Modesto · Zoning · C-3
Modesto C-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Modesto's C-3 zone, generally buildings can be up to 45 ft (3 stories) tall and the front setback is 15 ft, with the conditions listed below (Modesto code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 45 ft (or 3 stories, whichever is less; structures not adjacent to a residential zone. Added height is possible with a conditional use permit.)
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories (or 45 ft, whichever is less; structures not adjacent to a residential zone. Added height is possible with a conditional use permit.)
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft (Building; not adjacent to residential zone)
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft (Building; not adjacent to residential zone)
C-3 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.
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 | 45 ft Applies: or 3 stories, whichever is less; structures not adjacent to a residential zone. Added height is possible with a conditional use permit. See note 1 below the table in the code. § 10-4.202 · code textTable row “Structure (maximum in stories/feet, whichever is less) (not adjacent to residential zone)”, column “C-3”: 3/45 Note 1: Adjacent to residential zone includes R-1, R-2, R-3, or residential P-D zones in the City or County Note: Multi-family development allowed with a conditional use permit shall comply with R-2 or R-3 development standards. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories Applies: or 45 ft, whichever is less; structures not adjacent to a residential zone. Added height is possible with a conditional use permit. See note 1 below the table in the code. § 10-4.202 · code textTable row “Structure (maximum in stories/feet, whichever is less) (not adjacent to residential zone)”, column “C-3”: 3/45 Note 1: Adjacent to residential zone includes R-1, R-2, R-3, or residential P-D zones in the City or County Note: Multi-family development allowed with a conditional use permit shall comply with R-2 or R-3 development standards. |
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft § 10-4.202 · code textTable row “Building”, column “C-3”: 15 |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft Applies: Building; not adjacent to residential zone § 10-4.202 · code textTable row “Building (not adjacent to residential zone)”, column “C-3”: 0 |
| Minimum rear setback | 0 ft Applies: Building; not adjacent to residential zone § 10-4.202 · code textTable row “Building (not adjacent to residential zone)”, column “C-3”: 0 |
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.
- Apartment building — Needs a conditional use permit
- Senior or assisted living — Allowed
- Child care center — Allowed
- Kennel — Needs a conditional use permit
- Emergency shelter — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in C-3:
- 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
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot size, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for C-3 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Modesto Municipal Code.
Other Modesto zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Modesto's C-3 zone?
45 ft (or 3 stories, whichever is less; structures not adjacent to a residential zone. Added height is possible with a conditional use permit) — Modesto Municipal Code § 10-4.202.
What is the maximum number of stories in Modesto's C-3 zone?
3 stories (or 45 ft, whichever is less; structures not adjacent to a residential zone. Added height is possible with a conditional use permit) — Modesto Municipal Code § 10-4.202.
What is the minimum front setback in Modesto's C-3 zone?
15 ft — Modesto Municipal Code § 10-4.202.
What is the minimum side setback in Modesto's C-3 zone?
0 ft (building; not adjacent to residential zone) — Modesto Municipal Code § 10-4.202.
What is the minimum rear setback in Modesto's C-3 zone?
0 ft (building; not adjacent to residential zone) — Modesto Municipal Code § 10-4.202.
General information, not legal advice.
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