California law requires a city’s zoning map and ordinance to be consistent with its General Plan, especially its land use and housing elements. Ferndale’s adopted Land Use Element includes changes that are not currently reflected in the Ferndale Zoning Map or Ordinance. These changes relate to updates to the land use designations (e.g., changes in densities), and new policies and programs (e.g., streamside protection area along both sides of Francis Creek). A review of the implementation programs in the adopted Housing Element shows there updates to the zoning regulations that have not yet been completed.

The City planner is preparing a series of amendments that will make Ferndale’s Zoning Map and Ordinance consistent with the General Plan. The amendments will be advanced in three groups and are scheduled to be completed by December 2025.

This page will be used for any documents and changes related to these Zoning updates. Documents will be posted below.

MEETINGS
City Council Public Hearing —October 15, 2025—Public Notice 10.15.25 CC
Planning Commission Public Hearing—August 6, 2025—PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE 8/6/2025 PC
City Council Public Hearing — July 16, 2025 — PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE 7.16.25 CC
Planning Commission Public Hearing—May 7, 2025— PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE 5/7/2025

RELATED DOCUMENTS
The Planning Commission’s recommended text amendments to the Ferndale Zoning and Subdivision ordinances that will be considered by the City Council as part of the public hearing on 10/15/2025 can be read and downloaded here:
PC Recommended ZO Amendments-TC
PC Recommended ZO Amendments-CLEAN
PC Recommended Amendment to SD-TC
PC Recommended Amend to SD Ordinance-CLEAN

The proposed text amendments to the Ferndale Zoning and Subdivision ordinances that will be considered by the Planning Commission as part of the public hearing on 8/6/2025 can be read and downloaded here:
PC Draft Zoning Ord amend 7.23.25-TC
PC Draft Zoning Ord amend 7.23.25-CLEAN
PC Draft of Subd. Ord. amend 7.23.25-TC
PC Draft of Subd. Ord. amend 7.23.25-CLEAN

The proposed text amendments to the Ferndale Zoning and Subdivision ordinances that will be considered by the Planning Commission as part of the public hearing on 05/07/2025 can be read and downloaded here:
5.7.25 PC_Redline Zoning Ord amend.docx
The current Ferndale Zoning Ordinance can be read and downloaded here: https://ci.ferndale.ca.us/laws/Zoning%20Ordinance.pdf
There are 31 parcels that are proposed to change from one zone to another zone consistent with the adopted General Plan Land Use Element and Land Use Map. You can view the proposed changes to the Ferndale Zoning Map here:
City_of_Ferndale_proposed_zoning_24x36_202503311