San Luis Obispo · Zoning · M
San Luis Obispo M zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In San Luis Obispo's M zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall and the minimum lot size is 9,000 square feet (San Luis Obispo code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum side setback: None required (Unless next to a zone with a setback rule; then that zone's setback applies)
- Minimum rear setback: None required (Unless next to a zone with a setback rule; then that zone's setback applies)
- Minimum lot size: 9,000 square feet
- Maximum lot coverage: 75%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.5
M (M Zone) is a zoning district in San Luis Obispo. Every value below was read from the San Luis Obispo 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 M
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 § 17.40.020 · code textTable row “Maximum Height”, column “M Zone”: 35 feet |
|---|---|
| Minimum side setback | None required Applies: Unless next to a zone with a setback rule; then that zone's setback applies § 17.40.020 · code textTable row “Interior Side and Rear”, column “M Zone”: No setback unless adjacent to zone with minimum setback requirement, in which case the adjoining setback shall be as provided in zone of adjacent lot. Lots separated by streets or other rights-of-way are not considered adjacent. If more than one zone is adjacent, the largest setback shall be required |
| Minimum rear setback | None required Applies: Unless next to a zone with a setback rule; then that zone's setback applies § 17.40.020 · code textTable row “Interior Side and Rear”, column “M Zone”: No setback unless adjacent to zone with minimum setback requirement, in which case the adjoining setback shall be as provided in zone of adjacent lot. Lots separated by streets or other rights-of-way are not considered adjacent. If more than one zone is adjacent, the largest setback shall be required |
| Minimum lot size | 9,000 square feet § 17.40.020 · code textTable row “Minimum Lot Area”, column “M Zone”: 9,000 square feet |
| Maximum lot coverage | 75% § 17.40.020 · code textTable row “Maximum Lot Coverage”, column “M Zone”: 75% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 1.5 § 17.40.020 · code textTable row “Maximum Floor Area Ratio”, column “M Zone”: 1.5 |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in M:
- Minimum front setback: 5 ft — Where no building adjoins § 17.40.020
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft — Buildings ≤ 20 feet in height § 17.40.020
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft — Buildings > 20 feet in height § 17.40.020
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, front setback, density limit for M in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code.
Other San Luis Obispo zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in San Luis Obispo's M zone?
35 ft — San Luis Obispo Municipal Code § 17.40.020.
What is the minimum side setback in San Luis Obispo's M zone?
None required (unless next to a zone with a setback rule; then that zone's setback applies) — San Luis Obispo Municipal Code § 17.40.020.
What is the minimum rear setback in San Luis Obispo's M zone?
None required (unless next to a zone with a setback rule; then that zone's setback applies) — San Luis Obispo Municipal Code § 17.40.020.
What is the minimum lot size in San Luis Obispo's M zone?
9,000 square feet — San Luis Obispo Municipal Code § 17.40.020.
What is the maximum lot coverage in San Luis Obispo's M zone?
75% — San Luis Obispo Municipal Code § 17.40.020.
General information, not legal advice.
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