C-2 Zone-General Commercial Zone

Sacramento City Code tit. 17, div. II, ch. 17.216, art. VII

in effect

Sacramento City Code § 17.216.700 C-2 zone-Purpose.

17.216.700 C-2 zone-Purpose. The purpose of the C-2 zone is to provide for the sale of goods; the performance of services, including repair facilities; office uses; dwellings; small wholesale stores or distributors; and limited processing and packaging. (Ord. 2013-0020 § 1; Ord. 2013-0007 § 1)

Sacramento City Code § 17.216.710 C-2 zone-Permitted uses.

17.216.710 C-2 zone-Permitted uses. A. Permitted uses. The following uses are permitted by right in the C-2 zone, subject to the limitations specified: Use | Limitations 1. Residential Uses | Dormitory | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.111 Dwelling, duplex | Dwelling, multi-unit | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.117 Dwelling, single-unit | Low barrier navigation center | Residential care facility | Residential hotel | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.112 2. Commercial and Institutional Uses | Adult entertainment business | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.102 Amusement center, indoor | Assembly-cultural, religious, social | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.128 Athletic club; fitness studio | Bed and breakfast inn | Childcare center | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.113 Cinema (inside arts and entertainment district) | College extension | Commercial service | Community clinic | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.118 . Community market | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.124 Hotel; motel | Permitted if the project does not involve the demolition or conversion of multi-unit dwellings that exist or are under construction Laundromat, self-service | Library; archive | Mortuary; crematory | Museum | Non-profit organization, food preparation for off-site consumption | Entire business, including storage and display, shall be conducted within a building Non-profit organization, food storage and distribution | This use is limited to 6,400 gross square feet. Use may include incidental, non-nuisance producing processing, packaging, and fabricating entirely within a building. Nonresidential care facility | Office | Plant nursery | Permitted if use is located greater than ½ mile from the center of an existing or proposed light rail station platform Restaurant | Retail store | This use is limited to 40,000 gross square feet; if use exceeds this limitation, a conditional use permit is required School-dance, music, art, martial arts | School, vocational | Theater | Tobacco retailing | Permitted in a store that has greater than 15,000 square feet of gross floor area if the total area of shelving allocated to tobacco products and tobacco paraphernalia does not exceed 250 square feet. Veterinary clinic; veterinary hospital | Entire business to be conducted within a building, and no outdoor boarding of animals is allowed; a conditional use permit is required if animals are boarded outside, or entire business is not conducted within a building Wholesale store | This use is limited to 6,400 gross square feet. Use may include incidental, non-nuisance producing processing, packaging, and fabricating entirely within a building 3. Industrial and Agricultural Uses | Aquaculture | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.810 et seq. Cannabis testing | Subject to special use regulations in article IX of chapter 17.228 Community garden, private (not exceeding 3.0 acres) | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.810 et seq. Manufacturing, service, and repair | This use is limited to 6,400 gross square feet. Use may include incidental, non-nuisance producing processing, packaging, and fabricating entirely within a building Market garden (not exceeding 3.0 acres) | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.810 et seq. Passenger terminal | Railroad ROW | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.116 Solar energy system, commercial (city property) | Allowed in this zone and exempt from the provisions of this title B. Conditional uses. The following uses in the C-2 zone require approval of a conditional use permit, subject to the limitations specified: Use | Limitations | Approval Required by: Planning and Design Commission (PDC); Zoning Administrator (ZA); or City Council (CC) 1. Residential Uses | | Fraternity house; sorority house | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.111 | PDC Mobilehome park | | PDC Temporary residential shelter | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.600 et seq. | ZA 2. Commercial and Institutional Uses | | Adult-related establishment | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.103 | PDC Alcoholic beverage sales, off-premises consumption | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.108 | PDC Amusement center, outdoor | | PDC Auto-sales, storage, rental | Permitted with a conditional use permit