Carmel-by-the-Sea · Zoning · A-3
Carmel-by-the-Sea A-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Carmel-by-the-Sea's A-3 zone, buildings can be up to 24 feet tall, the front setback is 15 feet and the minimum lot size is 10,000 square feet (Carmel-by-the-Sea code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 24 feet
- Minimum front setback: 15 feet
- Minimum side setback: 3 feet (First story; at least 10 ft where the line is next to a public street)
- Minimum rear setback: 3 feet (First story; at least 10 ft where the line is next to a public street)
- Minimum lot size: 10,000 square feet
A-3 is a zoning district in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Every value below was read from the Carmel-by-the-Sea 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 A-3
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 | 24 feet § 17.18.120 · code textTable row “Maximum Height”, column “Maximum Height”: 24 feet from existing grade |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 15 feet § 17.18.120 · code textTable row “Front yard”, column “Setbacks*”: 15 feet |
| Minimum side setback | 3 feet Applies: First story; at least 10 ft where the line is next to a public street § 17.18.120 · code textTable row “Side yard (first story)”, column “Setbacks*”: 3 feet |
| Minimum rear setback | 3 feet Applies: First story; at least 10 ft where the line is next to a public street § 17.18.120 · code textTable row “Rear yard (first story)”, column “Setbacks*”: 3 feet |
| Minimum lot size | 10,000 square feet § 17.18.120 · code textTable row “Minimum”: 10,000 square feet |
Uses in A-3
Uses the code's use tables allow in A-3, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in A-3:
- Minimum rear setback: 15 feet — Second story § 17.18.120
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for A-3 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Carmel-by-the-Sea Municipal Code.
Other Carmel-by-the-Sea zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Carmel-by-the-Sea's A-3 zone?
24 feet — Carmel-by-the-Sea Municipal Code § 17.18.120.
What is the minimum front setback in Carmel-by-the-Sea's A-3 zone?
15 feet — Carmel-by-the-Sea Municipal Code § 17.18.120.
What is the minimum side setback in Carmel-by-the-Sea's A-3 zone?
3 feet (first story; at least 10 ft where the line is next to a public street) — Carmel-by-the-Sea Municipal Code § 17.18.120.
What is the minimum rear setback in Carmel-by-the-Sea's A-3 zone?
3 feet (first story; at least 10 ft where the line is next to a public street) — Carmel-by-the-Sea Municipal Code § 17.18.120.
What is the minimum lot size in Carmel-by-the-Sea's A-3 zone?
10,000 square feet — Carmel-by-the-Sea Municipal Code § 17.18.120.
General information, not legal advice.
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