Pismo Beach CD-M zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

CD-M is a zoning district in Pismo Beach. Every value below was read from the Pismo Beach 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 CD-M

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 See notes 4, 7 below the table in the code. § 17.12.040 · code text Table row “Height limit (4)”, column “CD-M”: 35 ft.; 25 ft. for single-family dwellings. (7) Note 4: Maximum allowed height of structures, except where a height limitation (HL), or view considerations (V) overlay district applies (Sections 17.18.040, and 17.18.060, respectively). The HL overlay applies in the following planning areas established by the general plan: Dinosaur Caves, Freeway Foothills, North Spyglass, Shell Beach, Spyglass, South Palisades, and Sunset Palisades. See also Chapter 17 Note 7: See Section 17.12.050(B) for height limits on sites adjacent to the boardwalk area.
Minimum front setback	15 ft § 17.12.040 · code text Table row “Front”, column “CD-M”: 15 ft.
Minimum lot size	5,000 sq. ft. See note 1 below the table in the code. § 17.12.040 · code text Table row “Minimum lot area (1)”, column “CD-M”: 5,000 sq. ft. Note 1: Minimum area for parcels proposed in new subdivisions.
Maximum lot coverage	70% Applies: Non-residential uses; residential uses are limited to 55% See note 3 below the table in the code. § 17.12.040 · code text Table row “Site coverage (3)”, column “CD-M”: 70%; 55% for residential uses. Note 3: Maximum percentage of site area that may be covered with structures. See the definition of site coverage in Article VI (Definitions).
Maximum density	1 unit per 1,450 sq. ft. of site area Applies: Residential units § 17.12.040 · code text Table row “Residential units”, column “CD-M”: 1 unit per 1,450 sq. ft. of site area. (For example, a 5,000 sq. ft. lot may be allowed 3 units (5,000 / 1,450 = 3.45, rounded down to 3).)

Uses in CD-M

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

Single-family home — Needs a conditional use permit
Duplex — Allowed
Emergency shelter — Allowed

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in CD-M:

Maximum building height: 25 ft — Single-family dwellings § 17.12.040
Maximum lot coverage: 55% — Residential uses § 17.12.040

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, side setback, rear setback, FAR limit for CD-M in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Pismo Beach Municipal Code.

Other Pismo Beach zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Pismo Beach's CD-M zone?

35 ft — Pismo Beach Municipal Code § 17.12.040.

What is the minimum front setback in Pismo Beach's CD-M zone?

15 ft — Pismo Beach Municipal Code § 17.12.040.

What is the minimum lot size in Pismo Beach's CD-M zone?

5,000 sq. ft. — Pismo Beach Municipal Code § 17.12.040.

What is the maximum lot coverage in Pismo Beach's CD-M zone?

70% (non-residential uses; residential uses are limited to 55%) — Pismo Beach Municipal Code § 17.12.040.

What is the maximum density in Pismo Beach's CD-M zone?

1 unit per 1,450 sq. ft. of site area (residential units) — Pismo Beach Municipal Code § 17.12.040.

General information, not legal advice.