The zoning districts established herein are those determined by the Planning Commission to be consistent with the general plan and necessary to implement that plan.

In order to classify, regulate, restrict and separate the use of land, buildings and structures and to regulate and to limit the type, height and bulk of buildings and structures in the various zone districts and to regulate the areas of yards and other open areas abutting and between buildings and structures and to regulate the density of population, the City hereby is divided into the following zones:

The several zones and boundaries of said zones hereby are established and adopted as shown, delineated and designated on the official zoning map of the City of Yorba Linda, Orange County, California, which map, together with all notations, references, data, zone boundaries and other information thereon, is made a part hereof and is adopted concurrently herewith.

The original of the official zoning map shall be kept on file with the City Clerk and shall constitute the original record. A copy of said map shall also be filed with the Community Development Department.

Changes in the boundaries of the zones shall be made by ordinance and shall be reflected on the official zoning map.

Interpretations of the provisions of this zoning code shall be made by the Community Development Director. If ambiguity exists relative to a specific land use classification, or if a specific use is not listed within this zoning code, the Director shall make a decision as to the use and whether or not the use is permitted within a specific zone district. If a use is not listed within the zones, it is interpreted to be a non-permitted use unless the Director determines that the proposed use is similar in nature and intensity to another permitted use, in which case he or she shall make a finding that the use is so permitted. All interpretations relative to uses or other ambiguities that may arise may be referred to the Planning Commission for review if the Director determines on a case-by-case basis that the public interest would be better served by such referral. The Director's determination may be appealed to the Planning Commission pursuant to Section 18.36.810.

Table 18.08–1[1] contains the master list of uses permitted in each zone. Individual chapters contain an abbreviated table of uses for each zone. Uses not specified in the master list or within the tables for each zone are prohibited.

The Community Development Director shall consider requests for the addition of new uses to the list of uses to be permitted in each zone, or he or she may interpret whether a use is similar or consistent with a listed use pursuant to Section 18.08.060. In reaching a decision, the Director shall consider the similarity of the requested use to any use that is already permitted. The Director's decision shall be issued in writing and shall set forth the reasons for approval or rejection of the request. The written response shall indicate whether the use is a permitted use, conditional use or accessory use.

The Director may refer interpretations to the Planning Commission for review if he or she determines on a case-by-case basis that the public interest would be better served by such referral. Decisions relative to use designation by the Director may be appealed to the Planning Commission in accordance with the provisions of Article 1 of Chapter 18.36.