Orange County · Zoning · CN
Orange County CN zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Orange County's CN zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft tall and the front setback is 20 ft, with the conditions listed below (Orange County code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft (From ultimate street R/W line)
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft (side line next to a district other than agricultural, residential or estates; 20 ft next to those districts, on a street, or on an alley)
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft (rear line next to a district other than agricultural, residential or estates; 20 ft on a street right-of-way line)
- Maximum lot coverage: 35%
CN is a zoning district in Orange County. Every value below was read from the Orange County 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 CN
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 § 7-9-33.3 · code textTable row “Maximum Building Height (ft)”, column “CN”: 35 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft Applies: From ultimate street R/W line § 7-9-33.3 · code textTable row “Front Setback From Ultimate Street R/W Line”, column “CN”: 20 |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft Applies: side line next to a district other than agricultural, residential or estates; 20 ft next to those districts, on a street, or on an alley § 7-9-33.3 · code textTable row “Side Setback From Ultimate Street R/W Line”, column “CN”: 20 |
| Minimum rear setback | 0 ft Applies: rear line next to a district other than agricultural, residential or estates; 20 ft on a street right-of-way line § 7-9-33.3 · code textTable row “Rear Setback From Ultimate Street R/W Line”, column “CN”: 20 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 35% § 7-9-33.3 · code textTable row “Maximum Building Site Coverage (% of lot)”, column “CN”: 35 |
Uses in CN
Uses the code's use tables allow in CN, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Church or place of worship — Needs a site development permit
- Community garden — Needs a site development permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in CN:
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft — From alley § 7-9-33.3
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft — From property line abutting A, R, or E Districts § 7-9-33.3
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot size, FAR, density limit for CN in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Orange County Municipal Code.
Other Orange County zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Orange County's CN zone?
35 ft — Orange County Municipal Code § 7-9-33.3.
What is the minimum front setback in Orange County's CN zone?
20 ft (from ultimate street R/W line) — Orange County Municipal Code § 7-9-33.3.
What is the minimum side setback in Orange County's CN zone?
0 ft (side line next to a district other than agricultural, residential or estates; 20 ft next to those districts, on a street, or on an alley) — Orange County Municipal Code § 7-9-33.3.
What is the minimum rear setback in Orange County's CN zone?
0 ft (rear line next to a district other than agricultural, residential or estates; 20 ft on a street right-of-way line) — Orange County Municipal Code § 7-9-33.3.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Orange County's CN zone?
35% — Orange County Municipal Code § 7-9-33.3.
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about an Orange County property in CN
Ask GoCodebook what you can build at a specific address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question