Skip to content

Sunnyvale · Zoning · M-3

Sunnyvale M-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

In Sunnyvale's M-3 zone, the front setback is 25 ft and the minimum lot size is 22,500 sq ft (Sunnyvale code, read October 2026).

Key points

  • Minimum front setback: 25 ft
  • Minimum side setback: 20 ft (total of both side yards added together)
  • Minimum rear setback: None required
  • Minimum lot size: 22,500 sq ft

M-3 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 M-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.

Minimum front setback
25 ft
§ 19.34.030 · code text
Table row “M-3 7”, column “Front Yard Minimum 1, 2”: 25
Minimum side setback
20 ft
Applies: total of both side yards added together
§ 19.34.030 · code text
Table row “M-3 7”, column “Side Yards Total 1, 3, 4”: 20
Minimum rear setback
None required
§ 19.34.030 · code text
Table row “M-3 7”, column “Rear Yard 1, 6”: None
Minimum lot size
22,500 sq ft
§ 19.30.020 · code text
Table row “M-3”, column “Lot Area Minimum (Square feet)”: 22,500

Not on this page

We did not find a general height, stories, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for M-3 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 minimum front setback in Sunnyvale's M-3 zone?

25 ft — Sunnyvale Municipal Code § 19.34.030.

What is the minimum side setback in Sunnyvale's M-3 zone?

20 ft (total of both side yards added together) — Sunnyvale Municipal Code § 19.34.030.

What is the minimum rear setback in Sunnyvale's M-3 zone?

None required — Sunnyvale Municipal Code § 19.34.030.

What is the minimum lot size in Sunnyvale's M-3 zone?

22,500 sq ft — Sunnyvale Municipal Code § 19.30.020.

General information, not legal advice.

Ask about a Sunnyvale property in M-3

Ask GoCodebook what you can build at a specific address and get an answer that cites the section.

Ask your question

More on Sunnyvale