San Clemente · Zoning · CVC
San Clemente CVC zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In San Clemente's CVC zone, generally buildings can be up to 33 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 4 acres, with the conditions listed below (San Clemente code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 33 ft (to the top of the roof; measured from the highest existing pad; plate height limit is 26 ft)
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft (a minor adjustment is available through a Minor Exception Permit)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (a minor adjustment is available through a Minor Exception Permit; setbacks next to residential zones are set in Section 17.24.170)
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft (a minor adjustment is available through a Minor Exception Permit; setbacks next to residential zones are set in Section 17.24.170)
- Minimum lot size: 4 acres
- Maximum lot coverage: 40%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.35
CVC is a zoning district in San Clemente. Every value below was read from the San Clemente 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 CVC
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 | 33 ft Applies: to the top of the roof; measured from the highest existing pad; plate height limit is 26 ft § 17.48.030 · code textTable row “Building Height, Maximum”, column “CVC”: TOR: 33 ft.; PL: 26 ft.; and 2 stories Height is measured from the highest existing pad, with development "stepping down" the site to conform to the topography. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 17.48.030 · code textTable row “Building Height, Maximum”, column “CVC”: TOR: 33 ft.; PL: 26 ft.; and 2 stories Height is measured from the highest existing pad, with development "stepping down" the site to conform to the topography. |
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft Applies: a minor adjustment is available through a Minor Exception Permit § 17.48.030 · code textTable row “Front Yard Setback, Minimum 1”, column “CVC”: 20 ft.; Please refer to Section 17.64.060 (C), Landscaping, For landscaping setbacks for parking areas. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft Applies: a minor adjustment is available through a Minor Exception Permit; setbacks next to residential zones are set in Section 17.24.170 § 17.48.030 · code textTable row “Interior-Side Yard Setback, Minimum 2”, column “CVC”: 5 ft.; Please refer to Section 17.24.170 , Residentially Zoned Property, Development Adjacent To, for setbacks from residentially zoned property. |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft Applies: a minor adjustment is available through a Minor Exception Permit; setbacks next to residential zones are set in Section 17.24.170 § 17.48.030 · code textTable row “Rear Yard Setback, Minimum 4”, column “CVC”: 10 ft.; Please refer to Section 17.24.170 , Residentially Zoned Property, Development Adjacent To, for setbacks from residentially zoned property. |
| Minimum lot size | 4 acres § 17.48.030 · code textTable row “Lot Area, Minimum”, column “CVC”: 4 Acres |
| Maximum lot coverage | 40% § 17.48.030 · code textTable row “Lot Coverage, Maximum”, column “CVC”: 40% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.35 § 17.48.030 · code textTable row “Floor Area Ratio, Maximum”, column “CVC”: 0.35 |
Uses in CVC
Uses the code's use tables allow in CVC, 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 CVC:
- Maximum building height: 26 ft — to the plate (top of the wall), not the roof § 17.48.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general density limit for CVC in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the San Clemente Municipal Code.
Other San Clemente zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in San Clemente's CVC zone?
33 ft (to the top of the roof; measured from the highest existing pad; plate height limit is 26 ft) — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.48.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in San Clemente's CVC zone?
2 stories — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.48.030.
What is the minimum front setback in San Clemente's CVC zone?
20 ft (a minor adjustment is available through a Minor Exception Permit) — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.48.030.
What is the minimum side setback in San Clemente's CVC zone?
5 ft (a minor adjustment is available through a Minor Exception Permit; setbacks next to residential zones are set in Section 17.24.170) — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.48.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in San Clemente's CVC zone?
10 ft (a minor adjustment is available through a Minor Exception Permit; setbacks next to residential zones are set in Section 17.24.170) — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.48.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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