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Sunnyvale · Zoning · C-1

Sunnyvale C-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

In Sunnyvale's C-1 zone, buildings can be up to 40 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 70 ft and the minimum lot size is No minimum (Sunnyvale code, read October 2026).

Key points

  • Maximum building height: 40 ft
  • Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
  • Minimum front setback: 70 ft
  • Minimum side setback: None required
  • Minimum rear setback: None required
  • Minimum lot size: No minimum
  • Maximum lot coverage: 35%

C-1 is a zoning district in Sunnyvale. Every value below was read from the Sunnyvale 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-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.

Maximum building height
40 ft
§ 19.32.020 · code text
Table row “C-1”, column “Building Height (ft.)”: 40
Maximum number of stories
2 stories
§ 19.32.020 · code text
Table row “C-1”, column “Building Stories”: 2
Minimum front setback
70 ft
§ 19.34.030 · code text
Table row “C-1 7”, column “Front Yard Minimum 1, 2”: 70
Minimum side setback
None required
§ 19.34.030 · code text
Table row “C-1 7”, column “Side Yards Total 1, 3, 4”: None
Minimum rear setback
None required
§ 19.34.030 · code text
Table row “C-1 7”, column “Rear Yard 1, 6”: None
Minimum lot size
No minimum
§ 19.30.020 · code text
Table row “C-1”, column “Lot Area Minimum (Square feet)”: None
Maximum lot coverage
35%
§ 19.32.020 · code text
Table row “C-1”, column “Lot Coverage”: 35%

Not on this page

We did not find a general FAR, density limit for C-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Sunnyvale Municipal Code.

Other Sunnyvale zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Sunnyvale's C-1 zone?

40 ft — Sunnyvale Municipal Code § 19.32.020.

What is the maximum number of stories in Sunnyvale's C-1 zone?

2 stories — Sunnyvale Municipal Code § 19.32.020.

What is the minimum front setback in Sunnyvale's C-1 zone?

70 ft — Sunnyvale Municipal Code § 19.34.030.

What is the minimum side setback in Sunnyvale's C-1 zone?

None required — Sunnyvale Municipal Code § 19.34.030.

What is the minimum rear setback in Sunnyvale's C-1 zone?

None required — Sunnyvale Municipal Code § 19.34.030.

General information, not legal advice.

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