Gilroy City Zoning Code

This district is suitable for the improvement and maintenance of existing commercial structures or the conversion or construction to new mixed use development. Residential mixed use projects are encouraged.

The intent of the downtown historic district (DHD) is to foster the city’s historic downtown as a unique and prosperous commercial resource. Buildings in the downtown historic district (DHD) are mixed use with premium local and regional boutique retail uses and entertainment establishments, fostering a multicultural environment. Residential or office use above the ground floor is encouraged. Architecture should reflect historic forms and materials and adaptive reuse of historic architecture is encouraged. Wide sidewalks with strong pedestrian connections to adjacent districts are encouraged. Establishment of paseos and plazas and unique outdoor spaces of any size with fountains and public art is a priority. Parking is not allowed at street front retail locations.

Note: The downtown historic district (DHD) zone does not have the same intent and purpose as the historic overlay district designation. Article XXVII, Historic Site and Neighborhood Combining Districts, establishes historic site and neighborhood regulations.

Land in the downtown historic district (DHD) may be used as provided in the commercial use table, section 30.19.10. Conditional uses may be permitted with a conditional use permit, which may be issued by the planning commission in accordance with the regulations in section 30.50.30.

The lot, yard, height and additional requirements in the DHD downtown historic district shall be as established in the commercial site and building requirement table, section 30.19.20.

The downtown historic district (DHD) allows commercial and mixed use projects. Commercial and mixed use projects have a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 2.5. The minimum density for the residential component of mixed use projects is twenty (20) dwelling units per acre.

Properties between Lewis Street and Seventh Street that abut the west side of the railroad corridor must provide a fifty-one (51) foot rear setback from the property line to accommodate on-site parking, an access drive, and a landscaped buffer. Additional articulation should be provided on building facades that face this corridor to promote an aesthetically pleasing view of the downtown for rail patrons. A “standard” fencing design that will be commercial grade, six (6) foot tall, black powder coated metal, with vertical slats and top and bottom rail as well as a five (5) foot minimum landscape planter area adjacent to the railroad corridor.

This district is suitable for the improvement and maintenance of existing commercial structures or the conversion or construction to new mixed use development. Residential mixed use projects are encouraged.

The intent of the downtown expansion district (DED) is to recognize an area suitable for the expansion of downtown retail and mixed use developments which expands the synergy of the downtown historic district and which caters primarily to the Gilroy community. Buildings in the downtown expansion district (DED) are mixed use developments, housing street front retail and restaurant services with residential and office use above the ground floor. Architecture of a historic nature should be used in conjunction with contemporary designs. Beautification and building upkeep are encouraged, utilizing signage, awnings and greenery for an aesthetically pleasing environment. Architecture should reflect historic forms and materials and adaptive reuse of historic architecture is encouraged. Strong pedestrian access to neighboring districts is encouraged through the establishment of paseos. The establishment of unique outdoor spaces of any size with fountains and public art is recommended. Parking lots and structures are to be discreetly screened from street view. The following regulations, except to the extent that they may be modified by a combining district, shall apply to every lot and building in a downtown expansion district (DED).

Land in the downtown expansion district (DED) may be used as provided in the commercial use table, section 30.19.10. Conditional uses may be permitted with a conditional use permit, which may be issued by the planning commission in accordance with the regulations in section 30.50.30.

The lot, yard, height and additional requirements in the downtown expansion district (DED) shall be as established in the commercial site and building requirement table, section 30.19.20.

The downtown expansion district (DED) allows commercial and mixed use projects. Commercial and mixed use projects have a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 2.5. The minimum density for the residential component of mixed use projects is twenty (20) dwelling units per acre.

Properties that abut the railroad corridor must provide “standard” fencing design that will be commercial grade, six (6) foot tall, black powder coated metal, with vertical slats and top and bottom rail as well as a five (5) foot minimum landscape planter area adjacent to the railroad corridor. The intent of the city and public utilities commission is to create a pedestrian pathway along the east side of the railroad corridor between Tenth Street and Leavesley Road. Additional articulation should be provided on building facades that face this corridor to promote an aesthetically pleasing view of the downtown for rail patrons.

This district is suitable for the development of new multi-use civic, cultural and civic-serving uses. Residential mixed use projects are encouraged and residential units may be located on the ground floor if located between Eigleberry and Church Streets.

The intent of the CCA civic/cultural arts district is to provide an area which serves as the civic and cultural heart of the City of Gilroy. This district is meant to be the regional destination for events, outdoor theater, performances, festivals, and other activities related to civic and cultural arts. Green space and community assembly space is prominent and a pedestrian friendly atmosphere is emphasized through the use of benches and wide sidewalks. Buildings of civic-serving and other civic uses such as museums, libraries, and theaters are prominent. As the district develops, the continuation and expansion of residential uses between Eigleberry and Church Streets are a recognized land use, and new mixed use projects are appropriate. Industrial, retail and service commercial uses are prohibited. The following regulations, except to the extent that they may be modified by a combining district, shall apply to every lot and building in the civic/cultural arts district (CCA).

