Orinda · Zoning · DC
Orinda DC zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Orinda's DC zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft (2 ½ stories) tall and the front setback is 10 ft (Orinda code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 2 ½ stories
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
DC (Downtown Commercial District) is a zoning district in Orinda. Every value below was read from the Orinda 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 DC
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 | 35 ft § 17.8.6 · code textTable row “Maximum Height of Structures (feet)”, column “35”: 35 |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 ½ stories § 17.8.6 · code textTable row “Maximum Stories”, column “2 ½”: 2 ½ |
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft § 17.8.6 · code textTable row “Front (feet)”, column “10”: 10 |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft § 17.8.6 · code textTable row “Side (feet)”, column “10”: 10 |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 17.8.6 · code textTable row “Rear (feet)”, column “10”: 10 |
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot size, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for DC in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Orinda Municipal Code.
Other Orinda zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Orinda's DC zone?
35 ft — Orinda Municipal Code § 17.8.6.
What is the maximum number of stories in Orinda's DC zone?
2 ½ stories — Orinda Municipal Code § 17.8.6.
What is the minimum front setback in Orinda's DC zone?
10 ft — Orinda Municipal Code § 17.8.6.
What is the minimum side setback in Orinda's DC zone?
10 ft — Orinda Municipal Code § 17.8.6.
What is the minimum rear setback in Orinda's DC zone?
10 ft — Orinda Municipal Code § 17.8.6.
General information, not legal advice.
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