Morro Bay · Zoning · NC
Morro Bay NC zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Morro Bay's NC zone, buildings can be up to 25 ft tall and the front setback is 5 ft (Morro Bay code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 25 ft
- Minimum front setback: 5 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft (for buildings up to 15 ft in height)
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.0 (applicable only to non-residential floor area)
- Maximum density: 15 units per acre
NC is a zoning district in Morro Bay. Every value below was read from the Morro Bay 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 NC
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 | 25 ft § 17.08.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Height (ft)”, column “NC”: 25, up to 30 pursuant to (A) |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 5 ft § 17.08.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “NC”: 5, 10 adjacent to a Residential District |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 17.08.030 · code textTable row “Interior Side”, column “NC”: 5 |
| Minimum rear setback | 5 ft Applies: for buildings up to 15 ft in height § 17.08.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “NC”: 5 for buildings up to 15 ft in height; 10 for buildings over 15 ft in height |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 1.0 Applies: applicable only to non-residential floor area § 17.08.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR), applicable only to non-residential floor area”, column “NC”: 1.0 |
| Maximum density | 15 units per acre § 17.08.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Density (residential dwelling units/acre)”, column “NC”: 15 |
Uses in NC
Uses the code's use tables allow in NC, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Needs a minor use permit — see note
- Duplex — Needs a minor use permit — see note
- Senior or assisted living — Needs a minor use permit
- Rooming or boarding house — Needs a minor use permit
- Church or place of worship — Needs a minor use permit
- Community garden — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in NC:
- Maximum building height: 30 ft — up to 30 pursuant to (A); planning commission may allow additional height for specified roof treatments and view-corridor conditions § 17.08.030
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft — adjacent to a Residential District § 17.08.030
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — for buildings over 15 ft in height § 17.08.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot size, lot coverage limit for NC in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Morro Bay Municipal Code.
Other Morro Bay zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Morro Bay's NC zone?
25 ft — Morro Bay Municipal Code § 17.08.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Morro Bay's NC zone?
5 ft — Morro Bay Municipal Code § 17.08.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Morro Bay's NC zone?
5 ft — Morro Bay Municipal Code § 17.08.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Morro Bay's NC zone?
5 ft (for buildings up to 15 ft in height) — Morro Bay Municipal Code § 17.08.030.
What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Morro Bay's NC zone?
1.0 (applicable only to non-residential floor area) — Morro Bay Municipal Code § 17.08.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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