Alhambra · Zoning · EMC
Alhambra EMC zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Alhambra's EMC zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft (3 stories) tall and the front setback is 0 ft (Alhambra code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories
- Minimum front setback: 0 ft
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 2.0
- Maximum density: 30 units per acre
EMC 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 EMC
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 | 35 ft § 23.05.030 · code textTable row “Maximum building height (feet)”, column “EMC”: 35 |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories § 23.05.030 · code textTable row “Maximum number of stories”, column “EMC”: 3 |
| Minimum front setback | 0 ft § 23.05.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “EMC”: 0 |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft § 23.05.030 · code textTable row “Interior side”, column “EMC”: 0, 10 adjacent to a Residential Zoning District |
| Minimum rear setback | 0 ft § 23.05.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “EMC”: 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 “EMC”: 2.0 |
| Maximum density | 30 units per acre § 23.05.030 · code textTable row “Maximum residential density (units per acre)”, column “EMC”: 30 |
Uses in EMC
Uses the code's use tables allow in EMC, 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 EMC:
- 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 EMC 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 EMC zone?
35 ft — Alhambra Municipal Code § 23.05.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in Alhambra's EMC zone?
3 stories — Alhambra Municipal Code § 23.05.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Alhambra's EMC zone?
0 ft — Alhambra Municipal Code § 23.05.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Alhambra's EMC zone?
0 ft — Alhambra Municipal Code § 23.05.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Alhambra's EMC zone?
0 ft — Alhambra Municipal Code § 23.05.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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