housing; minimum lot 7,000 sq ft (per district title) (Table 17.06-1).
  • Uses: Single-unit residential per Table 17.10-1 (§ 17.10.020).
  • Key standards:
    • Density: up to 9 du/ac (LDR areas) and up to 12 du/ac where mapped MDR (Table 17.06-1).
    • On cul-de-sacs/curved parcels, front setback may be 15 ft (§ 17.10.030(4)).
    • ADUs allowed; detached ADU side/rear setbacks at least 4 ft (§ 17.40.010(E)(1)(b)(iv)).
    • Fences: 42 in front; 7 ft side/rear (§ 17.24.020(A)).
  • Where: Mapped R-1-7 (§ 17.06.030).

R-1-12 — Single-Family Residential (12,000 sq. ft. min.)

  • Purpose/character: Larger-lot single-unit; min lot 12,000 sq ft (per district title) (Table 17.06-1).
  • Uses: Single-unit residential per Table 17.10-1 (§ 17.10.020).
  • Standards:
    • Density: up to 9 du/ac (LDR) and up to 12 du/ac where mapped MDR (Table 17.06-1).
    • ADUs/fences as above (§ 17.40.010; § 17.24.020).
  • Where: Mapped R-1-12 (§ 17.06.030).

R-2 — Two-Family Residential

  • Purpose/character: Duplex/two-unit neighborhoods (MDR GP correspondence) (Table 17.06-1).
  • Uses: Residential per Table 17.10-1 (§ 17.10.020).
  • Standards:
    • Density: up to 12 du/ac (Table 17.06-1).
    • ADUs/fences as above (§ 17.40.010; § 17.24.020).
  • Where: Mapped R-2 (§ 17.06.030).

R-3 — Multifamily Residential

  • Purpose/character: Higher-density multifamily (HDR GP) (Table 17.06-1).
  • Uses: Multi-unit residential per Table 17.10-1 (§ 17.10.020).
  • Standards:
    • Density: 20 du/ac (min) and 24 du/ac (max) (Table 17.06-1).
    • Height transition: limit to a single story within 75 ft of an R-1-7 or R-1-12 zone (§ 17.10.030(5)).
    • ADUs and objective design standards may apply to multi-unit projects (§ 17.40.010; § 17.46.020).
    • Fences as above (§ 17.24.020).
  • Where: Mapped R-3 (§ 17.06.030).

SD-R-2.5 — Smart Development Residential (2,500 sq. ft. min.) [Combining]

  • Purpose/character: Smaller-lot neighborhoods with SD combining standards (Table 17.06-1).
  • Uses: Residential consistent with underlying residential tables (§ 17.10.020).
  • Standards:
    • Density: 20 du/ac (min), 24 du/ac (max) (HDR) and may allow 12 du/ac where mapped MDR (Table 17.06-1).
    • Combining zones supplement the base zone; Director resolves conflicts (§ 17.06.020(C)).
  • Where: Parcels mapped with SD-R-2.5 in addition to a base zone (§ 17.06.020(C); § 17.06.030).

SD-R-3.5 — Smart Development Residential (3,500 sq. ft. min.) [Combining]

  • Density: 12 du/ac (Table 17.06-1).
  • Other notes: Combining overlay; applies with base zone; Director resolves conflicts (§ 17.06.020(C)).
  • Where: Mapped SD-R-3.5 (§ 17.06.030).

SD-R-4.5 — Smart Development Residential (4,500 sq. ft. min.) [Combining]

  • Density: up to 9 du/ac (LDR) and 12 du/ac where mapped MDR (Table 17.06-1).
  • Combining overlay behavior per § 17.06.020(C).
  • Where: Mapped SD-R-4.5 (§ 17.06.030).

SD-R-5.0 — Smart Development Residential (5,000 sq. ft. min.) [Combining]

  • Density: up to 9 du/ac (LDR) and 12 du/ac where mapped MDR (Table 17.06-1).
  • Combining overlay behavior per § 17.06.020(C).
  • Where: Mapped SD-R-5.0 (§ 17.06.030).

