Downey · Zoning · H-M
Downey H-M zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Downey's H-M zone, buildings can be up to 75 ft (5 stories) tall, the front setback is 10 ft and the minimum lot size is 6,000 sq ft (Downey code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 75 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 5 stories
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft (street side of a lot on a major road; an interior side next to a nonresidential zone is set by floor level (note e))
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft (abutting nonresidential zone)
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 2.0
H-M 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 H-M
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 | 75 ft § 9314.06 · code textTable row “Building height — maximum (feet or stories, whichever is less) b”, column “H-M”: 75 feet or 5 stories |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 5 stories § 9314.06 · code textTable row “Building height — maximum (feet or stories, whichever is less) b”, column “H-M”: 75 feet or 5 stories |
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft § 9314.06 · code textTable row “front c”, column “H-M”: 10 |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft Applies: street side of a lot on a major road; an interior side next to a nonresidential zone is set by floor level (note e) § 9314.06 · code textTable row “street (abutting major roads) c,d”, column “H-M”: 10 |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft Applies: abutting nonresidential zone § 9314.06 · code textTable row “abutting nonresidential zone”, column “H-M”: 15 |
| Minimum lot size | 6,000 sq ft § 9314.06 · code textTable row “Lot area — minimum (square feet)”, column “H-M”: 6,000 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 9314.06 · code textTable row “Lot coverage — maximum (percent)”, column “H-M”: 50 |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 2.0 § 9314.06 · code textTable row “Floor area ratio — maximum”, column “H-M”: 2.0 |
Uses in H-M
Uses the code's use tables allow in H-M, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Private school — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
When a different number applies
Not on this page
We did not find a general density limit for H-M 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 H-M zone?
75 ft — Downey Municipal Code § 9314.06.
What is the maximum number of stories in Downey's H-M zone?
5 stories — Downey Municipal Code § 9314.06.
What is the minimum front setback in Downey's H-M zone?
10 ft — Downey Municipal Code § 9314.06.
What is the minimum side setback in Downey's H-M zone?
10 ft (street side of a lot on a major road; an interior side next to a nonresidential zone is set by floor level (note e)) — Downey Municipal Code § 9314.06.
What is the minimum rear setback in Downey's H-M zone?
15 ft (abutting nonresidential zone) — Downey Municipal Code § 9314.06.
General information, not legal advice.
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