Land in the civic/cultural arts district (CCA) may be used as provided in the commercial use table, section 30.19.10. Conditional uses may be permitted with a conditional use permit, which may be issued by the planning commission in accordance with the regulations in section 30.50.30.

The lot, yard, height and additional requirements in the civic/cultural arts district (CCA) shall be as established in the commercial site and building requirement table, section 30.19.20.

The civic/cultural arts district (CCA) allows commercial and mixed use projects. From Monterey Street to Church Street commercial and mixed use projects have a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 1.5, and from Church Street to Dowdy Street there is a maximum FAR of 1.0.

This district is suitable for the conversion of existing residential structures to commercial uses and for the development of new mixed use and stand alone residential projects.

The intent of the transitional district (TD) is to recognize the urbanizing influences on residential neighborhoods adjacent to the west side of the downtown core. This district will act as a transitional buffer between the downtown core and residential neighborhoods further west. Strong pedestrian connections to neighboring downtown districts are encouraged. The following regulations, except to the extent that they may be modified by a combining district, shall apply to every lot and building in a transitional district (TD).

Land in the transitional district (TD) may be used as provided in the commercial use table, section 30.19.10. Conditional uses may be permitted with a conditional use permit, which may be issued by the planning commission in accordance with the regulations in section 30.50.30.

The lot, yard, height and additional requirements in the transitional district (TD) shall be as established in the commercial site and building requirement table, section 30.19.20.

The transitional district (TD) is composed of both commercial and mixed use projects and stand alone residential projects. Commercial and mixed use projects have a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 1.5. Stand alone residential projects are at most twenty (20) dwelling units per acre (du/ac).

This district is suitable for the development of new mixed use and stand alone residential projects. The intent of the cannery district (CD) is to provide an area in the city suitable for mixed uses in a nontraditional, urban environment. The uses in this district include residential, office, and commercial services. Home offices and artist lofts within this district provide abundant live/work opportunities. The arts are emphasized, encouraging projects such as art galleries, dance, gymnastic, and music studios. Architecture is to be eclectic, utilizing a variety of setbacks and designs, fostering a unique, innovative, and contemporary industrial character. The following regulations, except to the extent that they may be modified by a combining district, shall apply to every lot and building in a cannery district (CD).

Land in the cannery district (CD) may be used as provided in the commercial use table, section 30.19.10. Conditional uses may be permitted with a conditional use permit, which may be issued by the planning commission in accordance with the regulations in section 30.50.30.

The lot, yard, height and additional requirements in the cannery district (CD) shall be as established in the commercial site and building requirement table, section 30.19.20.

The cannery district (CD) is composed of commercial and mixed use projects and stand alone residential projects. Commercial and mixed use projects have a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 2.0. The minimum density for the residential component of mixed use projects is twenty (20) dwelling units per acre (du/ac). Stand alone residential projects must develop at a density ranging from twenty (20) to forty (40) dwelling units per acre (du/ac).

Properties that abut the railroad corridor must provide “standard” fencing design that will be commercial grade, six (6) foot tall, black powder coated metal, with vertical slats and top and bottom rail as well as a five (5) foot minimum landscape planter area adjacent to the railroad corridor. The intent of the city and public utilities commission is to create a pedestrian pathway along the east side of the railroad corridor between Tenth Street and Leavesley Road. Additional articulation should be provided on building facades that face this corridor to promote an aesthetically pleasing view of the downtown for rail patrons.

This district is suitable for the development of new mixed use and stand alone residential projects.

The intent of the gateway district (GD) is to create the primary entryway into the downtown area. The uses in this district include residential, office, and commercial services. Parking is screened from traffic and pedestrians. Street beautification with landscape and architectural enhancements is encouraged. Architectural styles should reflect the city’s extensive and diverse history. The following regulations, except to the extent that they may be modified by a combining district, shall apply to every lot and building in a gateway district (GD).

Land in the gateway district (GD) may be used as provided in the commercial use table, section 30.19.10. Conditional uses may be permitted with a conditional use permit, which may be issued by the planning commission in accordance with the regulations in section 30.50.30.

The lot, yard, height and additional requirements in the gateway district (GD) shall be as established in the commercial site and building requirement table, section 30.19.20.

The gateway district (GD) is composed of commercial and mixed use projects and stand alone residential projects. Commercial and mixed use projects have a maximum floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.75. Stand alone residential projects have at most thirty (30) dwelling units per acre (du/ac).

Properties that abut the railroad corridor must provide “standard” fencing design that will be commercial grade, six (6) foot tall, black powder coated metal, with vertical slats and top and bottom rail as well as a five (5) foot minimum landscape planter area adjacent to the railroad corridor. The intent of the city and public utilities commission is to create a pedestrian pathway along the east side of the railroad corridor between Tenth Street and Leavesley Road. Additional articulation should be provided on building facades that face this corridor to promote an aesthetically pleasing view of the downtown for rail patrons.