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Zoning

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Zoning Division

The city is divided up into zoning districts that determine what land use activities and building types are allowed, or not allowed, in every part of the city. The Zoning Division regulates these zoning districts within the community.

Zoning Districts

Each area of the city is zoned for certain types of land use activities, building types, and site development rules. If you want to build a home or open a business, for example, you need to make sure these zoning laws are followed.

Find a Zoning District or Map

Use the About My Place to find a property’s zoning district. First, enter the address of the property in the top right corner of the webpage that you want to know about. At the bottom of the page, an information tab labelled “Quick Data” will show up. The first tab will list the zoning district.

Alternatively use the Property Browser which includes the zoning map and other related layers. 

Zoning Districts 

Each zoning district has different allowable uses, development standards, maximum height and density allowances, and other rules that help to preserve neighborhood character and implement the Comprehensive General Plan. The guides below serve as guides to assist homeowners, contractors, developers, and other customers on finding certain zoning rules that may apply to their projects. Uses listed in the table/s in the guides are either allowed by-right (Permitted), allowed subject to additional requirements and review (Administrative Review Use), or allowed through review and approval by the Land Use Commission and City Council (Special Use). if a use is not listed then is is not permitted at all. 

Please note that the adopted Zoning Ordinance should be referenced as the primary authority for the most current rules and regulations.   

R1-R3 Residential Districts

R4-R6 Residential Districts

B1-B3 Business Districts 

C1-C2 Commercial Districts 

D1-D4 Downtown Districts

I1-I3 Industrial Districts

MU-MUE-MXE Districts Manufacturing Districts 

U1-U3 University Districts  

Zoning Regulations 

Use the City Code to find the zoning regulations for a zoning district. The Zoning Ordinance is Title 6.

Permit Fee Schedule

Use the Permit Fee Schedule to view the fees associated with planning, zoning, building and development services.

Zoning Applications

If you want to know if a construction project is acceptable or propose changes to zoning rules in a zoning district, you must fill out an application depending on the type of change you want to make. The City will review your application and approve or deny it.

I want to . . . Then complete this application Other important things to know
Determine if a construction project is acceptable on a certain property   Zoning Analysis - Online
  Printable PDF
  • Example projects
    • New building construction
    • Addition to a home
    • Sheds and detached garages.
  • Inclusionary Housing Requirement
    • Submit with Zoning Analysis
  • Allow up to two weeks for staff  review.
Legally make a small change to my property that minimally goes against a zoning ordinance.  Minor Variation - PDF
  • Must apply for a Zoning Analysis first. 
  • Minor variations are specifically defined in the zoning code.
  • Generally for single and two-family home uses.
  • For requesting a minor exception
    to a zoning regulation.
  • Most common projects are additions and detached garages.
  • Allow up to 30 days for staff review.
Legally make a change to a property that greatly exceeds a zoning ordinance requirement. Major Variation - PDF
  • Must apply for a Zoning Analysis first. 
  • Disclosure Statement for Zoning Relief is required.
  • Commonly used for commercial properties and single and two-family homes where the requested zoning rule change exceeds the threshold for a minor variation.
  • Requires a public hearing through the Land Use Commission (LUC), and final approval
    by the LUC or City Council.
  • Allow up to 90 days to be fully processed but can take longer depending on recommendations.
Legally make a change to a fence that goes against the zoning requirement. Fence Variation - PDF
  •  Example of exceptions
    • Noise or safety
    • Create barrier to a commercial property
    • add to the front yard
    • add to the side street
    • provide more privacy for the
    • rear part of a corner lot
  • Allow up to 30 days for staff review.
Apply for a special use of a property that is specified as a possible land use option for a zoning district. Special Use - Online
Printable PDF
  • Must apply for a Zoning Analysis first. 
  • Requires a public hearing through the Land Use Commission, and final approval by the City Council.
  • Allow 60 to 90 days for the process.
Appeal a decision that has been made about my zoning request.

Zoning Appeal - Online
Printable PDF
  • Generally used to appeal a determination made by the Zoning Administrator concerning a minor or fence variation application, or zoning code interpretation.
  • Heard by the Land Use Commission (LUC).
  • Allow 30 to 60 days for the process.
To request the reclassification of the zoning district for a property.

Zoning Map Amendment 
 - Online
  • Reviewed by the Land Use Commission and final approval given by City Council.
  • Allow 60 to 90 days for the process.
To request the change in the text of an ordinance.

Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment 
- Online
  • Used to clarify certain provisions, correct contradictory clauses or to change the regulations to reflect evolving needs and concerns.
  • Allow 60 to 90 days for the process.
 Establish a Restaurant use Statement of Restaurant Use - Online
  • Most fast food, coffee shops, ice cream parlors, carry-out and delivery establishments qualify as Type 2 Restaurants.
  • Type 2 Restaurants are typically considered an administrative review use in most zones.
  • Allow up to 30 days for Type 2 Restaurant approval.
Establish a planned development Planned Development Application - PDF
  • Generally required for larger new buildings or site development.
  • A Zoning Analysis and a presentation to staff must be completed first before you submit the application.
  • Reviewed by the Land Use Commission who makes a recommendation to the City Council.
  • Allow at least six months for the entire process, but generally it takes longer depending on the project.
Establish a business at home Home Occupation Permit Application
  • Used to establish home occupations that are compatible with residential areas.
  • Once established, it is valid for five years.
  • Allow up to two weeks for staff review.