San Clemente · Zoning · MU 1
San Clemente MU 1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In San Clemente's MU 1 zone, the front setback is 0 ft and the minimum lot size is 6,000 sq ft (San Clemente code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Minimum front setback: 0 ft
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 100%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 2.0 (mixed use projects; the part for commercial use must be at least 0.35 and at most 1.0)
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 1,200 sq ft of net lot area or 1 unit per 1,800 sq ft of gross area, whichever is less (whichever limit is less; the density row also lists 24.0 units per gross acre and 36.0 per net acre)
MU 1 is a zoning district in San Clemente. Every value below was read from the San Clemente 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 MU 1
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.
| Minimum front setback | 0 ft § 17.40.040 · code textTable row “Front Setback, Minimum”, column “MU 1 Zone Requirement”: 0'-0" |
|---|---|
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft § 17.40.040 · code textTable row “Interior Side Setback, Minimum”, column “MU 1 Zone Requirement”: 0'-0" |
| Minimum rear setback | 0 ft § 17.40.040 · code textTable row “Rear Setback Minimum”, column “MU 1 Zone Requirement”: 0'-0" |
| Minimum lot size | 6,000 sq ft § 17.40.040 · code textTable row “Lot Area, Minimum”, column “MU 1 Zone Requirement”: 6,000 Square Feet |
| Maximum lot coverage | 100% § 17.40.040 · code textTable row “Lot Coverage, Maximum”, column “MU 1 Zone Requirement”: 100 percent of lot area |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 2.0 Applies: mixed use projects; the part for commercial use must be at least 0.35 and at most 1.0 § 17.40.040 · code textTable row “Area Ratio, Maximum”, column “MU 1 Zone Requirement”: Mixed use projects: 2.0 (the Floor Area Ratio devoted to Commercial use shall be a minimum of 0.35 and a maximum of 1.0) |
| Maximum density | 1 unit per 1,200 sq ft of net lot area or 1 unit per 1,800 sq ft of gross area, whichever is less Applies: whichever limit is less; the density row also lists 24.0 units per gross acre and 36.0 per net acre § 17.40.040 · code textTable row “Maximum number of Residential Units”, column “MU 1 Zone Requirement”: Maximum of one dwelling unit per 1,200 square feet of net lot area or one dwelling unit per 1,800 square feet of gross area, whichever is less. |
Uses in MU 1
Uses the code's use tables allow in MU 1, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in MU 1:
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.0 — Commercial projects § 17.40.040
Not on this page
We did not find a general height, stories limit for MU 1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the San Clemente Municipal Code.
Other San Clemente zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum front setback in San Clemente's MU 1 zone?
0 ft — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.40.040.
What is the minimum side setback in San Clemente's MU 1 zone?
0 ft — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.40.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in San Clemente's MU 1 zone?
0 ft — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.40.040.
What is the minimum lot size in San Clemente's MU 1 zone?
6,000 sq ft — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.40.040.
What is the maximum lot coverage in San Clemente's MU 1 zone?
100% — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.40.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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