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National City · Zoning · CA

National City CA zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

In National City's CA zone, buildings can be up to 50 ft (3 stories) tall, the front setback is 0 ft and the minimum lot size is 15,000 sq ft (National City code, read October 2026).

Key points

  • Maximum building height: 50 ft
  • Maximum number of stories: 3 stories
  • Minimum front setback: 0 ft
  • Minimum side setback: 0 ft
  • Minimum rear setback: 0 ft
  • Minimum lot size: 15,000 sq ft
  • Maximum lot coverage: 80%
  • Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.5

CA is a zoning district in National City. Every value below was read from the National City 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 CA

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
50 ft
§ 18.22.040 · code text
Table row “Maximum height/stories”, column “CA”: 50' and 3 stories
Maximum number of stories
3 stories
§ 18.22.040 · code text
Table row “Maximum height/stories”, column “CA”: 50' and 3 stories
Minimum front setback
0 ft
§ 18.22.040 · code text
Table row “Front”, column “CA”: 0'
Minimum side setback
0 ft
§ 18.22.040 · code text
Table row “Side, interior”, column “CA”: 0'
Minimum rear setback
0 ft
§ 18.22.040 · code text
Table row “Rear”, column “CA”: 0'
Minimum lot size
15,000 sq ft
§ 18.22.040 · code text
Table row “Minimum lot area”, column “CA”: 15,000 SF
Maximum lot coverage
80%
§ 18.22.040 · code text
Table row “Lot coverage”, column “CA”: 80%
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)
1.5
§ 18.22.040 · code text
Table row “Maximum floor area ratio”, column “CA”: 1.5

Not on this page

We did not find a general density limit for CA in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the National City Municipal Code.

Other National City zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in National City's CA zone?

50 ft — National City Municipal Code § 18.22.040.

What is the maximum number of stories in National City's CA zone?

3 stories — National City Municipal Code § 18.22.040.

What is the minimum front setback in National City's CA zone?

0 ft — National City Municipal Code § 18.22.040.

What is the minimum side setback in National City's CA zone?

0 ft — National City Municipal Code § 18.22.040.

What is the minimum rear setback in National City's CA zone?

0 ft — National City Municipal Code § 18.22.040.

General information, not legal advice.

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