Pacifica, California Zoning Map

The A/B-5 zone covers 3,050 acres and is the largest single designation in Pacifica. It establishes very large minimum lot sizes for agricultural use and effectively prevents subdivision or conventional residential development across this area. Most of this land sits in the hills and is preserved as part of open space and agricultural buffers - buyers should not underwrite these parcels for standard residential or commercial development without a general plan amendment analysis.

The primary multifamily corridors are R-3 (about 124 acres), R-3.1 (12 acres), and R-3-G Garden Multifamily (63 acres), primarily in the flatland neighborhoods near Highway 1. The R-2 Two-Family zone at 52 acres adds limited duplex capacity. California ADU and SB-9 provisions also apply citywide in residential zones, but hillside and coastal overlays can constrain physical feasibility even when state law permits the use.

The R-1-H Hillside Residential district at 34 acres applies specific development standards designed for steep terrain - these typically include more restrictive grading limits, increased setbacks on downslope elevations, and fire-access requirements. Parcels in this zone or near hillside-adjacent lots should be evaluated with a licensed civil engineer before acquisition because slope stability, drainage, and fire-clearance standards can substantially reduce the actual buildable envelope.

Pacifica's commercial base includes Neighborhood Commercial (C-1 at 184 acres), Community Commercial (C-2 at 71 acres), Service Commercial (C-3 at 58 acres), and Commercial Recreation (C-R at 186 acres). The C-R district is notable for outdoor recreation-serving businesses and is one of the few zones where visitor-oriented commercial uses are anticipated. Service Commercial Conditional (C-3-C at 128 acres) allows a broader range of uses subject to CUP approval.

The P-D (Planned Development) district covers 870 acres and the P-D-C (Conditional) variant adds another 140 acres - together these are some of the most significant zones by area after A/B-5 and R-1. PD parcels in Pacifica are typically governed by individual development agreements or specific plans that set custom standards for that project. Prospective buyers must obtain and review the specific PD plan document for any PD-zoned parcel to understand permitted uses, densities, and remaining entitlement capacity.