Santa Rosa CMU zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

CMU is a zoning district in Santa Rosa. Every value below was read from the Santa Rosa 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 Applies: Properties without an assigned FAR See note 4 below the table in the code. § 20-23.040 · code text Table row “Maximum height”, column “CMU(4)”: See FAR Section 20-23.060 . For properties without an assigned FAR, a max of 35 ft Note 4: See Zoning Code Section 20-23.060 for additional zoning district development standards.
Minimum side setback	0 to 10 ft Applies: build-to line: the building must stand within this distance; the code sets a range, at least 0, at most 10 See note 4 below the table in the code. § 20-23.040 · code text Table row “Side—Interior (each)”, column “CMU(4)”: 0 -10 ft (min/max); 5 ft required when directly abutting existing low-density residential development. Note 4: See Zoning Code Section 20-23.060 for additional zoning district development standards.
Minimum rear setback	None required Applies: Not next to a low- or medium-low-density residential zone or use See note 4 below the table in the code. § 20-23.040 · code text Table row “Rear”, column “CMU(4)”: 5 ft adjacent to a low-density or medium low-density residential zone or use; none required elsewhere. Note 4: See Zoning Code Section 20-23.060 for additional zoning district development standards.
Maximum lot coverage	100% See note 4 below the table in the code. § 20-23.040 · code text Table row “Maximum coverage”, column “CMU(4)”: 100% Note 4: See Zoning Code Section 20-23.060 for additional zoning district development standards.

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.

Duplex — Allowed — see note
Bed and breakfast — Allowed
Private school — Needs a director conditional use permit

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in CMU:

Minimum side setback: 5 ft — Directly abutting existing low-density residential development § 20-23.040
Minimum rear setback: 5 ft — Adjacent to a low-density or medium low-density residential zone or use § 20-23.040

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, front setback, lot size, FAR, density limit for CMU in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Santa Rosa Municipal Code.

Other Santa Rosa zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Santa Rosa's CMU zone?

35 ft (properties without an assigned FAR) — Santa Rosa Municipal Code § 20-23.040.

What is the minimum side setback in Santa Rosa's CMU zone?

0 to 10 ft (build-to line: the building must stand within this distance; the code sets a range, at least 0, at most 10) — Santa Rosa Municipal Code § 20-23.040.

What is the minimum rear setback in Santa Rosa's CMU zone?

None required (not next to a low- or medium-low-density residential zone or use) — Santa Rosa Municipal Code § 20-23.040.

What is the maximum lot coverage in Santa Rosa's CMU zone?

100% — Santa Rosa Municipal Code § 20-23.040.

General information, not legal advice.