PD-R-1 — Planned Development Single-Family [Combining]

  • Purpose/character: Planned development flexibility on single-family projects (Table 17.06-1).
  • Density: up to 9 du/ac (LDR) (Table 17.06-1).
  • Combining overlay behavior per § 17.06.020(C).
  • Where: Mapped PD-R-1 plus a base zone (§ 17.06.030).

PD-R-1-7 — Planned Development Single-Family (7,000 sq. ft. min.) [Combining]

  • Density: up to 9 du/ac (LDR) and 12 du/ac where mapped MDR (Table 17.06-1).
  • Combining overlay behavior per § 17.06.020(C).
  • Where: Mapped PD-R-1-7 (§ 17.06.030).

PD-R-1-12 — Planned Development Single-Family (12,000 sq. ft. min.) [Combining]

  • Density: up to 9 du/ac (LDR) and 12 du/ac where mapped MDR (Table 17.06-1).
  • Combining overlay behavior per § 17.06.020(C).
  • Where: Mapped PD-R-1-12 (§ 17.06.030).

CN — Neighborhood Commercial

  • Purpose/character: Neighborhood-serving retail/services (NC GP) (Table 17.06-1).
  • Uses: See commercial land use regulations (§ 17.12.020).
  • Key standards:
    • Nonresidential FAR: up to 0.5 FAR (Table 17.06-1).
    • Screening: ≥ 7 ft solid masonry wall where abutting residential (§ 17.12.060(B)).
    • Signs per the sign code (§ 17.12.050).
    • Parking per Chapter 17.28 (§ 17.14.070(A)).
  • Where: Mapped CN (§ 17.06.030).

CG — General Commercial

  • Purpose/character: General retail and regional commercial (GC/RC GP) (Table 17.06-1).
  • Uses: See commercial land use regulations (§ 17.12.020).
  • Standards:
    • Nonresidential FAR: up to 0.3 FAR (Table 17.06-1).
    • Masonry wall when abutting residential (§ 17.12.060(B)).
    • Signs per sign regulations (§ 17.12.050).
    • Parking per Chapter 17.28 (§ 17.14.070(A)).
  • Where: Mapped CG (§ 17.06.030).

CS — Service Commercial

  • Purpose/character: Service-oriented commercial (SC/GC/RC GP) (Table 17.06-1).
  • Uses: See commercial land use regulations (§ 17.12.020).
  • Standards:
    • Nonresidential FAR: up to 0.3 FAR (Table 17.06-1).
    • Masonry wall when abutting residential (§ 17.12.060(B)).
    • Signs and parking per cited chapters (§ 17.12.050; § 17.14.070(A)).
  • Where: Mapped CS (§ 17.06.030).

PA — Professional and Administrative Office

  • Purpose/character: Office districts (O GP) (Table 17.06-1).
  • Uses: Office and related per § 17.12.020.
  • Standards:
    • Nonresidential FAR: up to 1.0 FAR (Table 17.06-1).
    • Masonry wall when abutting residential (§ 17.12.060(B)).
    • Signs and parking per cited chapters (§ 17.12.050; § 17.14.070(A)).
  • Where: Mapped PA (§ 17.06.030).

MU — Mixed-Use

  • Purpose/character: Vertical/horizontal mixed-use areas (MU GP) (Table 17.06-1).
  • Uses: Mixed residential/nonresidential under § 17.12.020; objective design standards apply if using ministerial streamlining (§ 17.46.020(A)(1)).
  • Standards:
    • Residential density: 20 du/ac; Nonresidential FAR: up to 1.0 (Table 17.06-1).
    • Where MU developments abut residential uses also located in MU, the 7 ft masonry wall requirement is not triggered (§ 17.12.060(B)).
    • Parking per Chapter 17.28 (§ 17.14.070(A)).
  • Where: Mapped MU (§ 17.06.030).

