Alameda County · Zoning · C-1
Alameda County C-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Alameda County's C-1 zone, generally buildings can be up to 45 ft tall and the front setback is 0 ft, with the conditions listed below (Alameda County code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 45 ft (35 ft if the building is within 50 ft of the boundary of an R-1, R-2, R-3 or R-S district)
- Minimum front setback: 0 ft
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft
C-1 is a zoning district in Alameda County. Every value below was read from the Alameda County 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 | 45 ft Applies: 35 ft if the building is within 50 ft of the boundary of an R-1, R-2, R-3 or R-S district § 17.38.090 · code textExcept as otherwise provided in Section 17.52.090, no building or structure in a C-1 district shall have a height in excess of forty-five (45) feet, or in excess of thirty-five (35) feet if the building or structure is situated within fifty (50) feet of the boundary line of an R-1, R-2 or R-3 or R-S district. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 0 ft § 17.38.060 · code textNo yards are required in a C-1 district except as specified in Sections 17.38.070 and 17.38.080, or in connection with the approval of a conditional use, or a variance. |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft § 17.38.060 · code textNo yards are required in a C-1 district except as specified in Sections 17.38.070 and 17.38.080, or in connection with the approval of a conditional use, or a variance. |
| Minimum rear setback | 0 ft § 17.38.060 · code textNo yards are required in a C-1 district except as specified in Sections 17.38.070 and 17.38.080, or in connection with the approval of a conditional use, or a variance. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in C-1:
- Maximum building height: 35 ft — If the building or structure is situated within 50 feet of the boundary line of an R-1, R-2, R-3, or R-S district § 17.38.090
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft — Where the building site is used for a motel, hotel or boarding house § 17.38.070
- Minimum front setback: The setback required in the abutting district — Where the C-1 district terminates at the boundary of an R district or of any other C district except a C-2 district in the same block § 17.38.070
- Minimum side setback: One-half the depth of the required front yard on the key lot — On the street side of a corner lot abutting a key lot in any R district or in any other C district, except a C-2 district § 17.38.080
- Minimum side setback: The setback required on the abutting lot — Where the side lot line abuts a lot in any R district § 17.38.080
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Where the building site is used for a motel, hotel or boarding house § 17.38.080
- Minimum rear setback: 6 ft — Where the rear lot line abuts a lot in any R district § 17.38.080
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — Where the building site is used for a motel, hotel or boarding house § 17.38.080
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot size, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for C-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Alameda County Municipal Code.
Other Alameda County zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Alameda County's C-1 zone?
45 ft (35 ft if the building is within 50 ft of the boundary of an R-1, R-2, R-3 or R-S district) — Alameda County Municipal Code § 17.38.090.
What is the minimum front setback in Alameda County's C-1 zone?
0 ft — Alameda County Municipal Code § 17.38.060.
What is the minimum side setback in Alameda County's C-1 zone?
0 ft — Alameda County Municipal Code § 17.38.060.
What is the minimum rear setback in Alameda County's C-1 zone?
0 ft — Alameda County Municipal Code § 17.38.060.
General information, not legal advice.
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