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Mission Viejo · Zoning · CH

Mission Viejo CH zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

In Mission Viejo's CH zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft (3 stories) tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 15,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Mission Viejo code, read October 2026).

Key points

  • Maximum building height: 35 ft (or three stories, whichever is less, unless modified by the commission)
  • Maximum number of stories: 3 stories (or 35 feet, whichever is less, unless modified by the commission)
  • Minimum front setback: 20 ft
  • Minimum side setback: 15 ft
  • Minimum rear setback: 25 ft
  • Minimum lot size: 15,000 sq ft
  • Maximum lot coverage: 60%
  • Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.5

CH is a zoning district in Mission Viejo. Every value below was read from the Mission Viejo 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 CH

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
35 ft
Applies: or three stories, whichever is less, unless modified by the commission
§ 9.11.020 · code text
Table row “Structure height (maximum feet)”, column “CH”: 35 feet or three stories, whichever is less, unless modified by the commission
Maximum number of stories
3 stories
Applies: or 35 feet, whichever is less, unless modified by the commission
§ 9.11.020 · code text
Table row “Structure height (maximum feet)”, column “CH”: 35 feet or three stories, whichever is less, unless modified by the commission
Minimum front setback
20 ft
§ 9.11.020 · code text
Table row “Front setback (feet)”, column “CH”: 20
Minimum side setback
15 ft
§ 9.11.020 · code text
Table row “Side setback (feet)”, column “CH”: 15
Minimum rear setback
25 ft
§ 9.11.020 · code text
Table row “Rear setback (feet)”, column “CH”: 25
Minimum lot size
15,000 sq ft
§ 9.11.020 · code text
Table row “Lot area (square feet)”, column “CH”: 15,000
Maximum lot coverage
60%
§ 9.11.020 · code text
Table row “Parcel coverage (maximum %)”, column “CH”: 60
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)
1.5
§ 9.11.020 · code text
Table row “Floor area ratio”, column “CH”: 1.5

Not on this page

We did not find a general density limit for CH in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Mission Viejo Municipal Code.

Other Mission Viejo zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Mission Viejo's CH zone?

35 ft (or three stories, whichever is less, unless modified by the commission) — Mission Viejo Municipal Code § 9.11.020.

What is the maximum number of stories in Mission Viejo's CH zone?

3 stories (or 35 feet, whichever is less, unless modified by the commission) — Mission Viejo Municipal Code § 9.11.020.

What is the minimum front setback in Mission Viejo's CH zone?

20 ft — Mission Viejo Municipal Code § 9.11.020.

What is the minimum side setback in Mission Viejo's CH zone?

15 ft — Mission Viejo Municipal Code § 9.11.020.

What is the minimum rear setback in Mission Viejo's CH zone?

25 ft — Mission Viejo Municipal Code § 9.11.020.

General information, not legal advice.

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