Zoning
The City Zoning Ordinance promotes the public health, safety and general welfare and implements the policies of the General Plan. The zoning code establishes building standards and land uses that are compatible with each other and segregates land uses that are incompatible.
The following briefly describes the various zoning procedures you may find or interest.

Zoning Map

Administrative Variance
Allows for minor adjustments, which are indicated in the City of Duarte Zoning Ordinance. These include adjustments to the required yard setbacks, lot floor area, and fence height. An Administrative Variance may not be granted to authorize an adjustment not permitted by the Zoning Ordinance

Conditional Use Permit (CUP)
A permit issued to an applicant by the Planning Commission allowing a particular use or activity not allowed as a matter of right within a zoning district. The purpose of the Conditional Use Permit is to single out for special treatment those types or aspects of development which may not be totally compatible with development permitted as a matter of right by the City of Duarte Zoning Ordinance. 

Landscape Documentation Package
The intent of the water efficient landscape review is to promote the value and benefits of landscapes while recognizing the need to invest water and other resources as efficiently as possible. A landscape documentation package is required for all developer installed new and rehabilitated landscaping for projects that require a building, grading, or use permit. 

Lot Line Adjustment / Certificate of Compliance
Allows for the adjusting of lot lines between two or more parcels. A licensed Land Surveyor is required to prepare the lot line adjustment legal description and closure calculations. A Record of Survey may be required and existing Deeds of Trust or similar documents will require modification to reflect the entire area of the adjusted parcel. 

Unclassified Use Permit
Designed to give the Planning Commission an opportunity to study specific requests for certain uses which are not listed as a permitted use in the zoning ordinance. Recognizing that in the development of a comprehensive zoning ordinance not all uses of land can be listed, nor can all future uses be anticipated. The Planning Commission may permit a use, which is similar and not detrimental as permitted in the zone for which the request is being made. 

Variance
A permit for deviation from the provisions established in the zone in which the property is located. From specific sections of the zoning code, it may be granted if it can be shown that because of special circumstances inherent in the property, the strict application of the code would deprive a property of privileges enjoyed by other properties in the same areas and having the same zone. For more information download this Handout.

Zone Change
Establishes land use districts (zones) designated to promote the orderly growth of the community by grouping together uses which are similar, and protecting them from the intrusion of uses which might be detrimental or incompatible. The Zoning Ordinance describes the uses, which can be established in each zone, and the zoning map delineates the boundaries of all zones. In addition to regulating use of property, the Zoning Ordinance also provides standards for building setbacks, height of structures and lot area. The division of a city into zones is a necessary part of planning in order to ensure rational and orderly development. 


If you need additional information the City of Duarte Zoning Ordinance is now available online. The online version is keyword searchable to help you locate the exact items of interest.