Morro Bay · Zoning · TMU
Morro Bay TMU zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Morro Bay's TMU zone, buildings can be up to 30 ft tall and the front setback is 15 ft (Morro Bay code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 30 ft
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.0 (applicable only to non-residential floor area)
- Maximum density: 27 units per acre
TMU 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 TMU
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 | 30 ft § 17.08.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Height (ft)”, column “TMU”: 30 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft § 17.08.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “TMU”: 15 See also (C) below |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft § 17.08.030 · code textTable row “Interior Side”, column “TMU”: 0 |
| Minimum rear setback | 5 ft § 17.08.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “TMU”: 5 |
| 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 “TMU”: 1.0 |
| Maximum density | 27 units per acre § 17.08.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Density (residential dwelling units/acre)”, column “TMU”: 27 |
Uses in TMU
Uses the code's use tables allow in TMU, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Senior or assisted living — Allowed
- 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 TMU:
- Minimum front setback: the average of the actual front setback of all improved lots on such block face or 15 ft, whichever is less — where 25 percent or more of the lots on the same block face have been improved with buildings § 17.08.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot size, lot coverage limit for TMU 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 TMU zone?
30 ft — Morro Bay Municipal Code § 17.08.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Morro Bay's TMU zone?
15 ft — Morro Bay Municipal Code § 17.08.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Morro Bay's TMU zone?
0 ft — Morro Bay Municipal Code § 17.08.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Morro Bay's TMU zone?
5 ft — Morro Bay Municipal Code § 17.08.030.
What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Morro Bay's TMU 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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