Planning FAQ’s
How can I find the zoning of my property?
Please find the City’s General Plan Land Use Designation Map HERE.
What does the number mean for the zoning district?
The numbers at the of the residential Land Use District names generally refers to the minimum lot sizes. For example, -72C refers to 7,200 square feet, -10M refers to 10,000 square feet, -1 refers to 1 acre, etc. Please note that for RM-72C and RM-10M, this lot size does not refer to the permitted density for multiple-family projects, which is instead 8.7 du/ac. The exception to this rule is the City’s RM-24, which instead refers to the permitted density of 24 du/ac.
How can I find my property lines?
The City’s zoning map can show the general area of the property lines, and through that map, you can also access the County’s parcel map page for the area, but these are not to be relied on for a precise location. To help confirm the exact locations of a property line would require hiring a surveyor to officially delineate the boundary.
Can I build an Accessory Dwelling Unit or “Granny Flat” on my property?
ADUs are permitted on residentially-zoned properties that have a house on them, and provide an incremental way of adding affordable housing to the community and rental income opportunities for property owners. General information on ADUs are available from the City’s ADU flyer.
Can I build a workshop or metal garage on my residential property?
Detached accessory structures may be permitted on your property. However, structures over 1,200 square feet in size, 20 feet tall, or of an unconventional design, including metal workshops, are subject to approval of a Special Use Permit for Architecture Review by the Planning Commission. As part of the approval, the Planning Commission must make certain findings, including that the appearance is compatible and subordinate to the residence. The application is available HERE.
Does the City allow the growing or selling of marijuana?
Commercial marijuana activity is currently prohibited in the City of Yucaipa. However, pursuant with state law, the cultivation of no more than six marijuana plants is allowed inside a private residence, or inside a “fully enclosed and secure accessory structure” located upon the grounds of a private residence.
What size fence can I build on my residential property?
Section 87.0510 of the Yucaipa Development Code provides the fence height requirements for the City. In residential districts, the maximum height permitted in the front yard setback area is 4 feet tall, and outside of that setback, fences are permitted to go up to 6 feet tall. However, in the RL Land Use District, a 5-foot open fence may also be permitted in the front yard setback. Fences that are taller may only be granted subject to approval of a Variance. Please note that fences are not permitted in the public right-of-way.
Can I run a business out of my home?
This will depend on the type of business activity that is conducted. If a room of the residence is used strictly as an office, where no products are stored onsite and there are no customers that visit, the home-based office can be permitted with just a business license. Activities that involve the storing or creation of products, or where customers will visit may be approved through a Home Occupation Permit. More intensive uses that are out of the character for a neighborhood, including automotive repair, is prohibited. The application is available HERE.
How many animals can I have on my property?
Please refer to Development Code Section 84.0560 – Accessory Animal Raising for Primary Single Dwelling Unit – HERE.
Can I have horses on my property?
The minimum lot size required to have horses on a single-residential property is 20,000 square feet. Thereafter, 1 horse / 10,000 square feet is permitted, with up to a maximum of 9 per lot.
How many dogs can I have on my property?
- < 7,200 square feet: 2 per lot or unit
- 7,200 square feet: 3 per lot
- 10,000 square feet: 4 per lot
- 20,000 square feet or more: 5 per lot
* Please note: Five (5) or more require a Special Use Permit (SUP) and a Public Health permit.
When are Planning Commission Meetings held?
Planning Commission Meetings are on the first and third Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. as needed.
How can I access the Planning Commission Meetings Agendas / Packets?
Agendas and Agenda Packets for Planning Commission Meetings can be found HERE and are posted to the City’s website the Thursday prior to the scheduled meeting.
How long are Planning Commission terms?
Each commission member’s term (at large and individual Councilmember appointments) shall run consistent with the general municipal election and shall be for two (2) years from January 1 to January 1.
Where can I find the Planning Applications?
Planning Applications can be found HERE.
Can the City recommend anyone to help with my project?
The City cannot recommend anyone for your project. However, we have compiled a list of local firms that provide planning and engineering services. You may reach out to them or use someone you have prior experience with to assist.
What should I include on the Site Plan required for my proposed Project?
Please reference the “Site Plan Checklist” included as a part of the pertinent application for all elements that are to be noted on the Site Plan. Additionally, an example Site Plan template is available below:
How long will it take to process my planning entitlement application?
The Planning Division is committed to providing an expeditious and timely review of all projects that are received. The review process is typically dependent on a few different factors: the complexity of the project, whether the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, if a public hearing is required for approval, and as always, when the application is deemed complete. The more complete and thorough the initial submittal usually will result in a faster process.
Are planners available to speak with me at the public counter?
Yes, the Planning counter is open to the public Monday – Thursday, during regular business hours between 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
