This division of the Land Use and Development Code shall be known and cited as the "Zoning Ordinance of the City of Vacaville," "Vacaville Zoning Ordinance," or "Zoning Ordinance."
(Ord. 1972, Repealed and Replaced, 02/22/2022)
The Zoning Ordinance is adopted to protect and promote the public health, safety, and general welfare and to implement the Vacaville General Plan. All actions, approvals, and procedures taken in accordance with this Zoning Ordinance shall be consistent with the General Plan. More specifically, the Zoning Ordinance is intended to:
A. 
Provide standards for the orderly growth and development of the City, and guide and control the use of land to provide a safe, harmonious, attractive, and sustainable community;
B. 
To implement the goals, objectives, and policies, and to achieve the arrangement of land uses depicted in the Vacaville General Plan;
C. 
Enhance the appearance of the City and promote high-quality design;
D. 
Preserve and enhance the character and quality of life of the City's residential neighborhoods;
E. 
Promote economic growth and the creation of jobs;
F. 
Facilitate the appropriate location of community facilities, institutions, transportation, and parks and recreational areas; and
G. 
Facilitate public participation in government decision making regarding land use and development, in a manner consistent with state law.
(Ord. 1972, Repealed and Replaced, 02/22/2022)
A. 
Applicability of Property. This division shall apply, to the extent permitted by law, to all public and private property within the corporate limits of the City and to property for which applications for annexation and/or subdivisions have been submitted, including all uses, structures, and land owned by any private person, firm, corporation or organization, or the City or other local, state, or federal agencies.
B. 
Minimum Requirements. The provisions of this division shall be minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety, and general welfare. Where this division provides for more discretion on the part of a City official or body, that discretion may be exercised to impose more stringent requirements than set forth in the Zoning Ordinance as may be necessary to promote orderly land use development and to implement the City's General Plan goals, policies, and objectives.
C. 
Compliance With Regulations. No land shall be used, and no structure shall be constructed, occupied, enlarged, altered, demolished or moved in any zoning district, except in accordance with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance, including the development and performance standards, and any permit issued pursuant to the Zoning Ordinance. The temporary or transitory nature of a use does not exempt it from this requirement.
D. 
Conflicting Regulations. All uses and development authorized by this division shall comply with all other such regulations and requirements. Where conflict occurs between the provisions of this division and any other City ordinance, chapter, resolution, guideline, or regulation, the more restrictive provisions shall control, unless otherwise specified by the decision maker.
E. 
Private Agreements. The Zoning Ordinance shall not interfere with or annul any recorded easement, covenant, or other agreement now in effect; provided, that where this division imposes greater restriction than imposed by an easement, covenant, or agreement, this division shall control. The City shall not be responsible for monitoring or enforcing private agreements.
F. 
Prior Ordinance. The provisions of this division supersede all prior zoning ordinances codified in this title and any amendments. No provision of this Zoning Ordinance shall validate any land use or structure established, constructed, or maintained in violation of the prior ordinance, unless such validation is specifically authorized by this division and is in conformance with all other regulations.
G. 
Effect of This Zoning Ordinance on Previously Approved Projects and Projects in Progress. The following provisions apply to development that was approved prior to subsequent amendments to this division:
1. 
Previously Approved Land Use Authorization. Any previously approved land use approval shall apply per the provisions of this Zoning Ordinance until the applicable approval has expired. Any new land use authorization must meet the provisions of this Zoning Ordinance.
2. 
Building Permit. Any building or structure for which a building permit has been issued may be completed unless or until it has expired.
3. 
Land Use Authorization in Process. An application for a discretionary land use authorization that has been accepted by the Community Development Department as complete for processing prior to the adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter or any applicable amendment shall be processed according to the requirements of this Zoning Ordinance. The Director of Community Development may allow an application accepted as complete to be processed under the applicable provisions of the prior Zoning Ordinance upon receipt of a written request received no later than 30 calendar days after the effective date of this Zoning Ordinance, or any applicable ordinance amendment.
(Ord. 1972, Repealed and Replaced, 02/22/2022)
The Zoning Ordinance is organized as four parts:
A. 
Part I: Administration and Procedures. Part I establishes the overall purpose of the Zoning Ordinance and zoning map, the general rules that govern their applicability and use, and provisions for administration.
B. 
Part II: District Regulations. Part II establishes the land use and development standards for each base district and overlay district within the City.
C. 
Part III: Supplemental Standards. Part III establishes general site development standards, use regulations, and other requirements that are applicable in some or all zoning districts.
D. 
Part IV: Land Use and Development Permits. Part IV establishes procedures for specific approval processes, listed from ministerial approvals to more technical and substantive approvals.
(Ord. 1972, Repealed and Replaced, 02/22/2022)
Requests for interpretations of the Zoning Ordinance and verifications relating to prior approvals or permits may be made to the Director of Community Development. Requests shall be in writing. The decision of the Director of Community Development on such requests may be appealed under Section 14.09.030.120, Appeals.
(Ord. 1972, Repealed and Replaced, 02/22/2022)