East Palo Alto · Zoning · C-N
East Palo Alto C-N zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In East Palo Alto's C-N zone, generally buildings can be up to 36 ft (3 stories) tall, the front setback is None required and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (East Palo Alto code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 36 ft (Or 3 stories, whichever is greater)
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories (Or 36 ft, whichever is greater)
- Minimum front setback: None required
- Minimum side setback: None required (Where abutting nonresidential property)
- Minimum rear setback: None required (Where abutting nonresidential property)
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq ft
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 2.0 FAR (The table also lists 0.35 FAR for ground floor commercial uses)
- Maximum density: 0 to 22 du/acre (the code sets a range: at least 0, at most 22)
C-N is a zoning district in East Palo Alto. Every value below was read from the East Palo Alto 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-N
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 | 36 ft Applies: Or 3 stories, whichever is greater § 18.14.030 · code textTable row “Height”, column “C-N”: 3 stories or 36 ft., whichever is greater |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories Applies: Or 36 ft, whichever is greater § 18.14.030 · code textTable row “Height”, column “C-N”: 3 stories or 36 ft., whichever is greater |
| Minimum front setback | None required § 18.14.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “C-N”: None |
| Minimum side setback | None required Applies: Where abutting nonresidential property § 18.14.030 · code textTable row “Abutting nonresidential”, column “C-N”: None |
| Minimum rear setback | None required Applies: Where abutting nonresidential property § 18.14.030 · code textTable row “Abutting nonresidential”, column “C-N”: None |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft § 18.14.030 · code textTable row “Parcel Area”, column “C-N”: 5000 |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 2.0 FAR Applies: The table also lists 0.35 FAR for ground floor commercial uses § 18.14.030 · code textTable row “Floor Area Ratio”, column “C-N”: 2.0 FAR |
| Maximum density | 0 to 22 du/acre Applies: the code sets a range: at least 0, at most 22 § 18.14.030 · code textTable row “Density”, column “C-N”: 0 - 22 du/acre |
Uses in C-N
Uses the code's use tables allow in C-N, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Live-work unit — Allowed — see note
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in C-N:
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Abutting residential § 18.14.030
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft — Abutting residential § 18.14.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot coverage limit for C-N in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the East Palo Alto Municipal Code.
Other East Palo Alto zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in East Palo Alto's C-N zone?
36 ft (or 3 stories, whichever is greater) — East Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.14.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in East Palo Alto's C-N zone?
3 stories (or 36 ft, whichever is greater) — East Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.14.030.
What is the minimum front setback in East Palo Alto's C-N zone?
None required — East Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.14.030.
What is the minimum side setback in East Palo Alto's C-N zone?
None required (where abutting nonresidential property) — East Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.14.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in East Palo Alto's C-N zone?
None required (where abutting nonresidential property) — East Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.14.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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