Alameda County · Zoning · M-1
Alameda County M-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Alameda County's M-1 zone, buildings can be up to 45 ft tall and the front setback is 20 ft (Alameda County code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 45 ft
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft (30 ft where the abutting lot is in an R district)
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft
M-1 is a zoning district in Alameda County. Every value below was read from the Alameda County Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.
Development standards in M-1
The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.
| Maximum building height | 45 ft § 17.44.090 · code textNo building or structure in an M-1 district shall have a height in excess of forty-five (45) feet, except as provided by Section 17.52.090. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 17.44.080 · code textA. Depth of front yard: not less than twenty (20) feet; |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft Applies: 30 ft where the abutting lot is in an R district § 17.44.080 · code textC. Width of each side yard: not less than ten feet provided that where the abutting lot is any R district, the width of the side yard shall be not less than thirty (30) feet. |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft § 17.44.080 · code textB. Depth of rear yard: not less than twenty (20) feet; |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in M-1:
- Minimum side setback: 30 ft — Where the abutting lot is any R district § 17.44.080
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot size, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for M-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Alameda County Municipal Code.
Other Alameda County zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Alameda County's M-1 zone?
45 ft — Alameda County Municipal Code § 17.44.090.
What is the minimum front setback in Alameda County's M-1 zone?
20 ft — Alameda County Municipal Code § 17.44.080.
What is the minimum side setback in Alameda County's M-1 zone?
10 ft (30 ft where the abutting lot is in an R district) — Alameda County Municipal Code § 17.44.080.
What is the minimum rear setback in Alameda County's M-1 zone?
20 ft — Alameda County Municipal Code § 17.44.080.
General information, not legal advice.
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