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Downey · Zoning · MU

Downey MU zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

In Downey's MU zone, buildings can be up to 75 feet (5 stories) tall and the minimum lot size is 7,500 sq ft (Downey code, read October 2026).

Key points

  • Maximum building height: 75 feet
  • Maximum number of stories: 5 stories
  • Minimum lot size: 7,500 sq ft
  • Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 4.0
  • Maximum density: 24 du/ac

MU (Mixed-Use Zone) 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 MU

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 feet
§ 9316.06 · code text
Table row “Building height — maximum (feet) a”, column “MU Zone”: 75 feet or 5 stories, whichever is less
Maximum number of stories
5 stories
§ 9316.06 · code text
Table row “Building height — maximum (feet) a”, column “MU Zone”: 75 feet or 5 stories, whichever is less
Minimum lot size
7,500 sq ft
§ 9316.06 · code text
Table row “Lot area — minimum (square feet)”, column “MU Zone”: 7,500
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)
4.0
§ 9316.06 · code text
Table row “Floor area ratio”, column “MU Zone”: 4.0
Maximum density
24 du/ac
§ 9316.06 · code text
Table row “Residential density — maximum”, column “MU Zone”: 24 du/ac

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in MU:

  • Minimum side setback: 20 ft — interior side setback abutting a residential zone § 9316.06
  • Minimum rear setback: 20 ft — abutting a residential zone § 9316.06

Not on this page

We did not find a general front setback, side setback, rear setback, lot coverage limit for MU 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

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Downey's MU zone?

75 feet — Downey Municipal Code § 9316.06.

What is the maximum number of stories in Downey's MU zone?

5 stories — Downey Municipal Code § 9316.06.

What is the minimum lot size in Downey's MU zone?

7,500 sq ft — Downey Municipal Code § 9316.06.

What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Downey's MU zone?

4.0 — Downey Municipal Code § 9316.06.

What is the maximum density in Downey's MU zone?

24 du/ac — Downey Municipal Code § 9316.06.

General information, not legal advice.

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