El Monte · Zoning · C-3
El Monte C-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In El Monte's C-3 zone, generally buildings can be up to 50 ft (4 stories) tall, the front setback is 5 ft and the minimum lot size is 30,000 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (El Monte code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 50 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 4 stories
- Minimum front setback: 5 ft
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft
- Minimum lot size: 30,000 sq. ft. (For new lots)
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.75 to 1.00 (The code sets a range, set by General Plan Figure LU-1: at least 0.75, at most 1.00)
C-3 is a zoning district in El Monte. Every value below was read from the El Monte 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-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 | 50 ft § 17.40.040 · code textTable row “Height 11”, column “C-3”: 4 stories and 50 ft. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 4 stories § 17.40.040 · code textTable row “Height 11”, column “C-3”: 4 stories and 50 ft. |
| Minimum front setback | 5 ft § 17.40.040 · code textTable row “Front”, column “C-3”: 5 ft. |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft § 17.40.040 · code textTable row “Interior side”, column “C-3”: 0 ft. |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft § 17.40.040 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “C-3”: 20 ft. |
| Minimum lot size | 30,000 sq. ft. Applies: For new lots § 17.40.040 · code textTable row “Area”, column “C-3”: 30,000 sq. ft. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 17.40.040 · code textTable row “Maximum lot coverage”, column “C-3”: 50% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.75 to 1.00 Applies: The code sets a range, set by General Plan Figure LU-1: at least 0.75, at most 1.00 § 17.40.040 · code textTable row “Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR)”, column “C-3”: 0.75 to 1.00 (see General Plan Figure LU-1) |
Uses in C-3
Uses the code's use tables allow in C-3, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit (cup) — see note
Not on this page
We did not find a general density limit for C-3 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the El Monte Municipal Code.
Other El Monte zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in El Monte's C-3 zone?
50 ft — El Monte Municipal Code § 17.40.040.
What is the maximum number of stories in El Monte's C-3 zone?
4 stories — El Monte Municipal Code § 17.40.040.
What is the minimum front setback in El Monte's C-3 zone?
5 ft — El Monte Municipal Code § 17.40.040.
What is the minimum side setback in El Monte's C-3 zone?
0 ft — El Monte Municipal Code § 17.40.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in El Monte's C-3 zone?
20 ft — El Monte Municipal Code § 17.40.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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