M-1 — Light Industry

  • Purpose/character: Light industrial (Industrial GP) (Table 17.06-1).
  • Uses: Industrial per § 17.14.020.
  • Standards:
    • Nonresidential FAR: up to 0.3 FAR (Table 17.06-1).
    • Signs per sign regulations (§ 17.14.050).
    • Parking per Chapter 17.28; for unlisted industrial uses provide spaces for each permanent employee on max shift, each truck, and each permanent salesperson (§ 17.14.070(B)).
    • Fences up to 8 ft may be allowed with a CUP (§ 17.24.020(C)).
  • Where: Mapped M-1 (§ 17.06.030).

M-2 — Heavy Industry

  • Purpose/character: Heavier industrial (Industrial GP) (Table 17.06-1).
  • Uses: Industrial per § 17.14.020.
  • Standards:
    • Nonresidential FAR: up to 0.3 FAR (Table 17.06-1).
    • Signs and parking per cited chapters (§ 17.14.050; § 17.14.070).
    • Fences up to 8 ft may be allowed with a CUP (§ 17.24.020(C)).
  • Where: Mapped M-2 (§ 17.06.030).

-IBA — Industrial Boulevard Area [Combining]

  • Purpose/character: Area-specific industrial overlay (Table 17.06-1).
  • Standards:
    • Nonresidential FAR: up to 0.3 FAR (Table 17.06-1).
    • Combining zone supplements the base zone; Director resolves conflicts (§ 17.06.020(C)).
  • Where: Parcels mapped with “-IBA” in addition to an industrial base zone (§ 17.06.030).

O — Open Space, Recreation, & Public Facilities

  • Purpose/character: Public/quasi-public, parks, ponding basins (Table 17.06-1).
  • Uses: Governed by Title 17 applicability to public agencies (§ 17.02.030).
  • Standards: Not found in source materials.
  • Where: Mapped O (§ 17.06.030).

UR — Urban Reserve

  • Purpose/character: Reserve for future urbanization (Table 17.06-1).
  • Uses/standards: Not found in source materials.
  • Where: Mapped UR (§ 17.06.030).

At-a-Glance: Key Controls and Where They Apply

Topic / Zone Standard or Allowance Code Reference
R-1-7 (curved or cul-de-sac lot) Front setback may be as little as 15 ft on qualifying curved lots § 17.10.030(4)
R-3 next to R-1-7/R-1-12 Height limited to a single story within 75 ft of low-density residential § 17.10.030(5)
All single-unit zones (detached ADU) Side/rear setbacks at least 4 ft; height max one story for detached ADU § 17.40.010(E)(1)(b)(iii)–(iv)
Residential fences Max 42 in in front setback; 7 ft in side/rear § 17.24.020(A)
Nonresidential fence (CG/CN/CS/PA/M-1/M-2) Up to 8 ft allowed with CUP § 17.24.020(C)
Commercial/Office/MU next to Residential ≥ 7 ft solid masonry wall on shared line (MU-to-MU res abutment exempt) § 17.12.060(B)
CN Nonresidential FAR up to 0.5 Table 17.06-1
CG/CS/M-1/M-2 Nonresidential FAR up to 0.3 Table 17.06-1
PA Nonresidential FAR up to 1.0 Table 17.06-1
MU Residential 20 du/ac; Nonres FAR up to 1.0 Table 17.06-1
R-3 20–24 du/ac Table 17.06-1
Zoning map Amendments by ordinance; Director updates within 30 working days § 17.06.030(C); § 17.112.070

Related topics often triggered by zone standards include parking, design review, and signage.

