Walnut Creek · Zoning · M-3
Walnut Creek M-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Walnut Creek's M-3 zone, generally buildings can be up to 30 ft tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 15,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Walnut Creek code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 30 ft (Multifamily development, unless otherwise specified in the Zoning Map.)
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft (One-story buildings; on each side.)
- Minimum lot size: 15,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 3,000 sq ft
M-3 (Multiple Family Residential) is a zoning district in Walnut Creek. Every value below was read from the Walnut Creek 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.
| Maximum building height | 30 ft Applies: Multifamily development, unless otherwise specified in the Zoning Map. § 10-2.2.303 · code textThe maximum building height for multifamily development shall be thirty (30) feet unless otherwise specified in the Zoning Map. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 10-2.2.303 · code textTable row “c. M-3”, column “DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS”: 20 Feet |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft Applies: One-story buildings; on each side. § 10-2.2.303 · code textThe minimum interior side yard for one-story buildings in the M-3 district shall be ten (10) feet on each side. |
| Minimum lot size | 15,000 sq ft § 10-2.2.303 · code textTable row “6. M-3”, column “DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS”: 15,000 Sq Ft |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 10-2.2.303 · code textTable row “6. M-3”, column “DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS”: 50% |
| Maximum density | 1 unit per 3,000 sq ft § 10-2.2.303 · code textTable row “f. M-3”, column “DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS”: 1 dwelling unit per 3,000 sq. ft. of net lot area |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in M-3:
- Maximum building height: 25 ft — Single-family development. § 10-2.2.303
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft + 3 in per ft over 10 ft height — Every building over one story; for the second story. § 10-2.2.303
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft — Adjacent to any single-family development. § 10-2.2.303
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — Not adjacent to single-family development. § 10-2.2.303
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, rear setback, FAR limit for M-3 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Walnut Creek Municipal Code.
Other Walnut Creek zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Walnut Creek's M-3 zone?
30 ft (multifamily development, unless otherwise specified in the Zoning Map) — Walnut Creek Municipal Code § 10-2.2.303.
What is the minimum front setback in Walnut Creek's M-3 zone?
20 ft — Walnut Creek Municipal Code § 10-2.2.303.
What is the minimum side setback in Walnut Creek's M-3 zone?
10 ft (one-story buildings; on each side) — Walnut Creek Municipal Code § 10-2.2.303.
What is the minimum lot size in Walnut Creek's M-3 zone?
15,000 sq ft — Walnut Creek Municipal Code § 10-2.2.303.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Walnut Creek's M-3 zone?
50% — Walnut Creek Municipal Code § 10-2.2.303.
General information, not legal advice.
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