Newport Beach · Zoning · CM
Newport Beach CM zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Newport Beach's CM zone, generally buildings can be up to 32 ft tall and the front setback is 0 ft, with the conditions listed below (Newport Beach code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 32 ft (Not within Shoreline Height Limit Zone; flat roof or less than 3/12 pitch)
- Minimum front setback: 0 ft
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft (Abutting nonresidential)
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft (Not abutting an alley)
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.50 (Coastal zoning only; the Coastal Zoning Map identifies the specific limit for each area)
CM is a zoning district in Newport Beach. Every value below was read from the Newport Beach 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 CM
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 | 32 ft Applies: Not within Shoreline Height Limit Zone; flat roof or less than 3/12 pitch § 20.20.030 · code textTable row “Not within Shoreline Height Limit Zone”, column “CM”: 32 ft. with flat roof; less than 3/12 pitch 37 ft. with sloped roof; 3/12 or greater pitch |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 0 ft § 20.20.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “CM”: 0 |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft Applies: Abutting nonresidential § 20.20.030 · code textTable row “Abutting nonresidential”, column “CM”: 0 |
| Minimum rear setback | 0 ft Applies: Not abutting an alley § 20.20.030 · code textTable row “Not abutting an alley”, column “CM”: 0 |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.50 Applies: Coastal zoning only; the Coastal Zoning Map identifies the specific limit for each area See notes 3, 4 below the table in the code. The code attaches note 2 to this value. This page does not show it; read the code before relying on the number. § 21.20.030 · code textTable row “Floor Area Ratio (2)(3)(4)”, column “CM”: 0.50 Note 3: Portions of legal lots that are submerged lands or tidelands shall be included in the land area of the lot for the purpose of calculating the allowable floor area for structures. Note 4: The specific floor area limitations for each coastal zoning district are identified on the Coastal Zoning Map. |
Uses in CM
Uses the code's use tables allow in CM, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Bed and breakfast — Needs a minor use permit
- Private school — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in CM:
- Maximum building height: 26 ft — Within Shoreline Height Limit Zone; flat roof or less than 3/12 pitch § 20.20.030
- Maximum building height: 31 ft — Within Shoreline Height Limit Zone; sloped roof with 3/12 or greater pitch § 20.20.030
- Maximum building height: 37 ft — Not within Shoreline Height Limit Zone; sloped roof with 3/12 or greater pitch § 20.20.030
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft — Abutting residential § 20.20.030
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — Abutting an alley § 20.20.030
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft — Abutting residential § 20.20.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot size, lot coverage, density limit for CM in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Newport Beach Municipal Code.
Other Newport Beach zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Newport Beach's CM zone?
32 ft (not within Shoreline Height Limit Zone; flat roof or less than 3/12 pitch) — Newport Beach Municipal Code § 20.20.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Newport Beach's CM zone?
0 ft — Newport Beach Municipal Code § 20.20.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Newport Beach's CM zone?
0 ft (abutting nonresidential) — Newport Beach Municipal Code § 20.20.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Newport Beach's CM zone?
0 ft (not abutting an alley) — Newport Beach Municipal Code § 20.20.030.
What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Newport Beach's CM zone?
0.50 (coastal zoning only; the Coastal Zoning Map identifies the specific limit for each area) — Newport Beach Municipal Code § 21.20.030. The code attaches notes or conditions to this value; read the section before relying on it.
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a Newport Beach property in CM
Ask GoCodebook what you can build at a specific address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question