Practical Kerman Notes

  • “Zero lot line” is defined in Kerman’s code; check parcel-specific setbacks before pursuing such layouts (§ 17.120.260; § 17.10.030).
  • Residential projects must account for neighborhood edge conditions like the R-3 single‑story stepdown near R‑1 zones (§ 17.10.030(5)).
  • Submitting a plot plan with structural renderings is explicitly required for residential building permit submittals (§ 17.10.030(E)). For discretionary review triggers, see Kerman Design Review.
  • Accessory structures are governed in all zones by Chapter 17.22 as referenced across zone chapters (§ 17.10.040; § 17.12.040; § 17.14.040).

Checklist

  • Identify your parcel’s base and any combining zone on the official zoning map (§ 17.06.030; § 17.06.020(B)–(C)).
  • Confirm the use is allowed in your zone using the applicable land use table (§ 17.10.020; § 17.12.020; § 17.14.020).
  • Stay within your zone’s maximum density or FAR (Table 17.06-1).
  • Apply special residential rules where relevant (e.g., R‑1‑7 cul‑de‑sac 15 ft front setback; R‑3 edge height stepdown) (§ 17.10.030(4)–(5)).
  • If proposing an ADU, follow the citywide ADU standards, including ≥ 4 ft side/rear setbacks for detached ADUs in single‑unit zones (§ 17.40.010(E)(1)(b)(iv)).
  • Design perimeter walls/fences to meet height and screening rules, including ≥ 7 ft masonry where commercial/office/MU abuts residential (§ 17.24.020; § 17.12.060(B)).
  • Provide parking consistent with Chapter 17.28; use industrial fallback ratios if the use isn’t listed (§ 17.14.070).
  • If seeking streamlined approval for multi‑unit or mixed‑use, meet Kerman’s objective design standards (§ 17.46.020).
  • Coordinate any sign package with the sign regulations (§ 17.12.050; § 17.14.050).
  • If a rezone is needed, process an amendment; note the 30‑working‑day mapping update after approval (§ 17.06.030(C); § 17.112.070).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Allowed uses by zone Tables detail what’s permitted or conditional Check the applicable land use table (§ 17.10.020; § 17.12.020; § 17.14.020).
Exact setbacks/lot coverage by zone Parcel design hinges on dimensional standards Not found in source materials; verify in zone development standards and Kerman Development Standards.
Combining zone vs. base zone conflicts Overlays can change rules Director decides applicable regulation(s) (§ 17.06.020(C); § 17.04.020(A)).
Zoning boundary lines Small mapping shifts affect compliance Use the official map; for uncertainties, see boundary rules (§ 17.06.030; § 17.04.020(D) referencing § 17.06.040(B)).
MU screening wall exceptions Whether a wall is required at mixed-residential edges MU-to-MU residential abutments are exempt; others require a wall (§ 17.12.060(B)).
Industrial parking for unique uses Ratios not listed can stall permits Apply the fallback ratios for unlisted industrial uses (§ 17.14.070(B)).
Public agency sites Different applicability Title 17 applies to public property unless preempted (§ 17.02.030).

Information Gaps

  • Full text of residential, commercial, and industrial land use tables and detailed dimensional standards by zone (setbacks, heights, coverage) — Not found in source materials.
  • Purpose statements for each zone beyond names and GP correspondence — Not found in source materials.
  • Specific standards for the O and UR zones — Not found in source materials.

Plain-English Summary

Kerman assigns every property to a zone on the official zoning map and enforces the density (homes per acre) or size (FAR) that zone allows. Neighborhoods like R-1-7 have single-family lots (minimum 7,000 sq ft), while R-3 allows apartments up to 24 units/acre but must step down to one story near R‑1 areas. Commercial and industrial areas are capped by FAR and must screen with 7‑ft masonry walls next to homes, and ADUs are broadly allowed with at least 4‑ft side/rear setbacks in single‑unit zones.

