What are the residential zoning codes in Alturas?

Alturas uses four primary residential codes: Rural Residential (RR), Low Density Residential (R1), Medium Density Residential (R2), and High Density Residential (R3).

How do I read a zoning code with a dash like 'R1-FC'?

The first part (R1) represents the Primary Zone, which is Low Density Residential. The second part (-FC) represents an Overlay Zone, in this case, the Flood Control overlay.

What happens if a property is divided by two different zones?

Land uses must be consistent with the specific zone applied to the portion of the lot where the use is proposed. Multiple uses are allowed if they meet the requirements of their respective zone sections.

Alturas, CA Zoning Codes and District Guide

The City of Alturas Zoning Ordinance (Chapter 28 of the City Code) establishes specific Primary and Overlay Zone Districts to regulate land use and structures within the incorporated area. These zones are designed to implement the City’s General Plan and protect public health, safety, and welfare [§ 28.10.010].

Primary Zone Districts

Primary Zone Districts are the fundamental classifications applied to every property within the City. Each zone is intended to create a unique environment that prioritizes a specific "Use Type," such as residential, commercial, or industrial [§ 28.20.020].

The following Primary Zone Districts are established by the City of Alturas [§ 28.12.010]:

Agricultural

Agriculture (AG)

Residential

Rural Residential (RR)
Low Density Residential (R1)
Medium Density Residential (R2)
High Density Residential (R3)

Commercial

Retail/Office Commercial (C1)
General Commercial (C2)

Industrial

Light Industrial/Manufacturing (M1)
Heavy Industrial/Manufacturing (M2)

Special Purpose

Open Space (OS)
Recreation (RC)

Overlay Zone Districts

Overlay Zones are applied in addition to Primary Zones to regulate specific uses, provide innovative design solutions, or protect against hazards like floods or airport-related risks [§ 28.12.020, § 28.23.010]. Unlike Primary Zones, not all properties have an Overlay Zone [§ 28.12.020].

The established Overlay Zone Districts are [§ 28.12.020]:

Airport Safety (-AS)
Flood Control (-FC)
Downtown Historic District (-DH)
Mobile Home Park (-MHP)

Overlay Notation

When a property is subject to an Overlay Zone, it is noted on the official Zone Map with a dash following the Primary Zone. A single property may have multiple Overlay Zones applied [§ 28.12.020].

Example: "R1-FC-AS" indicates a Low Density Residential property also subject to Flood Control and Airport Safety regulations.

Rules of Application and Interpretation

Zoning Maps and Boundaries

The location of these zones is defined by the official "City of Alturas Zone Maps" [§ 28.12.030]. If a zone boundary is uncertain, the following rules apply [§ 28.10.030]:

Lot Lines/Streets: If a boundary follows a lot line or road, the centerline of that road or the lot line itself is the boundary.
Geographic Features: Boundaries following streams, rivers, or ridge lines are construed to follow those features.
Divided Lots: If a zone boundary divides a single lot, the specific land use must be consistent with the zone of the portion of the lot where the use is located. Multiple uses are allowed if they comply with the requirements of their respective zones.

Use Type Priority

While a variety of Land Uses may be allowed in any given zone, the City gives priority to the "Use Type" intended for that Primary Zone (e.g., agricultural, residential, etc.) when approving discretionary permits or new land uses [§ 28.20.020].

Relationship to General Plan

All Primary and Overlay Zones are required to be compatible with the City’s General Plan land use designations. Compatibility is determined by the General Plan Compatibility Matrix found in Section 28.12.040 of the City Code [§ 28.12.010, § 28.12.040].

Alturas, CA Zoning District Classifications