Richmond · Zoning · CM-3
Richmond CM-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Richmond's CM-3 zone, generally buildings can be up to 55 ft (5 stories) tall, the front setback is 0 to 5 ft and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (Richmond code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 55 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 5 stories
- Minimum front setback: 0 to 5 ft (build-to line: the building must stand within this distance; commercial and mixed-use development (housing-only follows RM2))
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft (Commercial and mixed-use development; housing-only projects follow the RM2 setbacks)
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft (Commercial and mixed-use development; housing-only projects follow the RM2 setbacks)
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq. ft.
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 2.0 (Applies to non-residential floor area only)
- Maximum density: 50 units per net acre
CM-3 is a zoning district in Richmond. Every value below was read from the Richmond 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 CM-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 § 15.04.202.030 · code textTable row “Building Maximum Height (ft.)”, column “CM-3”: 55; 35 within 50 feet of a Residential District |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 5 stories § 15.04.202.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Stories”, column “CM-3”: 5 |
| Minimum front setback | 0 to 5 ft Applies: build-to line: the building must stand within this distance; commercial and mixed-use development (housing-only follows RM2) § 15.04.202.030 · code textTable row “Street Frontages (A)”, column “CM-3”: Min. 0; Max. 5 |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft Applies: Commercial and mixed-use development; housing-only projects follow the RM2 setbacks § 15.04.202.030 · code textTable row “Interior Side (B)”, column “CM-3”: Min. 0; 5 where abutting a Residential District |
| Minimum rear setback | 0 ft Applies: Commercial and mixed-use development; housing-only projects follow the RM2 setbacks § 15.04.202.030 · code textTable row “Rear (B)”, column “CM-3”: Min. 0; 10 where abutting Residential District |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq. ft. § 15.04.202.030 · code textTable row “Minimum Lot Size (sq. ft.)”, column “CM-3”: 5,000 |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 2.0 Applies: Applies to non-residential floor area only § 15.04.202.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Non-Residential Floor Area Ratio (FAR)”, column “CM-3”: 2.0 |
| Maximum density | 50 units per net acre § 15.04.202.030 · code textTable row “Minimum; Maximum Density (units/net acre)”, column “CM-3”: 15; 50 |
Uses in CM-3
Uses the code's use tables allow in CM-3, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Apartment building — Allowed
- Child care center — Needs an administrative use permit
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
- Community garden — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in CM-3:
- Maximum building height: 35 ft — within 50 feet of a Residential District § 15.04.202.030
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories — For the CM-3 District along San Pablo Avenue, when abutting a single family residential zone. § 15.04.202.030
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft — where abutting a Residential District § 15.04.202.030
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — where abutting Residential District § 15.04.202.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot coverage limit for CM-3 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Richmond Municipal Code.
Other Richmond zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Richmond's CM-3 zone?
55 ft — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.202.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in Richmond's CM-3 zone?
5 stories — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.202.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Richmond's CM-3 zone?
0 to 5 ft (build-to line: the building must stand within this distance; commercial and mixed-use development (housing-only follows RM2)) — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.202.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Richmond's CM-3 zone?
0 ft (commercial and mixed-use development; housing-only projects follow the RM2 setbacks) — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.202.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Richmond's CM-3 zone?
0 ft (commercial and mixed-use development; housing-only projects follow the RM2 setbacks) — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.202.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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