Arcata · Zoning · AE
Arcata AE zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Arcata's AE zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 25 ft and the minimum lot size is 20 acres (Arcata code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 25 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 25 ft
- Minimum lot size: 20 acres
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.10 (More floor area may be allowed with a use permit)
- Maximum density: 1 dwelling per parcel, plus 1 second unit per parcel
AE is a zoning district in Arcata. Every value below was read from the Arcata 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 AE
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 § 9.22.050 · code textTable row “Maximum height”, column “AE Zone Requirement”: 35 ft |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 25 ft § 9.22.050 · code textTable row “Front”, column “AE Zone Requirement”: 25 ft |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft § 9.22.050 · code textTable row “Side - Interior (each)”, column “AE Zone Requirement”: 10 ft |
| Minimum rear setback | 25 ft § 9.22.050 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “AE Zone Requirement”: 25 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 20 acres § 9.22.040 · code textTable row “Minimum Lot Area”, column “AE”: 20 acres 60 acres in Coastal Zone |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.10 Applies: More floor area may be allowed with a use permit § 9.22.050 · code textTable row “Maximum FAR”, column “AE Zone Requirement”: 0.10; additional FAR may be authorized through Use Permit approval . |
| Maximum density | 1 dwelling per parcel, plus 1 second unit per parcel § 9.22.040 · code textTable row “Maximum Residential Density”, column “AE”: 1 dwelling per parcel , plus 1 second unit per parcel |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in AE:
- Minimum lot size: 60 acres — in Coastal Zone § 9.22.040
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage limit for AE in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Arcata Municipal Code.
Other Arcata zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Arcata's AE zone?
35 ft — Arcata Municipal Code § 9.22.050.
What is the minimum front setback in Arcata's AE zone?
25 ft — Arcata Municipal Code § 9.22.050.
What is the minimum side setback in Arcata's AE zone?
10 ft — Arcata Municipal Code § 9.22.050.
What is the minimum rear setback in Arcata's AE zone?
25 ft — Arcata Municipal Code § 9.22.050.
What is the minimum lot size in Arcata's AE zone?
20 acres — Arcata Municipal Code § 9.22.040.
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about an Arcata property in AE
Ask GoCodebook what you can build at a specific address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question