if- | PDC | 1. Use is located within ¼ mile from the center of an existing or proposed light rail station platform and the entire business, including auto storage and display, is conducted within a building; | | 2. Use is located greater than ¼ mile but less than or equal to ½ mile from the center of an existing or proposed light rail station platform, subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.127; or | | 3. Use is located greater than ½ mile from the center of an existing or proposed light rail station platform. | | Repair work is permitted if confined to a building | Auto-service, repair | Permitted with a conditional use permit if- | PDC | 1. Use is located greater than ¼ mile but less than or equal to ½ mile from the center of an existing or proposed light rail station platform, subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.127; or | | 2. Use is located greater than ½ mile from the center of an existing or proposed light rail station platform. | | Entire business shall be conducted within a building. | | No outdoor storage, overnight parking of vehicles, or display of merchandise is permitted in this zone. Auto service or repair work performed within 300 feet of property used or zoned for residential purposes shall not be conducted before 6:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m. | Bar; nightclub | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.108 | PDC Cannabis consumption lounge | Subject to special use regulations in article IX of chapter 17.228 | PDC Cannabis dispensary | Subject to special use regulations in article IX of chapter 17.228 | ZA/PDC Cardroom | Subject to licensing regulations in chapter 5.32; | | A cardroom may not be located within 1,000 feet, measured from the nearest property lines of the affected parcels, from another cardroom; | | Notwithstanding section 17.232.050, a conditional use permit is not required to enlarge a cardroom on a greater portion of the building or lot on which it is located or to relocate the cardroom to another location on the same lot | PDC Cemetery | | PDC Check-cashing center | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.121 | PDC Cinema (outside arts and entertainment district) | | PDC College campus | | PDC Correctional facility | | PDC Drive-in theater | | PDC Drive-through restaurant | Permitted with a conditional use permit if- | PDC | 1. Use is located greater than ¼ mile but less than or equal to ½ mile from the center of an existing or proposed light rail station platform, subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.127; or | | 2. Use is located greater than ½ mile from the center of an existing or proposed light rail station platform. | | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.109. | | Prohibited in the Central City unless the drive-through facility is within 500 feet of freeway right-of-way. | Equipment-rental, sales yard | Permitted with a conditional use permit if- | PDC | 1. Use is located within ½ mile from the center of an existing or proposed light rail station platform, subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.127; or | | 2. Use is located greater than ½ mile from the center of an existing or proposed light rail station platform. | | Repair work is permitted if confined to a building. | | Outdoor storage of any inventory or supplies in view of any public right-of-way is prohibited. | Firearms business | | PDC Gas station | Gas stations capable of simultaneously fueling not more than 10 vehicles are permitted with a conditional use permit if- | PDC | 1. Use is located greater than ¼ mile but less than or equal to ½ mile from the center of an existing or proposed light rail station platform, subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.127; or | | 2. Use is located greater than ½ mile from the center of an existing or proposed light rail station platform. | | Gas stations capable of simultaneously fueling more than 10 vehicles are permitted with a conditional use permit if- | | 1. Use is located greater than ¼ mile but less than or equal to ½ mile from the center of an existing or proposed light rail station platform and within 500 feet of a freeway right-of-way or roadway with six or more lanes, subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.127; or | | 2. Use is located greater than ½ mile from the center of an existing or proposed light rail station platform and within 500 feet of a freeway right-of-way or roadway with six or more lanes. | Repair work is permitted if confined to a building. | | Golf course; driving range | | PDC Hotel; motel | Allowed with a conditional use permit if the project involves the demolition or conversion of multi-unit dwellings that exist or are under construction | PDC Kennel | | ZA Major medical facility | | PDC Mini storage; locker building | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.106, permitted with a conditional use permit if- | PDC | 1. Use is located greater than ¼ mile but less than or equal to ½ mile