Portola · Zoning · CMU
Portola CMU zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Portola's CMU zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 3,125 sq ft (Portola code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (Interior lot)
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Minimum lot size: 3,125 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 50% (for a residential use)
- Maximum density: 8 to 15 units per gross acre (Residential use, as provided by the General Plan; the code sets a range: at least 8, at most 15)
CMU is a zoning district in Portola. Every value below was read from the Portola 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 CMU
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 § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Height Limit”, column “CMU”: 35 ft. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Front Setback”, column “CMU”: 20 ft. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft Applies: Interior lot See note 1 below the table in the code. § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Side Setback”, column “CMU”: 10 ft. if adjacent to the edge of a publicly or privately maintained street, right-of-way, and/or sidewalk (1), 5 ft. for an interior lot Note 1: The measurement is to be taken from the back of a publicly or privately maintained street or sidewalk. However, it should be noted that in certain cases, the city's right-of-way may extend further than the edge of the street or sidewalk. In these cases, the city maintains its property rights over such right-of-way and all rights and privileges included therein. The property owner is required to ve |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Rear Setback”, column “CMU”: 10 ft. |
| Minimum lot size | 3,125 sq ft § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Min. lot size”, column “CMU”: 3,125 s.f. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% Applies: for a residential use § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Site Coverage”, column “CMU”: Maximum of 50% (for a residential use) |
| Maximum density | 8 to 15 units per gross acre Applies: Residential use, as provided by the General Plan; the code sets a range: at least 8, at most 15 § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Max. density per lot”, column “CMU”: As provided by General Plan From 8 to 15 units per gross acre (for a residential use) |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in CMU:
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Adjacent to the edge of a publicly or privately maintained street, right-of-way, or sidewalk § 17.16.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR limit for CMU in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Portola Municipal Code.
Other Portola zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Portola's CMU zone?
35 ft — Portola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Portola's CMU zone?
20 ft — Portola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Portola's CMU zone?
5 ft (interior lot) — Portola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Portola's CMU zone?
10 ft — Portola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Portola's CMU zone?
3,125 sq ft — Portola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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