Poway · Zoning · CN
Poway CN zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Poway's CN zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 3 acres, with the conditions listed below (Poway code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft (or two stories, whichever is less, except as permitted by PMC 17.10.140(C) or an adopted specific plan)
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories (except as permitted by PMC 17.10.140(C) or as expressly authorized by an adopted specific plan)
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft
- Minimum lot size: 3 acres
- Maximum lot coverage: 35%
CN is a zoning district in Poway. Every value below was read from the Poway 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 CN
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 Applies: or two stories, whichever is less, except as permitted by PMC 17.10.140(C) or an adopted specific plan § 17.10.120 · code textTable row “Building and structure height maximum”, column “CN”: 35' or two stories, whichever is less, except as permitted by PMC § 17.10.140(C) or as expressly authorized pursuant to an adopted specific plan |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories Applies: except as permitted by PMC 17.10.140(C) or as expressly authorized by an adopted specific plan § 17.10.120 · code textTable row “Building and structure height maximum”, column “CN”: 35' or two stories, whichever is less, except as permitted by PMC § 17.10.140(C) or as expressly authorized pursuant to an adopted specific plan |
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 17.10.120 · code textTable row “Front yard setback”, column “CN”: 20' |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft § 17.10.120 · code textTable row “Interior side yard setback (see subsection D of this section)”, column “CN”: 10' |
| Minimum rear setback | 0 ft § 17.10.120 · code textTable row “Rear yard (see subsection D of this section)”, column “CN”: 0 |
| Minimum lot size | 3 acres § 17.10.120 · code textTable row “Lot area”, column “CN”: 3 ac sq. ft. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 35% § 17.10.120 · code textTable row “Lot coverage maximum”, column “CN”: 35% |
Uses in CN
Uses the code's use tables allow in CN, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in CN:
- Minimum front setback: 25 ft — where a lot in the commercial zone abuts a lot in any residential zone § 17.10.120
- Minimum side setback: 25 ft — where a lot in the commercial zone abuts a lot in any residential zone § 17.10.120
- Minimum rear setback: 25 ft — where a lot in the commercial zone abuts a lot in any residential zone § 17.10.120
Not on this page
We did not find a general FAR, density limit for CN in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Poway Municipal Code.
Other Poway zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Poway's CN zone?
35 ft (or two stories, whichever is less, except as permitted by PMC 17.10.140(C) or an adopted specific plan) — Poway Municipal Code § 17.10.120.
What is the maximum number of stories in Poway's CN zone?
2 stories (except as permitted by PMC 17.10.140(C) or as expressly authorized by an adopted specific plan) — Poway Municipal Code § 17.10.120.
What is the minimum front setback in Poway's CN zone?
20 ft — Poway Municipal Code § 17.10.120.
What is the minimum side setback in Poway's CN zone?
10 ft — Poway Municipal Code § 17.10.120.
What is the minimum rear setback in Poway's CN zone?
0 ft — Poway Municipal Code § 17.10.120.
General information, not legal advice.
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