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Zone Change
Examples of Zones
- Heavy industrial
- Light industrial
- Commercial
- Residential
- Open space
- Recreational
- Agricultural
Sometimes zones can have subsets. For example, in residential zones, it is possible to locate more housing units in an “R-3” zone than in an “R-1” zone.
About Zoning
The City of Sacramento has a Zoning Map that divides all of the land within the City into different areas or "zones." Zoning regulates what uses can go where and the development standards to which new development must be built. Development standards refer to the height, lot coverage, parking standards, wall, tree shading or landscaping requirements or setback requirements that apply within a particular zone. For example, in the R-1 (Standard Single Family) zone, one primary residential unit may be built. The R-1 zone specifies particular setbacks for that home, a maximum height, and maximum lot coverage. If a proposed project is of a different use or standard than is normally allowed within a particular zone, the applicant may need to request a variance or a special permit. Otherwise, the property may require a zone change.
The purpose of establishing zoning designations within a community is to ensure that neighboring land uses be compatible with one another. Residential uses, for example, generally are not compatible with industrial uses.
What is a Zone Change?
The City Zoning Code may be amended to reclassify property from any zoning district to any other zoning district provided that any such amendment is consistent with the City of Sacramento General Plan. Zone change applications (also known as “rezones”) require action by the Planning Commission and the City Council. The Planning Commission makes a report of its findings and recommendations with respect to the proposed amendment, and files it with the City Council. Upon receipt of the Planning Commission’s report, the City Council sets the matter for public hearing. The decision of the City Council is the final action on such applications.
To Learn More
- More about zoning within Sacramento.
- California Planning Guide: An Introduction to Planning in California available at www.opr.ca.gov/planning/publications/California_Planning_Guide_2005.pdf
- The Planning Commissioner’s Handbook, League of California Cities, 2005, chapter 4 (www.ca-ilg.org/sites/ilgbackup.org/files/resources/PCH_sec4.pdf).
- Solano Press (www.solano.com) has a number of helpful planning publications available for purchase.
