St Helena · Zoning · MU
St Helena MU zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In St Helena's MU zone, generally the front setback is 5 to 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (St Helena code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Minimum front setback: 5 to 15 ft (residential uses, except north of Mitchell Drive; the code sets a range: at least 5, at most 15)
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq ft
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.0
- Maximum density: 20 du/ac
MU (Mixed-Use) is a zoning district in St Helena. Every value below was read from the St Helena 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
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 | 5 to 15 ft Applies: residential uses, except north of Mitchell Drive; the code sets a range: at least 5, at most 15 § 17.17.030 · code textTable row “Front Setback”, column “MU”: Residential: No setback allowed north of Mitchell Drive; 5—15 ft everywhere else |
|---|---|
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft § 17.17.030 · code textTable row “Min. Lot Area”, column “MU”: 5,000 sq ft |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 1.0 § 17.17.030 · code textTable row “FAR”, column “MU”: Max. 1.0 (inclusive of residential uses) |
| Maximum density | 20 du/ac § 17.17.030 · code textTable row “Density”, column “MU”: Up to 20 du/ac |
Uses in MU
Uses the code's use tables allow in MU, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Apartment building — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
- Rooming or boarding house — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
- Bed and breakfast — Needs a minor use permit
- Child care center — Needs a minor use permit
- Community garden — Needs a minor use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in MU:
- Maximum building height: 30 ft — pitched roof, within 20 ft of a residential district § 17.17.030
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories — pitched roof, within 20 ft of a residential district § 17.17.030
- Minimum front setback: No setback allowed — residential uses north of Mitchell Drive § 17.17.030
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — abutting a residential district § 17.17.030
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — abutting a residential district § 17.17.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general height, stories, side setback, rear setback, lot coverage limit for MU in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the St Helena Municipal Code.
Other St Helena zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum front setback in St Helena's MU zone?
5 to 15 ft (residential uses, except north of Mitchell Drive; the code sets a range: at least 5, at most 15) — St Helena Municipal Code § 17.17.030.
What is the minimum lot size in St Helena's MU zone?
5,000 sq ft — St Helena Municipal Code § 17.17.030.
What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in St Helena's MU zone?
1.0 — St Helena Municipal Code § 17.17.030.
What is the maximum density in St Helena's MU zone?
20 du/ac — St Helena Municipal Code § 17.17.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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