Source References

  • § 17.02.030 Applicability of the zoning code to public/government properties
  • § 17.04.020 Rules of interpretation; Director authority; boundary and use references
  • § 17.06.020 Establishment of zones; combining zones; Table 17.06‑1 Zone Classifications (densities/FAR)
  • § 17.06.030 Zoning map adoption, contents, and amendments
  • § 17.10.020 Residential zones land use regulations (Table 17.10‑1 reference)
  • § 17.10.030 Residential development standards (curved-lot front setback; R‑3 height adjacency; minor deviation note)
  • § 17.10.040; § 17.12.040; § 17.14.040 Accessory structures reference to Chapter 17.22
  • § 17.12.020; § 17.12.030 Commercial/office/mixed-use land use and development standards (chapter structure)
  • § 17.12.050; § 17.14.050 Signs subject to Chapter 17.30
  • § 17.12.060 Fences/walls in commercial/office/mixed-use; 7‑ft masonry wall next to residential
  • § 17.14.070 Parking standards references and industrial fallback ratios
  • § 17.20.010 General site planning and development standards—purpose
  • § 17.24.020 Fence and wall heights
  • § 17.40.010 Accessory Dwelling Units (where allowed; setbacks; quantities)
  • § 17.46.020 Objective Design Standards applicability (multi‑unit/mixed‑use with streamlining)
  • § 17.96.090 Development standards designation under development plan review
  • § 17.112.070 Mapping after rezone
  • § 17.120.260 Definitions: “Zero lot line,” “zone,” “zoning map”

Sources

Source passages

  • Kerman Zoning Code (§ 17.04.020) Medium relevance
  • Kerman Zoning Code (§ 17.06.030) Medium relevance
  • Kerman Zoning Code (§ 17.120.260) Medium relevance
  • Kerman Zoning Code (§ 17.20.010) Medium relevance
  • Kerman Zoning Code (§ 17.40.010) Medium relevance
  • Kerman Zoning Code (§ 17.06.020) Medium relevance
  • Kerman Zoning Code (§ 17.14.050) Medium relevance
  • Kerman Zoning Code (§ 17.12.050) Medium relevance
  • Kerman Zoning Code (§ 17.14.070) Medium relevance
  • Kerman Zoning Code (§ 17.96.090) Medium relevance
  • Kerman Zoning Code (§ 17.24.020) Medium relevance
  • Kerman Zoning Code (§ 17.46.020) Medium relevance
  • Kerman Zoning Code (§ 17.112.070) Medium relevance
  • Kerman Zoning Code (§ 17.10.020) Medium relevance
  • Kerman Zoning Code (§ 17.10.030) Medium relevance
  • Kerman Zoning Code (§ 17.12.040) Medium relevance

Cited sections

  • § 17.02.030 Applicability of the zoning code to public/government properties (§ 17.02.030)
  • § 17.04.020 Rules of interpretation; Director authority; boundary and use references (§ 17.04.020)
  • § 17.06.020 Establishment of zones; combining zones; Table 17.06‑1 Zone Classifications (densities/FAR) (§ 17.06.020)
  • § 17.06.030 Zoning map adoption, contents, and amendments (§ 17.06.030)
  • § 17.10.020 Residential zones land use regulations (Table 17.10‑1 reference) (§ 17.10.020)
  • § 17.10.030 Residential development standards (curved-lot front setback; R‑3 height adjacency; minor deviation note) (§ 17.10.030)
  • § 17.10.040; § 17.12.040; § 17.14.040 Accessory structures reference to Chapter 17.22 (§ 17.10.040)
  • § 17.12.020; § 17.12.030 Commercial/office/mixed-use land use and development standards (chapter structure) (§ 17.12.020)
  • § 17.12.050; § 17.14.050 Signs subject to Chapter 17.30 (§ 17.12.050)
  • § 17.12.060 Fences/walls in commercial/office/mixed-use; 7‑ft masonry wall next to residential (§ 17.12.060)
  • § 17.14.070 Parking standards references and industrial fallback ratios (§ 17.14.070)
  • § 17.20.010 General site planning and development standards—purpose (§ 17.20.010)
  • § 17.24.020 Fence and wall heights (§ 17.24.020)
  • § 17.40.010 Accessory Dwelling Units (where allowed; setbacks; quantities) (§ 17.40.010)
  • § 17.46.020 Objective Design Standards applicability (multi‑unit/mixed‑use with streamlining) (§ 17.46.020)
  • § 17.96.090 Development standards designation under development plan review (§ 17.96.090)
  • § 17.112.070 Mapping after rezone (§ 17.112.070)
  • § 17.120.260 Definitions: “Zero lot line,” “zone,” “zoning map” (§ 17.120.260)

