Marin County · Zoning · C1
Marin County C1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Marin County's C1 zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 0 ft and the minimum lot size is 7,500 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (Marin County code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 0 ft
- Minimum side setback: None required (Not adjacent to a residential district)
- Minimum rear setback: None required (Not adjacent to a residential district)
- Minimum lot size: 7,500 sq. ft. (Can change when the district is combined with a -B district or in sloping terrain)
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 1,450 sq. ft. of lot area (Dwellings only above the first floor and accessory to the main non-residential use; affordable housing excepted)
C1 is a zoning district in Marin County. Every value below was read from the Marin County 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 C1
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 § 22.12.040 · code textTable row “C1”, column “Primary”: 35 ft. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 0 ft § 22.12.040 · code textTable row “C1”, column “Front”: 0 ft. |
| Minimum side setback | None required Applies: Not adjacent to a residential district § 22.12.040 · code textTable row “C1”, column “Sides”: 6 ft. adjacent to residential district, none otherwise |
| Minimum rear setback | None required Applies: Not adjacent to a residential district § 22.12.040 · code textTable row “C1”, column “Rear”: 12 ft. adjacent to residential district, none otherwise |
| Minimum lot size | 7,500 sq. ft. Applies: Can change when the district is combined with a -B district or in sloping terrain See note 1 below the table in the code. § 22.12.040 · code textTable row “C1”, column “Minimum Lot Area (1)”: 7,500 sq. ft. Note 1: Minimum lot area and setback standards may change, as follows: |
| Maximum density | 1 unit per 1,450 sq. ft. of lot area Applies: Dwellings only above the first floor and accessory to the main non-residential use; affordable housing excepted See note 2 below the table in the code. § 22.12.040 · code textTable row “C1”, column “Maximum Residential Density (2)”: 1 unit per 1,450 sq. ft. of lot area Note 2: With the exception of affordable housing development, the following standards shall apply to residential development in the RMPC and CI districts: |
Uses in C1
Uses the code's use tables allow in C1, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Duplex — Allowed — see note
- Child care center — Allowed
- Community garden — Allowed
- Emergency shelter — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in C1:
- Minimum side setback: 6 ft — adjacent to residential district § 22.12.040
- Minimum rear setback: 12 ft — adjacent to residential district § 22.12.040
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage, FAR limit for C1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Marin County Municipal Code.
Other Marin County zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Marin County's C1 zone?
35 ft — Marin County Municipal Code § 22.12.040.
What is the minimum front setback in Marin County's C1 zone?
0 ft — Marin County Municipal Code § 22.12.040.
What is the minimum side setback in Marin County's C1 zone?
None required (not adjacent to a residential district) — Marin County Municipal Code § 22.12.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in Marin County's C1 zone?
None required (not adjacent to a residential district) — Marin County Municipal Code § 22.12.040.
What is the minimum lot size in Marin County's C1 zone?
7,500 sq. ft. (can change when the district is combined with a -B district or in sloping terrain) — Marin County Municipal Code § 22.12.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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