National City · Zoning · MCR-1
National City MCR-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In National City's MCR-1 zone, buildings can be up to 50 ft (3 stories) tall and the front setback is 10 ft (National City code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 50 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.6
- Maximum density: 24 units per acre
MCR-1 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 MCR-1
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 § 18.23.030 · code textTable row “Maximum height/stories”, column “MCR-1”: 3 stories and 50' |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories § 18.23.030 · code textTable row “Maximum height/stories”, column “MCR-1”: 3 stories and 50' |
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft § 18.23.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “MCR-1”: 10' |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft See note a below the table in the code. § 18.23.030 · code textTable row “Side, interior”, column “MCR-1”: 0'/10'(a) Note a: Ten feet if adjacent to single-family or multi-family development without commercial/office uses. |
| Minimum rear setback | 5 ft § 18.23.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “MCR-1”: 5' |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.6 § 18.23.030 · code textTable row “Maximum floor area ratio”, column “MCR-1”: 0.6 |
| Maximum density | 24 units per acre § 18.23.030 · code textTable row “Maximum density”, column “MCR-1”: 24 du/acre |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in MCR-1:
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Adjacent to single-family or multi-family development without commercial/office uses § 18.23.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot size, lot coverage limit for MCR-1 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in National City's MCR-1 zone?
50 ft — National City Municipal Code § 18.23.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in National City's MCR-1 zone?
3 stories — National City Municipal Code § 18.23.030.
What is the minimum front setback in National City's MCR-1 zone?
10 ft — National City Municipal Code § 18.23.030.
What is the minimum side setback in National City's MCR-1 zone?
0 ft — National City Municipal Code § 18.23.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in National City's MCR-1 zone?
5 ft — National City Municipal Code § 18.23.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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