Bell Gardens · Zoning · M-U
Bell Gardens M-U zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Bell Gardens's M-U zone, generally buildings can be up to 60 ft tall, the front setback is 5 ft and the minimum lot size is 15,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Bell Gardens code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 60 ft
- Minimum front setback: 5 ft (commercial)
- Minimum side setback: None required (commercial; zero lot line allowed unless adjacent to a residential or open space zone or use)
- Minimum lot size: 15,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 90%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 4.0
- Maximum density: 30 units per acre
M-U is a zoning district in Bell Gardens. Every value below was read from the Bell Gardens 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 M-U
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 | 60 ft § 9.12.040 · code textTable row “All Structures”, column “M-U”: 60 feet |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 5 ft Applies: commercial § 9.12.040 · code textTable row “Front”, column “M-U”: 5 for commercial and 15 for residential |
| Minimum side setback | None required Applies: commercial; zero lot line allowed unless adjacent to a residential or open space zone or use § 9.12.040 · code textTable row “Side 1”, column “M-U”: None for commercial and 5 for residential |
| Minimum lot size | 15,000 sq ft § 9.12.040 · code textTable row “Area (square feet)”, column “M-U”: 15,000 sf |
| Maximum lot coverage | 90% § 9.12.040 · code textTable row “Lot Coverage (%)”, column “M-U”: 90 |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 4.0 § 9.12.040 · code textTable row “Floor-to-Area Ratio (FAR)”, column “M-U”: 4.0 |
| Maximum density | 30 units per acre § 9.12.040 · code textTable row “Residential Units per Lot”, column “M-U”: 30 per acre |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in M-U:
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft — residential § 9.12.040
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft — residential § 9.12.040
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — where adjacent to a residential or open space zone or use; otherwise zero lot line is allowed § 9.12.040
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, rear setback limit for M-U in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Bell Gardens Municipal Code.
Other Bell Gardens zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Bell Gardens's M-U zone?
60 ft — Bell Gardens Municipal Code § 9.12.040.
What is the minimum front setback in Bell Gardens's M-U zone?
5 ft (commercial) — Bell Gardens Municipal Code § 9.12.040.
What is the minimum side setback in Bell Gardens's M-U zone?
None required (commercial; zero lot line allowed unless adjacent to a residential or open space zone or use) — Bell Gardens Municipal Code § 9.12.040.
What is the minimum lot size in Bell Gardens's M-U zone?
15,000 sq ft — Bell Gardens Municipal Code § 9.12.040.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Bell Gardens's M-U zone?
90% — Bell Gardens Municipal Code § 9.12.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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