Residential Zoning Districts in Colusa, CA
Colusa classifies residential areas into four primary districts: R-1 (Single-Family), R-2 (Two-Family/Duplex), R-3 (Neighborhood Apartment/up to 4 units), and R-4 (General Apartment/Multifamily). Mixed-use districts like M-U-R and M-U-B allow residential densities ranging from 3 to 20 units per acre. Unclassified or newly annexed land defaults to the R-1 Single-Family Residence District.
The City of Colusa establishes several residential and mixed-use districts to manage housing density, encourage diverse housing types, and implement the city's General Plan. These districts range from low-density single-family neighborhoods to high-density multifamily and mixed-use environments.
Primary Residential Districts
Colusa identifies four primary residential classifications based on the intensity and type of housing permitted.
R-1: Single-Family Residence District
The R-1 district is intended for areas subdivided and used, or designated for, single-family residential development [§ Sec. 5.01]. This is the most restrictive residential category. By default, any land not specifically included within another district boundary on the Zoning Map, or any land newly annexed to the city, is classified as R-1 [§ Sec. 3.02].
R-2: Two-Family Residence District
The R-2 district is intended for areas where two-family dwellings (duplexes) are the dominant use [§ Sec. 6.01].
- Permitted Uses: Includes all uses permitted in R-1 districts and duplex dwellings [§ Sec. 6.02].
- Conditional Uses: Uses requiring a major use permit in R-1 also require one in R-2 [§ Sec. 6.03].
R-3: Neighborhood Apartment District
The R-3 district is applied to areas where a mix of homes and small apartment buildings is desirable [§ Sec. 7.01].
- Permitted Uses: Includes all uses permitted in R-1 and R-2 districts, as well as multifamily dwellings containing no more than four units, such as triplexes and quadraplexes [§ Sec. 7.02].
- Conditional Uses: Uses requiring a major use permit in R-1 also require one in R-3 [§ Sec. 7.03].
R-4: General Apartment District
The R-4 district is intended for areas where larger multifamily dwellings are considered the logical and desirable use for the land [§ Sec. 8.01].
Mixed-Use Residential Districts
Colusa utilizes mixed-use districts to integrate residential living with commercial and professional services.
M-U-R: Residential Mixed-Use District
The M-U-R district focuses on low- to medium-density residential uses integrated with retail and professional services [§ Sec. 47.01].
- Residential Density: 3 to 12 dwelling units per acre.
- Purpose: To promote neighborhood conveniences and encourage retail/service establishments that complement local residents.
M-U-B: Bridge Street Mixed-Use District
The M-U-B district is designed for transit-oriented development along the Bridge Street corridor [§ Sec. 44.01].
- Residential Density: Medium- to high-density residential uses ranging from 8 to 20 dwelling units per acre.
- Purpose: To provide a mix of retail, professional, and lodging opportunities for both residents and visitors while maintaining attractive architectural design.
Combining Districts
Combining districts apply additional regulations or permissions to the underlying base zone.
High Density Housing (HD) Combining District
The "HD" district is used to create housing diversity and meet the needs of all income levels by providing higher-density options [§ Sec. 42.01].
- Permitted Uses: Multifamily housing, small residential care facilities, small supportive/transitional housing, emergency shelters, single room occupancy (SRO) units, and farmworker housing [§ Sec. 42.02].
- Major Use Permit Required: One-family dwellings, duplexes, large residential care facilities, and public buildings (like schools or libraries) require a major use permit when located within an HD combining district [§ Sec. 42.03].
"CD" Special Civic District Combining District
This district is located around the civic center, public parks, and public grounds. In any zone where "CD" is combined, the Planning Commission must review and approve all building plans to ensure orderly development near public sites [§ Sec. 21.01].
General Provisions
- Fire Zones: All areas designated as R-1 and R-2 are classified as Fire Zone Three [§ Sec. 28.03].
- Boundary Interpretation: District boundaries typically follow street lines, alley lines, or lot lines. If uncertainty exists, the planning director is authorized to determine the exact location of the boundary [§ Sec. 3.02].