Davis · Zoning · M-U
Davis M-U zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Davis's M-U zone, buildings can be up to 3 stories, the side setback limit is 10 ft total (both sides) and the rear setback limit is 5 ft (Davis code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft total (both sides) (Residential-scale blocks: both side yards together per lot; Main Street scale follows C-C district setbacks)
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft (Residential-scale blocks, all buildings except along mid-block passageways (easement instead); Main Street scale follows C-C district setbacks)
- Maximum lot coverage: 50% (Mixed use and residential structures, without parking district)
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.5 (Mixed use and residential structures; base FAR)
M-U (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 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 number of stories | 3 stories § 40.15.060 · code textStructures shall not exceed three stories in height except as provided in Section 40.15.080. |
|---|---|
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft total (both sides) Applies: Residential-scale blocks: both side yards together per lot; Main Street scale follows C-C district setbacks § 40.15.070 · code textRequired side yards shall be a minimum total of ten feet per lot. |
| Minimum rear setback | 5 ft Applies: Residential-scale blocks, all buildings except along mid-block passageways (easement instead); Main Street scale follows C-C district setbacks § 40.15.070 · code textA five-foot rear yard shall be required for all other buildings. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% Applies: Mixed use and residential structures, without parking district § 40.15.080 · code textMixed use and residential structures, fifty percent. |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 1.5 Applies: Mixed use and residential structures; base FAR § 40.15.080 · code textTable row “Base FAR”, column “Mixed use and residential structures”: 1.5 |
Uses in M-U
Uses the code's use tables allow in M-U, 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 M-U:
- Maximum lot coverage: 45% — Commercial and office uses not combined with residential uses, without parking district § 40.15.080
- Maximum lot coverage: 80% — Mixed use and residential structures, with parking district § 40.15.080
- Maximum lot coverage: 75% — Commercial and office uses not combined with residential structures, with parking district § 40.15.080
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.0 — Commercial and office use structures not combined with residential uses; base FAR § 40.15.080
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 2.0 — Total permitted FAR, including bonuses § 40.15.080
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 2.0 — Total permitted FAR, including bonuses; commercial and office use structures not combined with residential uses § 40.15.080
Not on this page
We did not find a general height, front setback, lot size, density limit for M-U 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum number of stories in Davis's M-U zone?
3 stories — Davis Municipal Code § 40.15.060.
What is the minimum side setback in Davis's M-U zone?
10 ft total (both sides) (residential-scale blocks: both side yards together per lot; Main Street scale follows C-C district setbacks) — Davis Municipal Code § 40.15.070.
What is the minimum rear setback in Davis's M-U zone?
5 ft (residential-scale blocks, all buildings except along mid-block passageways (easement instead); Main Street scale follows C-C district setbacks) — Davis Municipal Code § 40.15.070.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Davis's M-U zone?
50% (mixed use and residential structures, without parking district) — Davis Municipal Code § 40.15.080.
What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Davis's M-U zone?
1.5 (mixed use and residential structures; base FAR) — Davis Municipal Code § 40.15.080.
General information, not legal advice.
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