Newport Beach · Zoning · MU-DW
Newport Beach MU-DW zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Newport Beach's MU-DW zone, generally buildings can be up to 32 ft tall, the front setback is 0 ft and the minimum lot size is 40,000 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (Newport Beach code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 32 ft (Flat roof, less than 3/12 roof pitch)
- Minimum front setback: 0 ft
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft
- Minimum lot size: 40,000 sq. ft.
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.50 (Nonresidential portion of mixed-use development)
MU-DW 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 MU-DW
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: Flat roof, less than 3/12 roof pitch § 20.22.030 · code textTable row “MU-V, MU-MM, and MU-CV/15th St. MU-DW”, column “MU-DW”: 26 ft. with flat roof, less than 3/12 roof pitch 31 ft. with sloped roof, 3/12 roof pitch or greater 32 ft. with flat roof, less than 3/12 roof pitch 37 ft. with sloped roof, 3/12 roof pitch or greater |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 0 ft § 20.22.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “MU-DW”: 0 |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft § 20.22.030 · code textTable row “Side”, column “MU-DW”: 0 |
| Minimum rear setback | 0 ft § 20.22.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “MU-DW”: 0 |
| Minimum lot size | 40,000 sq. ft. See note 2 below the table in the code. § 20.22.030 · code textTable row “Lot Area (2)”, column “MU-DW”: 40,000 sq. ft. Note 2: The standards for minimum lot area and lot width are intended to regulate sites for development purposes only and are not intended to establish minimum dimensions for the creation of ownership or leasehold (e.g., condominium) purposes. |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.50 Applies: Nonresidential portion of mixed-use development See note 4 below the table in the code. § 20.22.030 · code textTable row “Mixed-use development”, column “MU-DW”: Min. 0.25 Max. 0.50 for nonresidential Max. 1.0 for residential. Note 4: 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 of structures. |
Uses in MU-DW
Uses the code's use tables allow in MU-DW, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Apartment building — Allowed — see note
- Private school — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in MU-DW:
- Maximum building height: 37 ft — Sloped roof, 3/12 roof pitch or greater § 20.22.030
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft — Side adjoining a residential district § 20.22.030
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft — Rear adjoining residential district § 20.22.030
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.0 — Residential portion of mixed-use development § 20.22.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage, density limit for MU-DW 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 MU-DW zone?
32 ft (flat roof, less than 3/12 roof pitch) — Newport Beach Municipal Code § 20.22.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Newport Beach's MU-DW zone?
0 ft — Newport Beach Municipal Code § 20.22.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Newport Beach's MU-DW zone?
0 ft — Newport Beach Municipal Code § 20.22.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Newport Beach's MU-DW zone?
0 ft — Newport Beach Municipal Code § 20.22.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Newport Beach's MU-DW zone?
40,000 sq. ft. — Newport Beach Municipal Code § 20.22.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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