Davis CMU zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

CMU (Commercial Mixed Use) is a zoning district in Davis. Every value below was read from the Davis 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 CMU

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 § 40.18.050 · code text No building or structure shall exceed three stories or thirty-five feet in height, except as provided in Section 40.27.030.
Maximum number of stories	3 stories § 40.18.050 · code text No building or structure shall exceed three stories or thirty-five feet in height, except as provided in Section 40.27.030.
Minimum front setback	25 ft § 40.18.060 · code text Twenty-five feet.
Minimum side setback	10 ft Applies: not less than 25 ft when abutting an R district or an A district designated for residential use in the master plan § 40.18.060 · code text Ten feet, except when abutting an R district or an A district designated in the city master plan for residential use, then not less than twenty-five feet.
Minimum rear setback	10 ft Applies: not less than 25 ft when abutting an R district or an A district designated for residential use in the master plan § 40.18.060 · code text Ten feet, except when abutting an R district or an A district designated in the city master plan for residential use, then not less than twenty-five feet.
Minimum lot size	10,000 sq ft § 40.18.060 · code text Ten thousand square feet.
Maximum lot coverage	25% § 40.18.060 · code text Twenty-five percent, maximum.

Uses in CMU

Uses the code's use tables allow in CMU, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

Kennel — Allowed — see note

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in CMU:

Minimum side setback: 25 ft — When abutting an R district or an A district designated in the city master plan for residential use § 40.18.060
Minimum rear setback: 25 ft — When abutting an R district or an A district designated in the city master plan for residential use § 40.18.060

Not on this page

We did not find a general FAR, density limit for CMU in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Davis Municipal Code.

Other Davis zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Davis's CMU zone?

35 ft — Davis Municipal Code § 40.18.050.

What is the maximum number of stories in Davis's CMU zone?

3 stories — Davis Municipal Code § 40.18.050.

What is the minimum front setback in Davis's CMU zone?

25 ft — Davis Municipal Code § 40.18.060.

What is the minimum side setback in Davis's CMU zone?

10 ft (not less than 25 ft when abutting an R district or an A district designated for residential use in the master plan) — Davis Municipal Code § 40.18.060.

What is the minimum rear setback in Davis's CMU zone?

10 ft (not less than 25 ft when abutting an R district or an A district designated for residential use in the master plan) — Davis Municipal Code § 40.18.060.

General information, not legal advice.