from the center of an existing or proposed light rail station platform, subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.127; or | | 2. Use is located greater than ½ mile from the center of an existing or proposed light rail station platform. | Mobilehome-sales, storage | Repair work is permitted if confined to a building | PDC Non-profit organization, meal service facility | | PDC Outdoor market | In granting a conditional use permit, the zoning administrator may consider the traffic, safety of vehicular and non-vehicular access, adequacy of bicycle parking, noise, hours of operation, and any applicable development standards related to the proposed outdoor market | ZA Plant nursery | Permitted with a conditional use permit if use is located within ½ mile from the center of an existing or proposed light rail station platform, subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.127 | PDC Retail store | Permitted with a conditional use permit if use exceeds 40,000 gross square feet; permitted by right if use does not exceed 40,000 gross square feet | PDC School, K-12 | | PDC Stand-alone parking facility | The zoning administrator may waive the development standards stated in sections 17.608.040 and 17.612.020 | ZA Superstore | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.119 | PDC Tobacco retailing | Permitted with a conditional use permit in a store that has 15,000 square feet or less of gross floor area or allocates more than 250 square feet of shelving to tobacco products and tobacco paraphernalia. | ZA Towing service; vehicle storage yard | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.107 | PDC Transit vehicle-service, repair, storage | | PDC Veterinary clinic; veterinary hospital | Permitted with a conditional use permit if animals are boarded outside, or entire business is not conducted within a building | ZA 3. Industrial and Agricultural Uses | | Antenna; telecommunications facility | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.300 et seq. | PDC Boat dock; marina | | PDC Cannabis production (excluding cannabis manufacturing using volatile solvents) | Subject to special use regulations in article IX of chapter 17.228.If use is located within ½ mile from the center of an existing or proposed light rail station platform, subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.127 | ZA Community garden, private (exceeding 3.0 acres) | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.810 et seq. | ZA Heliport; helistop | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.114 | PDC High voltage transmission facility | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.500 et seq. | CC Market garden (exceeding 3.0 acres) | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.810 et seq. | ZA Surface mining operation | Subject to provisions of chapter 17.720 | PDC Well-gas, oil | | PDC C. Accessory uses. The following uses are permitted in the C-2 zone when accessory to a permitted or conditional use, subject to the limitations specified: Use | Limitations Accessory antenna | Accessory drive-through facility | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.110 Childcare, in-home (family day care home) | Common area | Dwelling unit, accessory | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.105 Dwelling unit, junior accessory | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.105 Family care facility | Family day care facility | Home occupation | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.200 et seq. Private garden | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.810 et seq. Recycling facility, convenience | Subject to special use regulations in section 17.228.400 et seq. Urban beekeeping | Subject to section 9.44.330 Watchperson's quarters | The structure shall be limited to 1,000 square feet D. Prohibited uses. All uses not listed as permitted, conditional, or accessory uses are prohibited in the C-2 zone. E. Outdoor storage. Outdoor storage of any inventory or supplies in view of any public right-of-way is prohibited, except for auto and mobile home sales, rental, and storage uses. Outdoor storage or parking of vehicles overnight for auto service or repair uses is prohibited. F. Auto service and repair near residential. Auto service or repair work performed within 300 feet of property used or zoned for residential purposes shall not be conducted before 6:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m. All such work shall be performed within a building. (Ord. 2026-0011 § 6; Ord. 2026-0010 § 7; Ord. 2026-0001 § 14; Ord. 2025-0007 § 10; Ord. 2024-0054 § 27; Ord. 2024-0017 § 33; Ord. 2021-0023 § 29; Ord. 2020-0025 § 11; Ord. 2020-0021 § 30; Ord. 2020-0012 § 6; Ord. 2019-0027 § 12; Ord. 2018-0055 § 5; Ord. 2017-0061 § 42; Ord. 2017-0059 § 5; Ord. 2017-0056 § 5; Ord. 2017-0029 § 3; Ord. 2017-0028 § 4; Ord. 2016-0050 § 5; Ord. 2016-0016 § 7; Ord. 2016-0006 § 4; Ord. 2016-0001 § 21; Ord. 2015-0005 § 29; Ord. 2013-0020 § 1; Ord. 2013-0018 § 15; Ord. 2013-0007 § 1)

