Alhambra · Zoning · CMU
Alhambra CMU zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Alhambra's CMU zone, generally buildings can be up to 75 ft (5 stories) tall and the front setback is 0 ft, with the conditions listed below (Alhambra code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 75 ft (More than 50 feet from a residential zoning district)
- Maximum number of stories: 5 stories (More than 50 feet from a residential zoning district)
- Minimum front setback: 0 ft
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 2.0
- Maximum density: 48 units per acre
CMU is a zoning district in Alhambra. Every value below was read from the Alhambra 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 CMU
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 | 75 ft Applies: More than 50 feet from a residential zoning district § 23.05.030 · code textTable row “Maximum building height (feet)”, column “CMU”: 40 within 50 feet of a Residential Zoning District, otherwise 75 |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 5 stories Applies: More than 50 feet from a residential zoning district § 23.05.030 · code textTable row “Maximum number of stories”, column “CMU”: 3 within 50 feet of a Residential Zoning District, otherwise 5 |
| Minimum front setback | 0 ft § 23.05.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “CMU”: 0 |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft § 23.05.030 · code textTable row “Interior side”, column “CMU”: 0, 10 adjacent to a Residential Zoning District |
| Minimum rear setback | 0 ft § 23.05.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “CMU”: 0, 10 adjacent to a Residential Zoning District |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 2.0 § 23.05.030 · code textTable row “Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)”, column “CMU”: 2.0 |
| Maximum density | 48 units per acre § 23.05.030 · code textTable row “Maximum residential density (units per acre)”, column “CMU”: 48 |
Uses in CMU
Uses the code's use tables allow in CMU, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Apartment building — Allowed
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in CMU:
- Maximum building height: 40 ft — within 50 feet of a Residential Zoning District § 23.05.030
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories — within 50 feet of a Residential Zoning District § 23.05.030
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — adjacent to a Residential Zoning District § 23.05.030
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — adjacent to a Residential Zoning District § 23.05.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot size, lot coverage limit for CMU in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Alhambra Municipal Code.
Other Alhambra zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Alhambra's CMU zone?
75 ft (more than 50 feet from a residential zoning district) — Alhambra Municipal Code § 23.05.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in Alhambra's CMU zone?
5 stories (more than 50 feet from a residential zoning district) — Alhambra Municipal Code § 23.05.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Alhambra's CMU zone?
0 ft — Alhambra Municipal Code § 23.05.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Alhambra's CMU zone?
0 ft — Alhambra Municipal Code § 23.05.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Alhambra's CMU zone?
0 ft — Alhambra Municipal Code § 23.05.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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