El Cerrito · Zoning · CN
El Cerrito CN zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In El Cerrito's CN zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 0 to 10 ft and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (El Cerrito code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 0 to 10 ft (build-to line: building must stand within this distance for at least 80 percent of street frontage)
- Minimum side setback: None required (unless adjacent to a residential district, where that district's setbacks apply)
- Minimum rear setback: None required (unless adjacent to a residential district, where that district's setbacks apply)
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq ft
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.0 (for non-residential uses)
- Maximum density: 20 units per acre (base density)
CN is a zoning district in El Cerrito. Every value below was read from the El Cerrito 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 CN
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 § 19.07.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Building Height (ft.)”, column “CN”: 35 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 0 to 10 ft Applies: build-to line: building must stand within this distance for at least 80 percent of street frontage § 19.07.030 · code textTable row “Building Setback on Street Frontages”, column “CN”: 0 - 10 feet |
| Minimum side setback | None required Applies: unless adjacent to a residential district, where that district's setbacks apply § 19.07.030 · code textTable row “Interior Side”, column “CN”: None unless adjacent to a residential district |
| Minimum rear setback | None required Applies: unless adjacent to a residential district, where that district's setbacks apply § 19.07.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “CN”: None unless adjacent to a residential district |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft § 19.07.030 · code textTable row “Minimum Lot Size (sq. ft.)”, column “CN”: 5,000 2,000 for commercial |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 1.0 Applies: for non-residential uses § 19.07.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Floor Area Ratio for non-residential uses”, column “CN”: 1.0 |
| Maximum density | 20 units per acre Applies: base density § 19.07.030 · code textTable row “Base Density”, column “CN”: 20 units per acre |
Uses in CN
Uses the code's use tables allow in CN, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Apartment building — Allowed — see note
- Live-work unit — Needs an administrative use permit
- Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs a conditional use permit
- Child care center — Needs an administrative use permit
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in CN:
- Minimum lot size: 2,000 sq ft — for commercial uses § 19.07.030
- Maximum density: 25 units per acre — with incentives § 19.07.030
- Maximum density: 27 units per acre — with State Affordable Housing Bonuses § 19.07.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage limit for CN in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the El Cerrito Municipal Code.
Other El Cerrito zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in El Cerrito's CN zone?
35 ft — El Cerrito Municipal Code § 19.07.030.
What is the minimum front setback in El Cerrito's CN zone?
0 to 10 ft (build-to line: building must stand within this distance for at least 80 percent of street frontage) — El Cerrito Municipal Code § 19.07.030.
What is the minimum side setback in El Cerrito's CN zone?
None required (unless adjacent to a residential district, where that district's setbacks apply) — El Cerrito Municipal Code § 19.07.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in El Cerrito's CN zone?
None required (unless adjacent to a residential district, where that district's setbacks apply) — El Cerrito Municipal Code § 19.07.030.
What is the minimum lot size in El Cerrito's CN zone?
5,000 sq ft — El Cerrito Municipal Code § 19.07.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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