Palo Alto · Zoning · MOR
Palo Alto MOR zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Palo Alto's MOR zone, buildings can be up to 50 ft tall, the front setback is 50 ft and the minimum lot size is 25,000 sq ft (Palo Alto code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 50 ft
- Minimum front setback: 50 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Minimum lot size: 25,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 30%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.5
MOR 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 MOR
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 | 50 ft § 18.20.040 · code textTable row “Standard”, column “MOR”: 50 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 50 ft See note 3 below the table in the code. § 18.20.040 · code textTable row “Front Yard (ft)”, column “MOR”: 50(3) Note 3: In the MOR district, no required parking or loading space shall be located in the first 10 feet adjoining the street property line of any required yard. |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft § 18.20.040 · code textTable row “Interior Side Yard (ft)”, column “MOR”: 10 |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft See note 3 below the table in the code. § 18.20.040 · code textTable row “Rear Yard (ft)”, column “MOR”: 10 (3) Note 3: In the MOR district, no required parking or loading space shall be located in the first 10 feet adjoining the street property line of any required yard. |
| Minimum lot size | 25,000 sq ft § 18.20.040 · code textTable row “Site Area (sq. ft.)”, column “MOR”: 25,000 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 30% § 18.20.040 · code textTable row “Maximum Site Coverage”, column “MOR”: 30% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.5 § 18.20.040 · code textTable row “Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR)”, column “MOR”: 0.5:1 |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in MOR:
- Maximum building height: 35 ft — Portions of a site within 150 ft. of a residential district § 18.20.040
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, density limit for MOR in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Palo Alto Municipal Code.
Other Palo Alto zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Palo Alto's MOR zone?
50 ft — Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.20.040.
What is the minimum front setback in Palo Alto's MOR zone?
50 ft — Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.20.040.
What is the minimum side setback in Palo Alto's MOR zone?
10 ft — Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.20.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in Palo Alto's MOR zone?
10 ft — Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.20.040.
What is the minimum lot size in Palo Alto's MOR zone?
25,000 sq ft — Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.20.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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