Commerce · Zoning · R-3
Commerce R-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Commerce's R-3 zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft (3 stories) tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 7,500 sf, with the conditions listed below (Commerce code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft (35 ft., or three-story, whichever is less)
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories (35 ft., or three-story, whichever is less)
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft each side
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft
- Minimum lot size: 7,500 sf (and at least 2,000 sf of lot area per dwelling unit)
- Maximum lot coverage: 45% (1 unit; must also be within the allowable floor area; this standard does not apply to multiple units)
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 40% (1 unit; this standard does not apply to multiple units)
- Maximum density: 21.78 dus/acre (Rounding up may allow for greater density per acre.)
R-3 is a zoning district in Commerce. Every value below was read from the Commerce 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 R-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 | 35 ft Applies: 35 ft., or three-story, whichever is less § 19.07.030 · code textTable row “4. Maximum Building Height”, column “R-3”: 35 ft., or three-story, whichever is less |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories Applies: 35 ft., or three-story, whichever is less § 19.07.030 · code textTable row “4. Maximum Building Height”, column “R-3”: 35 ft., or three-story, whichever is less |
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft § 19.07.030 · code textTable row “6. Front Yard Setback (Minimum)”, column “R-3”: 15 ft. from front property line |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft each side § 19.07.030 · code textTable row “9. Side Yard Setback”, column “R-3”: 5 ft. each side |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft § 19.07.030 · code textTable row “13. Rear Yard Setback (Minimum)”, column “R-3”: 15 ft. |
| Minimum lot size | 7,500 sf Applies: and at least 2,000 sf of lot area per dwelling unit § 19.07.030 · code textTable row “2. Minimum Lot Area”, column “R-3”: 2,000 sf/unit and not less than 7,500 sf |
| Maximum lot coverage | 45% Applies: 1 unit; must also be within the allowable floor area; this standard does not apply to multiple units § 19.07.030 · code textTable row “16. Maximum Lot Coverage (including all structures, porches, and patios)”, column “R-3”: 1 unit=45% of the total area of the lot. This standard does not apply to multiple units. (must also be within the allowable floor area) |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 40% Applies: 1 unit; this standard does not apply to multiple units § 19.07.030 · code textTable row “15. Floor Area Ratio/Maximum Allowable Floor Area (all structures)”, column “R-3”: 1 unit=40% of the total area of the lot. This standard does not apply to multiple units. |
| Maximum density | 21.78 dus/acre Applies: Rounding up may allow for greater density per acre. § 19.07.030 · code textTable row “1. Maximum Density (a)”, column “R-3”: 21.78 dus/acre (b) |
Uses in R-3
Uses the code's use tables allow in R-3, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed — see note
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
Other Commerce zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Commerce's R-3 zone?
35 ft (35 ft., or three-story, whichever is less) — Commerce Municipal Code § 19.07.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in Commerce's R-3 zone?
3 stories (35 ft., or three-story, whichever is less) — Commerce Municipal Code § 19.07.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Commerce's R-3 zone?
15 ft — Commerce Municipal Code § 19.07.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Commerce's R-3 zone?
5 ft each side — Commerce Municipal Code § 19.07.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Commerce's R-3 zone?
15 ft — Commerce Municipal Code § 19.07.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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