Sacramento Land Buyers
Sacramento County Zoning Guide for Landowners
Understanding how your land is zoned is one of the most important steps in evaluating what you can do with it — and what it may be worth.
What Is Zoning?
Zoning is the system by which local governments regulate how land can be used and developed. Sacramento County's zoning ordinance divides land into zones — each with its own permitted uses, density allowances, setback requirements, and development standards.
This guide provides a general overview of Sacramento County zoning categories for landowners. It is intended as educational information only. Zoning regulations change over time, and this guide may not reflect the most current standards. For definitive information about your specific parcel, consult the Sacramento County Planning and Environmental Review Department or review the current Sacramento County Zoning Code.
Important: Zoning regulations change over time. This guide may not reflect the most current standards. For definitive information about your specific parcel, consult the Sacramento County Planning and Environmental Review Department or review the current Sacramento County Zoning Code.
Sacramento County Zoning Categories
Residential Zones
Sacramento County has multiple residential zoning designations ranging from low-density single-family to higher-density multi-family. Common residential zone prefixes include RD (Residential Development) with a density suffix indicating the number of units per acre. Lower density zones allow fewer homes per acre; higher density zones allow more. Minimum lot sizes, setbacks, and height limits vary by zone.
Agricultural-Residential Zones
Agricultural-residential zones allow both agricultural uses and limited residential development. These zones are common in the rural and semi-rural areas of Sacramento County. Minimum parcel sizes are typically larger than standard residential zones, and agricultural uses such as farming, livestock, and orchards are generally permitted.
Agricultural Zones
Agricultural zones are intended to preserve farmland and support agricultural operations. Residential development is typically limited to one dwelling per parcel or per a specified acreage minimum. Commercial and industrial uses are generally not permitted. Many agricultural parcels in Sacramento County are also enrolled in the Williamson Act, which provides property tax benefits in exchange for a commitment to agricultural use.
Commercial Zones
Commercial zones allow retail, office, service, and other commercial uses. Sacramento County has several commercial zone designations ranging from neighborhood commercial (smaller-scale retail serving nearby residents) to general commercial (larger retail and service uses) to highway commercial (auto-oriented uses along major roads). Development standards vary by zone.
Industrial Zones
Industrial zones allow manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and other industrial uses. Sacramento County has light industrial and heavy industrial designations, with different permitted uses and development standards. Industrial zones are typically located near transportation corridors, freeways, and rail lines.
Mixed-Use Zones
Mixed-use zones allow a combination of residential and commercial uses, often in the same building or on the same parcel. These zones are typically found in areas targeted for transit-oriented development or urban infill.
Special Planning Areas
Some areas of Sacramento County are subject to Special Planning Areas (SPAs) or Community Plan areas that have their own land use regulations overlaid on the base zoning. If your parcel is in a Special Planning Area, the SPA regulations may be more specific than the base zoning.
Want to Know What Your Land Is Worth?
Zoning is one of the most important factors in land valuation. Send Sacramento Land Buyers your APN and we'll research the parcel — including zoning, access, utilities, and comparable sales.
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