Orange · Zoning · OTMU-15S
Orange OTMU-15S zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Orange's OTMU-15S zone, generally buildings can be up to 32 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 0 ft and the minimum lot size is 10,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Orange code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 32 ft (whichever is less, without discretionary approval; also no taller than adjacent buildings)
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories (whichever is less, without discretionary approval; also no taller than adjacent buildings)
- Minimum front setback: 0 ft (on West Chapman Avenue; a 25 ft maximum front setback also applies)
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft (on West Chapman Avenue)
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft
- Minimum lot size: 10,000 sq ft (Newly created lot)
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.6 (Nonresidential development)
- Maximum density: 6 to 15 units per acre (the code sets a range: at least 6, at most 15; residential uses, net acreage)
OTMU-15S is a zoning district in Orange. Every value below was read from the Orange 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 OTMU-15S
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: whichever is less, without discretionary approval; also no taller than adjacent buildings § 17.19.120 · code textTable row “(Whichever is less)”, column “OTMU-15S”: 32 ft. (h) 2 stories |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories Applies: whichever is less, without discretionary approval; also no taller than adjacent buildings § 17.19.120 · code textTable row “(Whichever is less)”, column “OTMU-15S”: 32 ft. (h) 2 stories |
| Minimum front setback | 0 ft Applies: on West Chapman Avenue; a 25 ft maximum front setback also applies See notes c, e below the table in the code. § 17.19.120 · code textTable row “Front (c)(e)(f)(g)”, column “OTMU-15S”: 0 ft. Min. W. Chapman. 15 ft. Min. Glassell and E. Chapman. 25 ft. Max (e) Note c: In cases where the frontage of the block is partially within a residential district, the required front setback shall be the same as required for the residential district. In the case of an automobile sales facility for new vehicles the maximum setback shall be 25 feet to accommodate display of new vehicles. Note e: Buildings located within the Old Towne Historic Districts shall comply with the following front setback and street side setback requirements: |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft Applies: on West Chapman Avenue § 17.19.120 · code textTable row “Side”, column “OTMU-15S”: 0 ft. Min. W. Chapman. 5 ft. Min. Glassell and E. Chapman (f) |
| Minimum rear setback | 0 ft See note d below the table in the code. § 17.19.120 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “OTMU-15S”: 0' (d) Note d: In cases where the side or rear property line abuts a single-family residential district, and where the proposed building exceeds either one story or 20 feet in height, a rear setback of at least 10 feet shall be required. |
| Minimum lot size | 10,000 sq ft Applies: Newly created lot The code attaches note a to this value. This page does not show it; read the code before relying on the number. § 17.19.120 · code textTable row “Lot Area (a)”, column “OTMU-15S”: 10,000 sq. ft. |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.6 Applies: Nonresidential development § 17.19.120 · code textTable row “Nonresidential development”, column “OTMU-15S”: Max. 0.6 |
| Maximum density | 6 to 15 units per acre Applies: the code sets a range: at least 6, at most 15; residential uses, net acreage § 17.19.120 · code textTable row “Dwelling Units Per Acre (Net)”, column “OTMU-15S”: 6 - 15 |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in OTMU-15S:
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft — on Glassell Street and East Chapman Avenue; a 25 ft maximum also applies § 17.19.120
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft — on Glassell Street and East Chapman Avenue § 17.19.120
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — Where the side or rear property line abuts a single-family residential district and the proposed building exceeds either one story or 20 feet in height § 17.19.120
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot coverage limit for OTMU-15S in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Orange Municipal Code.
Other Orange zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Orange's OTMU-15S zone?
32 ft (whichever is less, without discretionary approval; also no taller than adjacent buildings) — Orange Municipal Code § 17.19.120.
What is the maximum number of stories in Orange's OTMU-15S zone?
2 stories (whichever is less, without discretionary approval; also no taller than adjacent buildings) — Orange Municipal Code § 17.19.120.
What is the minimum front setback in Orange's OTMU-15S zone?
0 ft (on West Chapman Avenue; a 25 ft maximum front setback also applies) — Orange Municipal Code § 17.19.120.
What is the minimum side setback in Orange's OTMU-15S zone?
0 ft (on West Chapman Avenue) — Orange Municipal Code § 17.19.120.
What is the minimum rear setback in Orange's OTMU-15S zone?
0 ft — Orange Municipal Code § 17.19.120.
General information, not legal advice.
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