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Planning Division

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1. What are my building setbacks?

Building setbacks vary by the property's zoning designation or by the plat map. You should call the Planning Division at 559-935-1533, ext.143 to verify your zoning and your required setback anytime construction is proposed.

2. What is the zoning of my property?

You may obtain zoning information for specific parcels by contacting the Planning Division. The staff member will need a parcel number or site address to give you the information over the phone. You may also submit a Zoning Information Request online.

3. What are my property lines?

City records may reflect the dimensions of your lot, but not the precise location of the lot lines. It may be necessary to hire a surveyor to survey your lot to determine the exact location of your property lines as the city does not offer this service.

4. Can I put a carport in front of my garage?

In residential areas, a carport may only be placed in front of a residence if it is attached to the residence. It must also meet the front yard building setback requirements for the area in which it is constructed.

5. What does it mean if I received a public hearing notice in the mail?

A notice for a public hearing is a required notice sent by the city to property owners who are in the vicinity of a property where development or changes are proposed. Such notice invites public participation in the decision-making process. If you received a public hearing notice in the mail, you may contact the Planning Division for more information on the specific project.

6. What are the responsibilities of the Planning Division versus the Building and Safety Division?

Planning

The Planning Division is responsible for regulating the type, scale, and the design of land use that may be established at a given location. The zoning code, together with the official zoning map, establishes zones to regulate land use for compatibility with surrounding uses. Development standards are included for: 

• Density
• Height
• Irrigation
• Landscaping
• Parking requirements
• Yards and open space
• Etc.

Building & Safety

The Building and Safety Division is responsible for structural and life safety concerns in the construction, demolition or alteration of buildings including, but not limited to, matters such as electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems, energy conservation, and access for the disabled.

7. How can I rezone my property?

Contact the Planning Division and provide your parcel number or address. A city staff member will verify your current zoning and your General Plan designation. Both of these designations play a role in possible development and rezoning of your property. The Planning Division will inform you of your rezoning options.

8. What zoning related information do I need to include on my building permit application?

A building permit application should include a plot plan drawn to scale. Information on the plot plan should include:

• The shape and dimensions of the lot
• Location of any oak trees on the property or adjoining properties
• Any existing structures and its use
• Size and location of the proposed structure and its use
• The required setbacks
• Location of any existing roads, any dedicated rights-of-way, or easements
• The drainage flows of the property

9. Is my lot buildable?

In order to develop a parcel, the property must comply with many development and zoning regulations. These regulations include accessibility and property dimensions. Other issues that may limit development include floodplain, oak trees, and other environmental issues. The Planning Division can verify this for you when you provide a property parcel number.

10. Can my lot be subdivided?

Each piece of property has a zoning designation and a General Plan (PDF) designation. These 2 documents, along with the Coalinga Zoning Code and subdivision regulations, govern how a property can be divided. The Planning Division will need a parcel number to answer your inquiry.

11. I'm in the process of starting a business in the city. What would be my first steps?

The initial step would be to find out from the Planning Division what the zoning designation of the particular property is to determine if the proposed business is allowed by code in that particular zone. And if so, if there are any particular regulations or permits required.

12. What is the Planning Commission?

The Planning Commission is comprised of citizen volunteers whom are appointed by the City Council. The Planning Commission is a hearing body that makes decisions on matters relating to the development and use of land within the City of Coalinga.

13. When does the Planning Commission Meet?

The Planning Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at:
City Hall
155 W Durian Street
Coalinga, CA 93210

View agendas and minutes

14. I have a conceptual plan to develop a property. Will the city review the concept before I file a formal application?

Of course, we highly recommend a preliminary review of any business property or large-scale residential development. Most issues involving building location, setbacks, parking, storm water drainage, and other physical improvements to a property can be resolved with a preliminary review of your proposal. 

If you wish to have the Planning Division conduct a preliminary review of a development plan, please contact the division to make an appointment with a member of our staff to review your concept.

15. Do I need to make an appointment to see a planner?

No, however, due to limited staffing the planning division, it is highly recommended to contact Sean Brewer to schedule an appointment email Sean Brewer or by calling 559-935-153, ext. 143.

16. I want to put a storage shed in my backyard. How close to the property line can it be placed?

Typically, a storage shed must be located a minimum distance of 5 feet from the property line. If you live on a corner lot or if your property is subject to easements, the minimum distance could change. Another consideration is that each property is limited to the amount of additional square footage that may be constructed for accessory buildings. Please call the Planning Division to verify your zoning and your particular situation. Please refer to Coalinga Zoning Code Section 9-5.101.

17. What are setbacks?

A building setback is the required distance that a building must be located from a property line, edge of access easement, or other structures on the property.

18. I have a lot of items to store. What is the largest storage shed I can put on my property?

The size of accessory structures allowed to be placed on a residential property varies upon the size of the property. Refer to the table on the Accessory Uses and Structures Section of the Coalinga Planning and Zoning Code (Section 9-53.101(d).

19. Can I convert my garage into another bedroom or office?

All residential units must provide 2 off-street parking spaces. If you would like to convert the garage into another room, you must demonstrate that you can meet this parking requirement. Parking on the driveway may be counted towards the replacement parking spaces if the driveway design and location meet the requirements.

20. Can I run a business out of my home?

The city recognizes the importance of using your home for business purposes. The city has set guidelines that regulate which type of businesses may operate from a home. These regulations help to ensure that home businesses do not impact the residential neighborhoods or change the character of the home.

To be sure your business complies with the home occupation ordinance and zoning code regulations, you will need to complete a Home Occupation Application Form (PDF) and have it approved by a member of the Planning Division. Home occupation allows minimum client/customer visits and does not allow employees, outside storage, or large deliveries of stock. The specific regulation is contained in Coalinga Zoning Code Section 9-5.113. A copy of this ordinance can be viewed online.

21. Can I remove my front lawn?

Yards are not required to have lawn or grass. Landscaping may include rock, gravel, artificial turf or other drought-tolerant materials. Yards may not be more than 50% solid surface material such as pavement, asphalt, or other concrete type materials.

22. When is a sign permit required?

A sign permit is required for all signs whether temporary or permanent. No sign may be erected or displayed without a permit. No sign shall be placed in the public right of way unless permitted as a temporary sign.

23. How high can my fence be?

The maximum height of a solid fence, wall or hedge shall be as follows:

• Front limited height: fences, walls, and hedges located within a required front yard setback area or within the site distance area as defined herein shall be limited to a maximum height of three feet.
• Rear limited height: fences, walls, and hedges located to the rear of the required front yard setback area shall be limited to a maximum height of six feet, unless this area is also within the site distance area as defined herein, in which case the maximum height shall not exceed three feet in the site distance area.

24. What is a parcel number?

Your Assessor Parcel Number (APN) is a 14-digit number that is found on your tax bill or tax receipt. Each parcel of land has its own unique number that identifies the property's location within the county. If you have a physical address, the city can obtain your parcel number.