Rancho Cordova · Zoning · CMU
Rancho Cordova CMU zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Rancho Cordova's CMU zone, generally buildings can be up to 50 ft tall, the side setback limit is 0 ft and the rear setback limit is 10 ft, with the conditions listed below (Rancho Cordova code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 50 ft (Primary structures; design review may allow more for a structure with a parking structure or mixed uses)
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.5
- Maximum density: 18.0 du/ac (Applies only to mixed-use developments that include residential uses)
CMU is a zoning district in Rancho Cordova. Every value below was read from the Rancho Cordova 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 | 50 ft Applies: Primary structures; design review may allow more for a structure with a parking structure or mixed uses § 23.313.040 · code textTable row “Primary Structures 10”, column “CMU”: 50 ft |
|---|---|
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft § 23.313.040 · code textTable row “Interior”, column “CMU”: 0 ft |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft See note 7 below the table in the code. § 23.313.040 · code textTable row “Rear 7”, column “CMU”: 10 ft Note 7: Garages may also be accessed from an alley with a minimum three-foot rear setback. |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 1.5 § 23.313.040 · code textTable row “Maximum”, column “CMU”: 1.5 |
| Maximum density | 18.0 du/ac Applies: Applies only to mixed-use developments that include residential uses § 23.313.040 · code textTable row “Maximum”, column “CMU”: 18.0 du/ac |
Uses in CMU
Uses the code's use tables allow in CMU, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed — see note
- Duplex — Allowed — see note
- Bed and breakfast — Allowed
- Child care center — Needs an administrative use permit
- Church or place of worship — Allowed
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, front setback, lot size, lot coverage limit for CMU in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Rancho Cordova Municipal Code.
Other Rancho Cordova zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Rancho Cordova's CMU zone?
50 ft (primary structures; design review may allow more for a structure with a parking structure or mixed uses) — Rancho Cordova Municipal Code § 23.313.040.
What is the minimum side setback in Rancho Cordova's CMU zone?
0 ft — Rancho Cordova Municipal Code § 23.313.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in Rancho Cordova's CMU zone?
10 ft — Rancho Cordova Municipal Code § 23.313.040.
What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Rancho Cordova's CMU zone?
1.5 — Rancho Cordova Municipal Code § 23.313.040.
What is the maximum density in Rancho Cordova's CMU zone?
18.0 du/ac (applies only to mixed-use developments that include residential uses) — Rancho Cordova Municipal Code § 23.313.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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