Los Alamitos · Zoning · C-O
Los Alamitos C-O zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Los Alamitos's C-O zone, buildings can be up to 40 ft (3 stories) tall and the front setback is 15 ft (Los Alamitos code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 40 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft
- Minimum side setback: None required (unless abutting a residential zone: 10 ft)
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft (no setback is required where the rear lot abuts a C-G or P-L-I zone)
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.50 FAR
C-O is a zoning district in Los Alamitos. Every value below was read from the Los Alamitos 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-O
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 | 40 ft § 17.10.030 · code textTable row “Height limit—Main structures”, column “C-O”: 3 stories or 40 ft. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories § 17.10.030 · code textTable row “Height limit—Main structures”, column “C-O”: 3 stories or 40 ft. |
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft § 17.10.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “C-O”: 15 ft. |
| Minimum side setback | None required Applies: unless abutting a residential zone: 10 ft § 17.10.030 · code textTable row “Sides”, column “C-O”: Not required unless abutting a residential zone, then 10 ft. |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft Applies: no setback is required where the rear lot abuts a C-G or P-L-I zone § 17.10.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “C-O”: 10 ft.; where rear lot abuts a C-G or P-L-I zone, no setback is required |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 1.50 FAR § 17.10.030 · code textTable row “Floor area ratio (FAR)”, column “C-O”: 1.50 FAR |
Uses in C-O
Uses the code's use tables allow in C-O, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Child care center — Needs a conditional 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 C-O:
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — abutting a residential zone § 17.10.030
- Minimum rear setback: None required — where rear lot abuts a C-G or P-L-I zone § 17.10.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot size, lot coverage, density limit for C-O in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Los Alamitos Municipal Code.
Other Los Alamitos zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Los Alamitos's C-O zone?
40 ft — Los Alamitos Municipal Code § 17.10.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in Los Alamitos's C-O zone?
3 stories — Los Alamitos Municipal Code § 17.10.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Los Alamitos's C-O zone?
15 ft — Los Alamitos Municipal Code § 17.10.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Los Alamitos's C-O zone?
None required (unless abutting a residential zone: 10 ft) — Los Alamitos Municipal Code § 17.10.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Los Alamitos's C-O zone?
10 ft (no setback is required where the rear lot abuts a C-G or P-L-I zone) — Los Alamitos Municipal Code § 17.10.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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