San Luis Obispo · Zoning · C-D
San Luis Obispo C-D zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In San Luis Obispo's C-D zone, generally buildings can be up to 50 ft tall, the front setback is None required and the minimum lot size is 3,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (San Luis Obispo code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 50 ft (May be increased up to 75 ft with defined community benefits)
- Minimum front setback: None required (Unless next to a zone with a setback rule; then that zone's setback applies)
- Minimum side setback: None required (Unless next to a zone with a setback rule; then that zone's setback applies)
- Minimum rear setback: None required (Unless next to a zone with a setback rule; then that zone's setback applies)
- Minimum lot size: 3,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 100%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 3.0 (Buildings up to 50 feet in height)
C-D (Downtown Commercial (C-D) Zone) is a zoning district in San Luis Obispo. Every value below was read from the San Luis Obispo 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 C-D
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 Applies: May be increased up to 75 ft with defined community benefits § 17.32.020 · code textTable row “Maximum Building Height”, column “C-D Zone”: 50 feet |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | None required Applies: Unless next to a zone with a setback rule; then that zone's setback applies § 17.32.020 · code textTable row “Front”, column “C-D Zone”: No setback required unless adjacent to zone with minimum setback requirement, in which case the adjoining setback shall be as provided in the zone of adjacent lot. Lots separated by streets or other rights-of-way are not considered adjacent. If more than one zone is adjacent, the largest setback shall be required |
| Minimum side setback | None required Applies: Unless next to a zone with a setback rule; then that zone's setback applies § 17.32.020 · code textTable row “Interior Side and Rear”, column “C-D Zone”: No setback required unless adjacent to zone with minimum setback requirement, in which case the adjoining setback shall be as provided in the zone of adjacent lot. Lots separated by streets or other rights-of-way are not considered adjacent. If more than one zone is adjacent, the largest setback shall be required |
| Minimum rear setback | None required Applies: Unless next to a zone with a setback rule; then that zone's setback applies § 17.32.020 · code textTable row “Interior Side and Rear”, column “C-D Zone”: No setback required unless adjacent to zone with minimum setback requirement, in which case the adjoining setback shall be as provided in the zone of adjacent lot. Lots separated by streets or other rights-of-way are not considered adjacent. If more than one zone is adjacent, the largest setback shall be required |
| Minimum lot size | 3,000 sq ft § 17.32.020 · code textTable row “Minimum Lot Area”, column “C-D Zone”: 3,000 square feet |
| Maximum lot coverage | 100% § 17.32.020 · code textTable row “Maximum Lot Coverage”, column “C-D Zone”: 100% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 3.0 Applies: Buildings up to 50 feet in height § 17.32.020 · code textTable row “Maximum Floor Area Ratio”, column “C-D Zone”: 3.0—maximum allowed for buildings up to 50 feet in height 3.75—maximum allowed for buildings approved greater than 50 feet in height 4.0—maximum allowed for approved buildings over 50 feet in height with transfer of development credits for open space protection or historic preservation See also Section 17.70.060 (FAR Measurement and Exceptions) |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in C-D:
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 3.75 — Buildings approved greater than 50 feet in height § 17.32.020
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 4.0 — Approved buildings over 50 feet in height with transfer of development credits for open space protection or historic preservation § 17.32.020
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, density limit for C-D in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code.
Other San Luis Obispo zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in San Luis Obispo's C-D zone?
50 ft (may be increased up to 75 ft with defined community benefits) — San Luis Obispo Municipal Code § 17.32.020.
What is the minimum front setback in San Luis Obispo's C-D zone?
None required (unless next to a zone with a setback rule; then that zone's setback applies) — San Luis Obispo Municipal Code § 17.32.020.
What is the minimum side setback in San Luis Obispo's C-D zone?
None required (unless next to a zone with a setback rule; then that zone's setback applies) — San Luis Obispo Municipal Code § 17.32.020.
What is the minimum rear setback in San Luis Obispo's C-D zone?
None required (unless next to a zone with a setback rule; then that zone's setback applies) — San Luis Obispo Municipal Code § 17.32.020.
What is the minimum lot size in San Luis Obispo's C-D zone?
3,000 sq ft — San Luis Obispo Municipal Code § 17.32.020.
General information, not legal advice.
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