Oakland · Zoning · D-CE-3
Oakland D-CE-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Oakland's D-CE-3 zone, buildings can be up to 55 ft tall and the minimum lot size is 2,500 sq ft (Oakland code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 55 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft (Nonresidential Facilities)
- Minimum lot size: 2,500 sq ft
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 3.0 (Nonresidential)
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 700 sq ft (Regular Dwelling Units)
D-CE-3 is a zoning district in Oakland. Every value below was read from the Oakland 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 D-CE-3
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 | 55 ft § 17.101E.050 · code textTable row “Maximum height”, column “D-CE-3”: 55 ft. |
|---|---|
| Minimum rear setback | 0 ft Applies: Nonresidential Facilities § 17.101E.050 · code textTable row “Rear (Nonresidential Facilities)”, column “D-CE-3”: 0 ft. |
| Minimum lot size | 2,500 sq ft § 17.101E.050 · code textTable row “Lot area”, column “D-CE-3”: 2,500 sf. |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 3.0 Applies: Nonresidential § 17.101E.050 · code textTable row “Maximum Nonresidential FAR - See Design Guidelines Section 4.3.”, column “D-CE-3”: 3.0 |
| Maximum density | 1 unit per 700 sq ft Applies: Regular Dwelling Units § 17.101E.050 · code textTable row “Regular Dwelling Units”, column “D-CE-3”: 700 |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in D-CE-3:
- Maximum building height: 95 ft — near a freeway or BART right-of-way (next to it, across the street, or within 125 ft); needs a conditional use permit and design review § 17.101E.050
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, front setback, side setback, lot coverage limit for D-CE-3 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Oakland Municipal Code.
Other Oakland zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Oakland's D-CE-3 zone?
55 ft — Oakland Municipal Code § 17.101E.050.
What is the minimum rear setback in Oakland's D-CE-3 zone?
0 ft (nonresidential Facilities) — Oakland Municipal Code § 17.101E.050.
What is the minimum lot size in Oakland's D-CE-3 zone?
2,500 sq ft — Oakland Municipal Code § 17.101E.050.
What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Oakland's D-CE-3 zone?
3.0 (nonresidential) — Oakland Municipal Code § 17.101E.050.
What is the maximum density in Oakland's D-CE-3 zone?
1 unit per 700 sq ft (regular Dwelling Units) — Oakland Municipal Code § 17.101E.050.
General information, not legal advice.
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