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1. How do I find the zoning of my property?

Zoning is the separation of a city into districts, or “zones,” that provide for the regulation of the intensity of development and allowable uses. If you know the location of your property, you may identify your zone by using the Zoning Map. You may also contact the Planning Division for zoning information at (714) 961-7130. 

2. Where is my property line?

Only a licensed Land Surveyor or Registered Civil Engineer licensed to practice surveying in the State of California can precisely locate property lines. If the property line must be precisely located, such as for construction of a property line wall, then the property owner must hire a licensed professional Land Surveyor or Registered Civil Engineer as indicated above to perform a lot survey. Note: The City does not provide this service. 

3. Can I subdivide my property?

Properties can be subdivided as long as all the subdivided properties comply with the development standards for the zone in which they are located. Any subdivision will require the approval of a tentative tract map or parcel map by the Planning Commission.

4. Where can I find information about building a new addition to my home?

Please refer to the Residential Development Standards for more detailed information related to development standards (e.g. setbacks, building height, lot coverage) and design guidelines. Development standards can also be found in the appropriate zoning district’s chapter of Title 18 of the City’s Municipal Code. Please contact the Planning Division at (714) 961-7130 to speak with a planner about the development standards for a particular property.

5. What are the development standards (i.e., setbacks, height limit, lot coverage, etc.) for my property?

Development standards are zone, and in some cases use and/or structure-type, specific.  Depending on the applicable zone, development standards are contained in Title 18 of the Yorba Linda Municipal Code and/or in the applicable Planned Community text. For assistance with determining applicable development standards, please contact the Planning Division at (714) 961-7130 to speak with a planner about the development standards for a particular property.  Development standards can also be found in the appropriate zoning district’s chapter of Title 18 of the City’s Municipal Code.

6. Can I add a second story on my home?

Any two-story building or two-story room addition closer than 70 feet to an existing single-family residence requires a conditional use permit be reviews and approved by the Planning Commission prior to the issuance of a building permit. Refer to Applications and Forms for additional information related to submitting a conditional use permit application.

7. How many dwelling units can I build on my property?

Properties in the R-A, RLD, R-E, R-S and R-U zones are limited to one dwelling unit per lot; however, Article IX of Chapter 18.20 of the Zoning Code allows for the establishment of one accessory dwelling unit on properties intended for single-family dwelling units under certain conditions. Please contact the Planning Division at (714) 961-7130 to speak with a planner if you have questions about accessory dwelling units. In multi-family zoning districts, the R-M zone allows for 10 dwelling units per acre, the R-M-20 zone allows for 20 dwelling units per acre, and the R-M-30 zone allows for 30 dwelling units per acre.

8. How many horses can I keep on my property?

Horses are permitted on properties in any R-A, RLD and R-E zone with a lot size of 15,000 square feet or larger. For properties in such zoning districts, or any R-S or R-U zone, with a lot size less than 15,000 square feet (but not less than 10,000 square feet) a conditional use permit is required for the keeping of horses.

The total number of horses permitted on a property is subject to the size of the lot as follows:

Minimum Lot Size	Maximum Number of Animal(s)
10,000 – 15,000 sq. ft.	1
15,001 – 17,000 sq. ft.	2
17,001 – 20,000 sq. ft.	3
20,001 – 25,000 sq. ft.	4
25,001 – 30,000 sq. ft.	5
30,001 – one acre	6 (Two (2) additional animals may be maintained for each acre of lot area above the first acre).

 

9. What are the City’s on-site parking requirements for residential uses?

Parking requirements for residential uses are listed in Chapter 18.22 of the City’s Zoning Code Yorba Linda. Please contact the Planning Division at (714) 961-7130 to speak with a planner about the parking requirements for a particular property.  

10. What are the sign regulations that pertain to my property?

There are multiple sign programs that have been approved throughout the City with unique sign regulations for those centers. Please contact the Planning Division at (714) 961-7130 to speak with a planner about the specific sign regulations for a particular property. 

11. I want to start a business in the City. What do I do?

Outlined below are three important questions to ask before opening a business in the City:

1. Is the type of business permitted at that specific location? Contact the City's Planning Division at (714) 961-7130 for assistance in determining.
   1. If yes, proceed to Step 2.
   2. If no, another location must be selected where the type of business is permitted.
2. Does the type of business require any special types of permits (i.e. Conditional Use Permit)?
   1. Contact the City's Planning Division for assistance in determining permit requirements.
      1. If yes, an entitlement application must be submitted and approved prior to starting your business. Contact the City's Planning Division for more information.
      2. If no, please proceed to Step 3.
3. Is any construction planned (i.e. tenant improvements, electrical, plumbing, etc.)?
   1. If yes, a building permit is required. Contact the City's Building Division at (714) 961-7120. 
   2. If no, a Business License must be obtained prior to opening your businesses.

12. What are the requirements for a home-based business?

Home occupations require a home occupation permit and are limited to the following criteria:

• There shall be only limited stock-in-trade associated with the home occupation, provided that keeping of such stock does not conflict with the other provisions of the Zoning Code, and provided such stock does not hinder the parking of vehicles in a garage. 
• A home occupation shall be conducted in a dwelling and shall be clearly incidental to the use of the structure as a dwelling.
• There shall be no external alteration of a dwelling in which a home occupation is conducted, and the existence of a home occupation shall not be apparent beyond the boundaries of the site, except for a nameplate in accord with the provisions of Chapter 18.24 of the Zoning Code.
• No one other than a resident of the dwelling shall be employed in the conduct of a home occupation.
• No motor or mechanical equipment shall be permitted other than normally incidental to the use of the structure as a dwelling.
• A home occupation shall not create any radio or television interference or create noise audible beyond the boundaries of the site.
• No smoke, odor, liquid or solid waste shall be emitted.
• No vehicles or trailers, including pick-up trucks and vans, or construction or other equipment, except those normally incidental to residential use, shall be kept on the site.
• A home occupation shall not create pedestrian, automobile, or truck traffic significantly in excess of the normal amount in the district.
  
  
  

13. How do I apply for entitlement permits?

All applications and requirements for entitlement permits can be located under Applications and Forms on the Planning Division page.

14. Who is the Planning Commission?

The Planning Commission is a five-member commission appointed by the City Council to review a wide range of site plan and subdivision map approvals to rezoning and annexation requests. In addition, the Planning Commission works to modify and update the City's General Plan and Zoning Code and recommends changes to the City Council. For more information about the Planning Commission, please refer to the Planning Commission Page.

15. How can I find out what is planned for a given property in the City?

Please contact the Planning Division at (714) 961-7130 to speak with a planner about any development planned or proposed for a particular property.  Major planning projects are updated on the City’s website and can be found on the Major Projects Page.

16. What are the public counter hours?

The public counter for the Planning Division is open Monday – Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and alternate Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.