Martinez · Land use · Church or place of worship
Where is a church or other place of worship allowed in Martinez?
In Martinez, a church or other place of worship is allowed in 4 base zones (PA, NC, CC and SC), needs a conditional use permit (chapter 22.40) in 1 (DS) and not allowed in 4 (Martinez use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: PA, NC, CC and SC
- Needs a permit: DS
- Not allowed: AV/R-20, AV/R-40, AV/A-5 and C
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Martinez Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a church or other place of worship can go
Martinez's code calls this use “Religious institutions”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| PA Professional and Administrative Office | Allowed | § 22.14.030 |
| NC Neighborhood Commercial | Allowed | § 22.16.040 |
| CC Central Commercial | Allowed | § 22.16.050 |
| SC Service Commercial | Allowed | § 22.16.070 |
| DS Downtown Shoreline | Needs a conditional use permit (chapter 22.40) | § 22.23.030 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Residential (R-1.5, R-2.5, R-3.5, RR): P in 22.12.080.N and CUP in 22.12.090.B, contradictory; both in the packet (S3, S4).
- State law: Federal law (RLUIPA) bars zoning rules that treat religious assembly worse than other assembly uses.
- Not covered here: Individual codes of the RR and Agricultural districts and other R districts (R-20, R-40 ... implied by the ECD table) are not named in the packet; Chapter 22.04 (definitions), 22.34.230 (homeless shelters), 22.43 (ADUs), 22.58 (small animals) are not in the packet; ECD districts: only chapter-wide lists; not used. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Martinez
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a church or other place of worship in the DS zone in Martinez?
Only with a conditional use permit (chapter 22.40). Martinez's use table lists it that way in DS (Downtown Shoreline) (§ 22.23.030).
Can I have a church or other place of worship in the AV/R-20 zone in Martinez?
No. Martinez's use table does not allow it in AV/R-20 (Alhambra Valley R-20) (§ 22.29.040).
Can I have a church or other place of worship in the PA zone in Martinez?
Yes. Martinez's use table lists it as allowed in PA (Professional and Administrative Office) (§ 22.14.030).
General information, not legal advice.
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