Base zones state two purposes:
1. State what uses are allowed on property
2. State required development standards that apply (such as maximum height and required setbacks)
There are five categories of base zones: single dwelling residential zones, multi-dwelling residential zones, commercial / mixed use zones, employment and industrial zones, and campus institutional zones. Base zones are shown as a combination of capital letters and numbers on a zoning map.
How the property is used
A “use” is essentially how the property is used. Some uses are allowed by right, other uses are limited or require a conditional use review. Finally, some uses are prohibited and are not allowed in the zone at all.
To determine in what zones a specific use may be located, you must first determine what land use category it is in. Use Chapter 33.920, Descriptions of the Use Categories, to classify the specific use. For example, a clothing store is classified as a retail sales and service use and a dry cleaning shop is classified as an industrial services use. Once you have determined the appropriate use category, review the primary use tables in the Use Categories handout or in the below base zone links to see the status of that category to determine whether the use is allowed, limited, conditional or prohibited.
If the proposed use is allowed by the base zone, you will also need to find out if the site is subject to additional uses from an Overlay Zone, Plan District, or Additional Use and Development Regulations.
Development standards
Development standards are set by the zone. Standards regulate the size, bulk and location of development on a site. Development standards can include maximum allowed height, setbacks and allowed density.
You may review the summary handouts and applicable zoning code chapter for the zone to review the allowed uses and development standards:
To find the zoning on your property, view Find My Zoning.
- Single Dwelling Zones (RF, R20, R10, R7, R5, R2.5)
- Generally developed with detached single family residences and some attached single family residences and duplexes
- View Chapter 33.110 and the summary of Development Standards in Single Dwelling Zones:
- Multi-Dwelling Zones- (RM1, RM2, RM3, RM4, RX, RMP)
- Generally developed with apartments
- View Chapter 33.120 and the summary of the Development Standards in the Multi-Dwelling Zones:
- Commercial / Mixed Use Zones - (CR, CM1, CM2, CM3, CE, and CX)
- Generally developed with commercial uses. Some of the zones encourage commercial areas that serve the surrounding neighborhoods, while other zones serve a larger, often regional, market.
- View Chapter 33.130 and the summary of the Development Standards in the Commercial Zones:
- Employment and Industrial Zones - (EG1, EG2, EX, IG1, IG2, and IH)
- Generally for areas of the City that are reserved for industrial uses and for areas that have a mix of uses with a strong industrial orientation
- View Chapter 33.140 and the summary of the Development Standards in the Employment and Industrial Zones:
- Campus Institutional Zones - (IR, CI1, CI2)
- Generally for areas of the City that are developed with institutions such as medical centers, and colleges that have developed as campuses
- View Chapter 33.150 and the summary of the Development Standards in the Campus Institutional Zones:
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If you have questions after reviewing the information on this page, please schedule a free 15-minute appointment with a city planner.