Downey · Zoning · C-M
Downey C-M zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Downey's C-M zone, buildings can be up to 150 ft (10 stories) tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 87,120 sq ft (Downey code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 150 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 10 stories
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 20 ft (street side of a lot on a major road; no minimum for an interior side next to a nonresidential zone)
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft (abutting nonresidential zone)
- Minimum lot size: 87,120 sq ft
C-M is a zoning district in Downey. Every value below was read from the Downey 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-M
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 | 150 ft § 9314.06 · code textTable row “Building height — maximum (feet or stories, whichever is less) b”, column “C-M”: 150 feet or 10 stories |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 10 stories § 9314.06 · code textTable row “Building height — maximum (feet or stories, whichever is less) b”, column “C-M”: 150 feet or 10 stories |
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 9314.06 · code textTable row “front c”, column “C-M”: 20 |
| Minimum side setback | 20 ft Applies: street side of a lot on a major road; no minimum for an interior side next to a nonresidential zone § 9314.06 · code textTable row “street (abutting major roads) c,d”, column “C-M”: 20 |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft Applies: abutting nonresidential zone § 9314.06 · code textTable row “abutting nonresidential zone”, column “C-M”: 15 |
| Minimum lot size | 87,120 sq ft § 9314.06 · code textTable row “Lot area — minimum (square feet)”, column “C-M”: 87,120 |
Uses in C-M
Uses the code's use tables allow in C-M, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Kennel — Allowed
- Private school — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in C-M:
- Minimum side setback: 46 ft — interior side setback abutting a residential zone § 9314.06
- Minimum side setback: 15 ft — street abutting all other streets § 9314.06
- Minimum rear setback: 46 ft — abutting a residential zone § 9314.06
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.60 — lots 87,120 square feet or greater § 9314.06
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.50 — lots under 87,120 square feet § 9314.06
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot coverage, FAR, density limit for C-M in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Downey Municipal Code.
Other Downey zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Downey's C-M zone?
150 ft — Downey Municipal Code § 9314.06.
What is the maximum number of stories in Downey's C-M zone?
10 stories — Downey Municipal Code § 9314.06.
What is the minimum front setback in Downey's C-M zone?
20 ft — Downey Municipal Code § 9314.06.
What is the minimum side setback in Downey's C-M zone?
20 ft (street side of a lot on a major road; no minimum for an interior side next to a nonresidential zone) — Downey Municipal Code § 9314.06.
What is the minimum rear setback in Downey's C-M zone?
15 ft (abutting nonresidential zone) — Downey Municipal Code § 9314.06.
General information, not legal advice.
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