Sacramento City Code § 17.216.720 C-2 zone-Height, density, lot coverage, and floor area ratios.

17.216.720 C-2 zone-Height, density, lot coverage, and floor area ratios. A. Height. Unless subsection B applies, the maximum height is 65 feet. B. Transitional height. Portions of buildings in the C-2 zone within certain distances of the R-1, R-1B, and R-2 zones shall not exceed the following height limits, unless a deviation from the distance requirement has been approved in accordance with section 17.808.120. Distance (feet) | Height (feet) 0-39 | 45 40-79 | 55 80+ | 65 C. Density. The minimum and maximum densities are established in the general plan. D. Lot coverage. There is no lot coverage requirement. E. Floor area ratios. Minimum and maximum floor area ratios are established in the general plan. (Ord. 2013-0020 § 1; Ord. 2013-0007 § 1)

Sacramento City Code § 17.216.730 C-2 zone-Setbacks.

17.216.730 C-2 zone-Setbacks. A. Front-yard setback. No minimum or maximum front-yard setback is required. B. Street side-yard setback. No minimum or maximum street side-yard setback is required. C. Interior side-yard setback. 1. Unless paragraph 2 of this subsection applies, there is no required minimum interior side-yard setback. 2. If the interior side yard of a lot is adjacent to an R- or OB-zoned lot and is not separated by an alley, the required minimum interior side-yard setback is five feet. D. Rear-yard setback. 1. Unless paragraph 2 of this subsection applies, there is no minimum rear-yard setback. 2. If the rear yard of a lot is adjacent to an R-zoned or OB-zoned lot and is not separated by an alley, the minimum rear-yard setback is 15 feet. E. Levee setback. A minimum 20-foot setback from the landside toe of any flood control levee is required for development less than five acres in size. A minimum 50-foot setback is required from the landside toe of any flood control levee for development five acres or greater in size. No primary or accessory structures may encroach into the levee setback. (Ord. 2017-0061 § 43; Ord. 2013-0020 § 1; Ord. 2013-0007 § 1)

Sacramento City Code § 17.216.740 C-2 zone-Generally applicable development standards.

17.216.740 C-2 zone-Generally applicable development standards. A. For architectural design guidelines and exceptions to the height and area standards, see chapter 17.600. B. For parking requirements, see chapter 17.608. C. For landscaping and paving requirements, see chapter 17.612. D. For recycling and solid waste disposal regulations, see chapter 17.616. E. For wall, fence, and gate regulations, see chapter 17.620. F. For residential accessory structure and use regulations, see chapter 17.624. G. For sign standards and regulations, see chapter 15.148. H. For historic preservation program generally, see chapter 17.604. For preservation design review of development projects, see section 17.808.100 et seq. (Ord. 2013-0020 § 1; Ord. 2013-0007 § 1)

Sacramento City Code § 17.216.750 C-2 zone-Site plan and design review.

17.216.750 C-2 zone-Site plan and design review. A. General. 1. For development projects not located in a historic district and not involving a landmark, no tentative map, parcel map, or permit shall be approved or issued unless an application for site plan and design review of the proposed project is approved in accordance with chapter 17.808 or the project is exempt under section 17.808.160. 2. As used in this subsection A, "permit" means a building permit, a demolition permit, a sign permit, a grading permit, a paving permit, an encroachment permit, and a certificate of occupancy. B. Historic districts and landmarks. 1. For development projects located in a historic district or involving a landmark, no person shall commence construction or otherwise undertake a development project, and no tentative map, parcel map, or permit shall be approved or issued unless an application for site plan and design review of the proposed project is approved in accordance with chapter 17.808 or the project is exempt under section 17.808.160. 2. As used in this subsection B, "permit" means a building permit, a demolition permit, a sewer or water connection or disconnection, a sign permit, a grading permit, a paving permit, an encroachment permit, and a certificate of occupancy. (Ord. 2017-0061 § 44; Ord. 2013-0020 § 1; Ord. 2013-0007 § 1)

Source: City of Sacramento, Sacramento City Code (American Legal Publishing, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/sacramentoca/latest/sacramento_ca/0-0-0-35256Fetched: 10/24/2026