Orange · Zoning · UMU
Orange UMU zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Orange's UMU zone, generally buildings can be up to 45 ft (3 stories) tall and the minimum lot size is 40,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Orange code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 45 ft (whichever is less, without discretionary approval; may exceed this if no part is over one-quarter of the distance to the nearest single-family district)
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories (whichever is less, without discretionary approval; may exceed this if no part is over one-quarter of the distance to the nearest single-family district)
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft
- Minimum lot size: 40,000 sq ft (Newly created lot)
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 3.0 (Nonresidential development)
- Maximum density: 30 to 60 units per acre (the code sets a range: at least 30, at most 60; residential uses, net acreage)
UMU 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 UMU
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 | 45 ft Applies: whichever is less, without discretionary approval; may exceed this if no part is over one-quarter of the distance to the nearest single-family district § 17.19.120 · code textTable row “(Whichever is less)”, column “UMU”: 45 ft. (i) 3 stories |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories Applies: whichever is less, without discretionary approval; may exceed this if no part is over one-quarter of the distance to the nearest single-family district § 17.19.120 · code textTable row “(Whichever is less)”, column “UMU”: 45 ft. (i) 3 stories |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft See note d below the table in the code. § 17.19.120 · code textTable row “Side”, column “UMU”: 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 rear setback | 0 ft See note d below the table in the code. § 17.19.120 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “UMU”: 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 | 40,000 sq ft Applies: Newly created lot See note a below the table in the code. § 17.19.120 · code textTable row “Lot Area (a)”, column “UMU”: 40,000 sq. ft. Note a: New lots less than 40,000 square feet may be allowed within the NMU-24 and UMU zoning districts provided such lots are designed as part of a larger development project and are fully integrated into the larger development by means of access, circulation, parking, landscape theme, signage, and overall project design and that the overall development project complies with the minimum required density |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 3.0 Applies: Nonresidential development § 17.19.120 · code textTable row “Nonresidential development”, column “UMU”: Min. 1.5 Max. 3.0 |
| Maximum density | 30 to 60 units per acre Applies: the code sets a range: at least 30, at most 60; residential uses, net acreage § 17.19.120 · code textTable row “Dwelling Units Per Acre (Net)”, column “UMU”: 30 - 60 |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in UMU:
- 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 front setback, lot coverage limit for UMU 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 UMU zone?
45 ft (whichever is less, without discretionary approval; may exceed this if no part is over one-quarter of the distance to the nearest single-family district) — Orange Municipal Code § 17.19.120.
What is the maximum number of stories in Orange's UMU zone?
3 stories (whichever is less, without discretionary approval; may exceed this if no part is over one-quarter of the distance to the nearest single-family district) — Orange Municipal Code § 17.19.120.
What is the minimum side setback in Orange's UMU zone?
0 ft — Orange Municipal Code § 17.19.120.
What is the minimum rear setback in Orange's UMU zone?
0 ft — Orange Municipal Code § 17.19.120.
What is the minimum lot size in Orange's UMU zone?
40,000 sq ft (newly created lot) — Orange Municipal Code § 17.19.120.
General information, not legal advice.
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