Downey · Zoning · C-3
Downey C-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Downey's C-3 zone, buildings can be up to 105 ft (7 stories) tall and the minimum lot size is 10,000 sq ft (Downey code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 105 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 7 stories
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (street side of a lot on a street that is not a major road; no minimum for an interior side next to a nonresidential zone)
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft (abutting nonresidential zone)
- Minimum lot size: 10,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 3.0
C-3 is a zoning district in Downey. Every value below was read from the Downey 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 C-3
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 | 105 ft § 9314.06 · code textTable row “Building height — maximum (feet or stories, whichever is less) b”, column “C-3”: 105 feet or 7 stories |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 7 stories § 9314.06 · code textTable row “Building height — maximum (feet or stories, whichever is less) b”, column “C-3”: 105 feet or 7 stories |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft Applies: street side of a lot on a street that is not a major road; no minimum for an interior side next to a nonresidential zone § 9314.06 · code textTable row “street (abutting all other streets) c”, column “C-3”: 5 |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft Applies: abutting nonresidential zone § 9314.06 · code textTable row “abutting nonresidential zone”, column “C-3”: 15 |
| Minimum lot size | 10,000 sq ft § 9314.06 · code textTable row “Lot area — minimum (square feet)”, column “C-3”: 10,000 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 9314.06 · code textTable row “Lot coverage — maximum (percent)”, column “C-3”: 50 |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 3.0 § 9314.06 · code textTable row “Floor area ratio — maximum”, column “C-3”: 3.0 |
Uses in C-3
Uses the code's use tables allow in C-3, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Kennel — Needs a conditional use permit
- Private school — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
When a different number applies
Not on this page
We did not find a general front setback, density limit for C-3 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Downey Municipal Code.
Other Downey zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Downey's C-3 zone?
105 ft — Downey Municipal Code § 9314.06.
What is the maximum number of stories in Downey's C-3 zone?
7 stories — Downey Municipal Code § 9314.06.
What is the minimum side setback in Downey's C-3 zone?
5 ft (street side of a lot on a street that is not a major road; no minimum for an interior side next to a nonresidential zone) — Downey Municipal Code § 9314.06.
What is the minimum rear setback in Downey's C-3 zone?
15 ft (abutting nonresidential zone) — Downey Municipal Code § 9314.06.
What is the minimum lot size in Downey's C-3 zone?
10,000 sq ft — Downey Municipal Code § 9314.06.
General information, not legal advice.
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