Palo Alto · Zoning · CN
Palo Alto CN zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Palo Alto's CN zone, generally buildings can be up to 25 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 0 to 10 ft and the minimum lot size is No minimum, with the conditions listed below (Palo Alto code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 25 ft (Exclusively non-residential uses)
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories (Exclusively non-residential uses)
- Minimum front setback: 0 to 10 ft (The code sets a range (0 to 10 ft) to create an 8 to 12 ft effective sidewalk width.)
- Minimum side setback: None required (non-residential uses; at least 10 ft where the lot line abuts or is opposite a residential district)
- Minimum rear setback: None required (non-residential uses; at least 10 ft where the lot line abuts or is opposite a residential district)
- Minimum lot size: No minimum
- Maximum lot coverage: 50% (Exclusively non-residential uses)
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.4 (Exclusively non-residential uses)
- Maximum density: 15 units per acre (Other CN zoned sites not located on El Camino Real)
CN is a zoning district in Palo Alto. Every value below was read from the 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 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 | 25 ft Applies: Exclusively non-residential uses § 18.16.060 · code textTable row “Standard”, column “CN”: 25' and 2 stories |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories Applies: Exclusively non-residential uses § 18.16.060 · code textTable row “Standard”, column “CN”: 25' and 2 stories |
| Minimum front setback | 0 to 10 ft Applies: The code sets a range (0 to 10 ft) to create an 8 to 12 ft effective sidewalk width. See notes 1, 2, 8 below the table in the code. § 18.16.060 · code textTable row “Front Yard (ft)”, column “CN”: 0 - 10' to create an 8' - 12' effective sidewalk width (1), (2), (8) Note 1: No parking or loading space, whether required or optional, shall be located in the first 10 feet adjoining the street property line of any required yard. Note 2: Any minimum front, street side, or interior yard shall be planted and maintained as a landscaped screen excluding areas required for access to the site. A solid wall or fence between 5 and 8 feet in height shall be constructed along any common interior lot line. Note 8: A 12-foot sidewalk width is required along El Camino Real frontage. |
| Minimum side setback | None required Applies: non-residential uses; at least 10 ft where the lot line abuts or is opposite a residential district § 18.16.060 · code textTable row “Interior Side Yard (ft)”, column “CN”: None required |
| Minimum rear setback | None required Applies: non-residential uses; at least 10 ft where the lot line abuts or is opposite a residential district § 18.16.060 · code textTable row “Rear Yard (ft)”, column “CN”: None required |
| Minimum lot size | No minimum § 18.16.060 · code textTable row “Minimum Site Specifications Site Area (ft 2 ) Site Width (ft) Site Depth (ft)”, column “CN”: None Required |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% Applies: Exclusively non-residential uses § 18.16.060 · code textTable row “Maximum Site Coverage”, column “CN”: 50% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.4 Applies: Exclusively non-residential uses § 18.16.060 · code textTable row “Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR)”, column “CN”: 0.4:1 |
| Maximum density | 15 units per acre Applies: Other CN zoned sites not located on El Camino Real See notes 3, 9 below the table in the code. § 18.16.060 · code textTable row “Residential Density (net) (3)”, column “CN”: 15 or 20 (9) Note 3: Residential density shall be computed based upon the total site area, irrespective of the percent of the site devoted to commercial use. Note 9: Residential densities up to 20 units/acre are allowed on CN zoned housing inventory sites identified in the Housing Element. Other CN zoned sites not located on El Camino Real are subject to a maximum residential density of up to 15 units/acre. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in CN:
- Maximum building height: 35 ft — Mixed use and residential development; on El Camino Real sites the limit is 40 ft. § 18.16.060
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.0 — Housing development project of three to seven units; bonus does not apply within a historic district, listed historic property, landmark, or historic property or district designated by ordinance § 18.16.065
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.25 — Housing development project of eight to ten units; bonus does not apply within a historic district, listed historic property, landmark, or historic property or district designated by ordinance § 18.16.065
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.5 — Mixed use and residential development; residential floor area § 18.16.060
- Maximum density: 20 units per acre — CN zoned housing inventory sites identified in the Housing Element § 18.16.060
Other Palo Alto zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Palo Alto's CN zone?
25 ft (exclusively non-residential uses) — Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.16.060.
What is the maximum number of stories in Palo Alto's CN zone?
2 stories (exclusively non-residential uses) — Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.16.060.
What is the minimum front setback in Palo Alto's CN zone?
0 to 10 ft (the code sets a range (0 to 10 ft) to create an 8 to 12 ft effective sidewalk width) — Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.16.060.
What is the minimum side setback in Palo Alto's CN zone?
None required (non-residential uses; at least 10 ft where the lot line abuts or is opposite a residential district) — Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.16.060.
What is the minimum rear setback in Palo Alto's CN zone?
None required (non-residential uses; at least 10 ft where the lot line abuts or is opposite a residential district) — Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.16.060.
General information, not legal advice.
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