Newark CMU zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

CMU is a zoning district in Newark. Every value below was read from the Newark 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 CMU

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	60 ft Applies: 75 ft in Old Town Specific Plan area; 48 ft within 20 ft of RM District; 35 ft within 20 ft of RS or RL § 17.08.030 · code text Table row “Maximum Height (ft)”, column “CMU”: 60, 75 within the Old Town Specific Plan area, 48 within 20 ft of an RM District boundary, 35 within 20 ft of an RS or RL District boundary
Minimum front setback	0 ft § 17.08.030 · code text Table row “Front”, column “CMU”: 0
Minimum side setback	0 ft Applies: 20 ft abutting a RS District boundary or any lot developed with a single family residence § 17.08.030 · code text Table row “Interior Side”, column “CMU”: 0, 20 abutting a RS District boundary or any lot developed with a single family residence
Minimum rear setback	0 ft Applies: 10 ft abutting a RS District boundary or any lot developed with a single family residence § 17.08.030 · code text Table row “Rear”, column “CMU”: 0, 10 abutting a RS District boundary or any lot developed with a single family residence
Minimum lot size	20,000 sq ft § 17.08.030 · code text Table row “Minimum Lot Size (sq ft)”, column “CMU”: 20,000
Maximum density	60 units/acre § 17.08.030 · code text Table row “Maximum”, column “CMU”: 60, 100 within the Old Town Newark Specific Plan area

Uses in CMU

Uses the code's use tables allow in CMU, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

Apartment building — Allowed — see note
Live-work unit — Needs a minor use permit
Child care center — Needs a minor use permit

When a different number applies

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

Maximum building height: 75 ft — within the Old Town Specific Plan area § 17.08.030
Maximum building height: 48 ft — within 20 ft of an RM District boundary § 17.08.030
Maximum building height: 35 ft — within 20 ft of an RS or RL District boundary § 17.08.030
Minimum side setback: 20 ft — abutting a RS District boundary or any lot developed with a single family residence § 17.08.030
Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — abutting a RS District boundary or any lot developed with a single family residence § 17.08.030
Maximum density: 100 units/acre — within the Old Town Newark Specific Plan area § 17.08.030

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, lot coverage, FAR limit for CMU in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Newark Municipal Code.

Other Newark zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Newark's CMU zone?

60 ft (75 ft in Old Town Specific Plan area; 48 ft within 20 ft of RM District; 35 ft within 20 ft of RS or RL) — Newark Municipal Code § 17.08.030.

What is the minimum front setback in Newark's CMU zone?

0 ft — Newark Municipal Code § 17.08.030.

What is the minimum side setback in Newark's CMU zone?

0 ft (20 ft abutting a RS District boundary or any lot developed with a single family residence) — Newark Municipal Code § 17.08.030.

What is the minimum rear setback in Newark's CMU zone?

0 ft (10 ft abutting a RS District boundary or any lot developed with a single family residence) — Newark Municipal Code § 17.08.030.

What is the minimum lot size in Newark's CMU zone?

20,000 sq ft — Newark Municipal Code § 17.08.030.

General information, not legal advice.