Modesto C-2 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

C-2 is a zoning district in Modesto. Every value below was read from the Modesto 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.

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.

Uses the code's use tables allow in C-2, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

• Apartment building — Needs a conditional use permit
• Senior or assisted living — Allowed
• Child care center — Allowed
• Kennel — Needs a conditional use permit
• Emergency shelter — Needs a conditional use permit

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in C-2:

• Maximum building height: 45 ft — or 3 stories, whichever is less; structures adjacent to a residential zone (R-1, R-2, R-3, or residential P-D). § 10-4.202
• Maximum number of stories: 3 stories — or 45 ft, whichever is less; structures adjacent to a residential zone (R-1, R-2, R-3, or residential P-D). § 10-4.202
• Minimum front setback: 0 ft — Building, when the lot is adjacent to an alley § 10-4.202
• Minimum side setback: 50 ft — Adjacent to residential zone; three story and higher § 10-4.202
• Minimum side setback: 10% of lot width, minimum 10 ft (20 ft for the second story), maximum 40 ft — Building next to property zoned R-1, R-2, R-3, or residential P-D § 10-4.203

We did not find a general lot size, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for C-2 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Modesto Municipal Code.

• C-1
• C-3
• P-O
• R-1
• R-2
• R-3