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R-1-7 lot in Kerman?

R‑1‑7 is a single‑family zone with a minimum lot size of 7,000 sq ft. Single‑unit residential uses are allowed per the residential land use table, and density generally tops out at 9 du/ac (up to 12 du/ac where mapped MDR) (Table 17.06‑1; § 17.10.020). Detached ADUs are allowed with at least 4‑ft side and rear setbacks (§ 17.40.010(E)(1)(b)(iv)).

How dense can an R-3 multifamily project be?

R‑3 allows multifamily from a minimum of 20 du/ac up to a maximum of 24 du/ac (Table 17.06‑1). Where R‑3 is within 75 feet of R‑1‑7 or R‑1‑12, buildings are limited to a single story within that band (§ 17.10.030(5)).

Do I need a masonry wall between my commercial site and houses?

Yes. In CN, CG, CS, and PA (and MU in some cases), a solid masonry wall at least 7 feet high is required along the property line where the district abuts a residential district (§ 17.12.060(B)). If an MU project abuts residential uses that are also within MU, the wall is not required (§ 17.12.060(B)).

What are the fence height limits in Kerman?

In front setbacks, fences/walls/hedges are limited to 42 inches. In required side and rear setbacks, up to 7 feet is allowed; some zones may allow up to 8 feet in commercial/industrial with a conditional use permit (§ 17.24.020). Grade differences have limited allowances; verify details (§ 17.24.020(B)).

Where are ADUs allowed and what setbacks apply?

ADUs and JADUs are allowed on parcels zoned for residential where a primary dwelling exists (§ 17.40.010(C)). In single‑unit zones, one detached ADU is allowed (often with one JADU) and must observe side and rear setbacks of at least 4 feet; height is limited to one story for the detached ADU (§ 17.40.010(E)(1)(b)).

How is parking determined for industrial uses not listed in the code?

If an industrial/manufacturing use isn’t listed in the parking chapter, provide at least one space per permanent employee on the maximum shift, one per truck, and one per permanent salesperson (§ 17.14.070(B)). Otherwise, follow Chapter 17.28 for parking standards (§ 17.14.070(A)).

What happens after a rezone is approved?

Amendments to zone boundaries are by ordinance (§ 17.06.030(C)). Within 30 working days after approval, the Director must update the official zoning map to show the change (§ 17.112.070).

Who decides when zoning rules conflict or are unclear?

The Community Development Director interprets the zoning code; interpretations can be appealed to the Planning Commission and then the City Council (§ 17.04.020(A)). For conflicts between base and combining zone regulations, the Director determines which regulation applies (§ 17.06.020(C)).

Are there special front setbacks on cul-de-sacs?

Yes. In the R‑1‑7 zone, cul‑de‑sac or qualified curved‑street parcels may have a reduced front yard setback of 15 feet (§ 17.10.030(4)). Verify your parcel meets the curve criteria.

Do multi-unit or mixed-use projects have special design rules?

If you seek ministerial streamlined approval under state law, Kerman’s objective design standards for multi‑unit and mixed‑use projects apply (§ 17.46.020). Projects not using that path are subject to the discretionary processes and development standards elsewhere in Title 17 (§ 17.46.020(B)).

General information, not legal advice.

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