Arcata · Zoning · CM
Arcata CM zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Arcata's CM zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is None required and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sf (Arcata code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: None required
- Minimum side setback: None required
- Minimum rear setback: None required
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sf
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 2.0
- Maximum density: 15 units per acre (The code gives a range of 7.26 to 15 units per acre)
CM 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 CM
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 § 9.26.050 · code textTable row “Maximum height”, column “CM Zone Requirement”: 35 ft |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | None required § 9.26.050 · code textTable row “Front”, column “CM Zone Requirement”: None required |
| Minimum side setback | None required § 9.26.050 · code textTable row “Side - Interior (each)”, column “CM Zone Requirement”: 10 ft abutting to a residential zone; none required otherwise |
| Minimum rear setback | None required § 9.26.050 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “CM Zone Requirement”: 10 ft abutting to a residential zone; none required otherwise |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sf § 9.26.040 · code textTable row “CM”, column “Minimum Lot Area”: 5,000 sf |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 2.0 § 9.26.050 · code textTable row “Maximum FAR”, column “CM Zone Requirement”: 2.0 |
| Maximum density | 15 units per acre Applies: The code gives a range of 7.26 to 15 units per acre § 9.26.040 · code textTable row “CM”, column “Maximum Density”: 7.26 to 15 units per acre |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in CM:
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — abutting to a residential zone § 9.26.050
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — abutting to a residential zone § 9.26.050
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage limit for CM 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 CM zone?
35 ft — Arcata Municipal Code § 9.26.050.
What is the minimum front setback in Arcata's CM zone?
None required — Arcata Municipal Code § 9.26.050.
What is the minimum side setback in Arcata's CM zone?
None required — Arcata Municipal Code § 9.26.050.
What is the minimum rear setback in Arcata's CM zone?
None required — Arcata Municipal Code § 9.26.050.
What is the minimum lot size in Arcata's CM zone?
5,000 sf — Arcata Municipal Code § 9.26.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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