Capitola · Zoning · C-R
Capitola C-R zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Capitola's C-R zone, generally buildings can be up to 40 ft tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (Capitola code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 40 ft
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft (Measured from the curb or street edge, not the property line; building placement must also allow a 10 ft sidewalk)
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft (a different setback applies when adjacent to a residential zoning district (see Section 17.24.030(E)))
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft (a different setback applies when adjacent to a residential zoning district (see Section 17.24.030(E)))
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq. ft.
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.5
C-R is a zoning district in Capitola. Every value below was read from the Capitola 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 C-R
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 | 40 ft § 17.24.030 · code textTable row “Height , Maximum”, column “C-R”: 40 ft. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft Applies: Measured from the curb or street edge, not the property line; building placement must also allow a 10 ft sidewalk § 17.24.030 · code textThe building is at least fifteen feet from the curb or street edge; |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft Applies: a different setback applies when adjacent to a residential zoning district (see Section 17.24.030(E)) § 17.24.030 · code textTable row “Interior Side”, column “C-R”: 0 ft. unless adjacent to a residential zoning district (see Section 17.24.030 (E)) |
| Minimum rear setback | 0 ft Applies: a different setback applies when adjacent to a residential zoning district (see Section 17.24.030(E)) § 17.24.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “C-R”: 0 ft. unless adjacent to a residential zoning district (see Section 17.24.030 (E)) |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq. ft. § 17.24.030 · code textTable row “Parcel Area, Minimum”, column “C-R”: 5,000 sq. ft. |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 1.5 § 17.24.030 · code textTable row “Floor Area Ratio , Maximum”, column “C-R”: 1.5 |
Uses in C-R
Uses the code's use tables allow in C-R, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Apartment building — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
- Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
- Child care center — Needs a minor use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in C-R:
- Maximum building height: 50 ft — building with micro-units; micro-units are within one-quarter mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor and constitute fifty percent or more of the total number of units § 17.24.030
- Minimum side setback: 15 ft — where a commercial or industrial zoning district abuts a residential zoning district § 17.24.030
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft — where a commercial or industrial zoning district abuts a residential zoning district § 17.24.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage, density limit for C-R in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Capitola Municipal Code.
Other Capitola zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Capitola's C-R zone?
40 ft — Capitola Municipal Code § 17.24.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Capitola's C-R zone?
15 ft (measured from the curb or street edge, not the property line; building placement must also allow a 10 ft sidewalk) — Capitola Municipal Code § 17.24.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Capitola's C-R zone?
0 ft (a different setback applies when adjacent to a residential zoning district (see Section 17.24.030(E))) — Capitola Municipal Code § 17.24.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Capitola's C-R zone?
0 ft (a different setback applies when adjacent to a residential zoning district (see Section 17.24.030(E))) — Capitola Municipal Code § 17.24.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Capitola's C-R zone?
5,000 sq. ft. — Capitola Municipal Code § 17.24.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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