How can I determine the zoning of a property and whether the property is within the City limits?

Review the City’s Zoning Map on our website or call the Community Development Department’s at 760-337-4545 for assistance.

Can I build a second dwelling unit on my lot?

Pursuant to Government Code 65852.2, in order to provide more affordable housing choices, accessory dwellings (ADU) are permitted in all residential zoned properties.

What type of businesses can I open at my home?

The City permits certain types of home occupations which are listed under Section 29-162(3) home Occupations section of the Zoning Ordinance. Regulations for home occupations are set forth to protect neighborhood character and prevent the “commercialization” of residential areas. Therefore, businesses that involve the exchange of goods and products, additional employees outside of family members or relegate the residential use of a home as secondary are prohibited. Home occupations shall comply with other City building and safety, fire regulations, and business licensing requirements.

How high can I build my front yard fence?

Fencing is allowed on front yards, but because they or other barriers can restrict visibility of street traffic from intersections, driveways or alleys the height is restricted to 3 feet for solid fences or 4 feet for open fences. Review Section 29-144 of the Property Development Standards for more detail and contact the Building Department for information on the need for a building permit.

When do I need to arrange a pre-application meeting?

A pre-application meeting should be requested to gain a better understanding of city development standards and land use regulations. Developers of planned unit developments are required to meet with the Planning and Zoning Department.

Do I have to landscape my property?

Yes, front yards, exterior side yards, and large parking lots on all properties require proper landscaping. Please review Section 29-142 Required Landscaping of the Property Development Standards for specific requirements.

How do I prepare a site plan?

Site plans are accurate and to scale graphical representations of a proposed structure with dimensions. At minimum the site plan indicates building setbacks, building footprint, property line, and north arrow and city right-of-ways with distances identified. A sample site plan is provided by the Building and Safety Division.

What can I build on my property?

Review Article II Zones of the City Zoning Ordinance to see development standards, permitted uses, and what permits or approvals are needed.

When do I need a Conditional Use Permit?

Conditional Use Permits are to alleviate the potential impacts brought by certain land uses on neighboring properties. Please review Division 6 Conditional Use Permits of Article II Procedures of the Zoning Ordinance for more information.

How much parking do I need?

Parking requirements are based on type and intensity of land use. Please review Section 29-128 Required Parking Spaces of the Property Development Standards for requirements.
What projects is the Planning and Zoning Division currently processing for entitlement?
For a list of current projects and applicant information check the Planning & Zoning Monthly Project Report.

What is the Planning Commission?

The Planning Commission meets to review and take action on certain planning applications and also makes recommendation to the City Council on matter pertaining to the City’s General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. The Planning Commission consists of seven members serving a four year term, which are appointed by the Mayor in November.

What are the requirements to build a carport?

Homeowners who desire to build a carport within the front or side yard setbacks will need to apply for an administrative review with the Planning & Zoning Department. In addition, the carport must be built within the required setbacks of 10 feet for front yards, 3 feet for side yards, and must not exceed 50% of the required area for the yard. Review Section 29-114 Exceptions to Setback Regulations of the Zoning Ordinance.

What is a violation?

Code Enforcement administers an enforcement program that investigates and corrects violations of the City’s Municipal Codes that govern the use and maintenance of private, residential property and commercial property. Code Enforcement also investigates and conducts inspections involving vehicle abatement, blight and nuisance, weed abatement, unsafe, illegal or unlicensed construction or conversions, and illegal dumping.

Here are examples of some of the code violations that we investigate:

Parking in yards

Vehicles may not be parked on the lawn or dirt. Vehicles can be parked in your driveway if they are licensed and operational.

Weeds and overgrown vegetation

Dead, decayed or diseased weeds, shrubs or brush…overgrown vegetation likely to harbor rats, mice or other vermin.

Lot abatement

Vacant lots are to be free of trash, debris and dry vegetation.

Trash and Debris

Lumber, reuse, abandoned, discarded or unused objects or equipment such as furniture and appliances, cannot be visible from the public right-of-way nor be stored as to constitute a health or safety hazard.

What is not a violation?

Code Enforcement does not handle neighbor disputes or civil problems involving one individual against another that do not violate public law. Examples of civil issues are: fencing repair disputes; overhanging tree branches (when one neighbor’s trees or plants drop leaves, debris or cause damage to another’s property); enforcement of private conditions, covenants and restrictions.

Enforcement Options:

If a code violations occurs, the following are options Code Enforcement Officer may use to ensure compliance: Notice of violations, correction notices, inspection notices and order, summary abatement, citations, inspection and abatement warrants, and warnings.

Twelve Ways to Improve Your Neighborhood Right Now.

1. Report crime promptly
2. Report nuisances and other non-criminal problems promptly
3. Take away the opportunity for crime.
4. Meet the youth who live on your block and know them by name.
5. Make a list of the names and phone numbers of every neighbor on your block.
6. Make a list of landlords in your areas as well.
7. Turn your porch light on.8. Walk around the block.
8. Drive slowly on neighborhood streets.
9. Pick up the litter near your home, even if you didn’t put it there.
10. Help your neighborhood association or similar groups.