The following tables show to physical development standards for commercial and industrial zoning districts. For information of the zoning of a specific parcel, contact a Planner at (408) 730-7444.
C-1
Front Setback– 70 ft.
Side Setback – None. See Notes
Rear Setback – None
Max. Height – 40 ft. 2 stories
Max. Lot Coverage – 35%
Max. FAR – No limitation
Min. Lot Area – None
C-2
Front Setback– 70 ft.
Side Setback – None. See Notes
Rear Setback – None
Max. Height – 75 ft. 8 stories
Max. Lot Coverage – 35%
Max. FAR – No limitation
Min. Lot Area – None
C-3
Front Setback– 70 ft.
Side Setback – None. See Notes
Rear Setback – None
Max. Height – 75 ft. 8 stories
Max. Lot Coverage – 35%
Max. FAR – No limitation
Min. Lot Area – None
C-4
Front Setback– 20 ft.
Side Setback – None.
Rear Setback – None
Max. Height – 40 ft. 2 stories
Max. Lot Coverage – 35%
Max. FAR – No limitation
Min. Lot Area – None
M-S
Front Setback– 25 ft.
Side Setback – No min. 20 ft. total
Rear Setback – None
Max. Height – 75 ft. 8 stories
Max. Lot Coverage – 45 %
Max. FAR – 35 %
Min. Lot Area – 22,500 s.f.
M-3
Front Setback– 25 ft.
Side Setback – No min. 20 ft. total
Rear Setback – None
Max. Height – 75 ft. 8 stories
Max. Lot Coverage – 45 %
Max. FAR – 35 %
Min. Lot Area – 22,500 s.f.
O
Front Setback– 20 ft.
Side Setback – 5 ft. min. 15 ft. total
Rear Setback – 20 ft.
Max. Height – 30 ft. 2 stories
Max. Lot Coverage – 40%
Max. FAR – No limitation
Min. Lot Area – 8,000 s.f.
DEFINITIONS
Lot Coverage – land area covered by all buildings on a lot. Measurements are taken from the outer walls of each building, including corridors, supporting columns, unsupported wall projects and enclosed or unenclosed patios where the roof is more than 50 % solid.
Floor Area Ratio (FAR) – ratio of the gross floor area (including covered parking) divided by the net lot area.
NOTES
Reduced Building Height is required for any building (other than single family) constructed within 75 ft. of a single-family residential zone.
- 20 ft. when the adjacent lot has a one-story building
- 30 ft. when the adjacent lot has a two-story building or is undeveloped
All Corner Lots must maintain a 40 ft. vision triangle clear of any objects greater than 3 ft. in height. Please see the "Vision Triangles" brochure.
Larger Setbacks in Commercial Zones are required when a development is adjoins a residentially zoned property. The development shall provide a side yard of 15 ft. and a rear yard of 10 ft. An additional 3 ft. of setback is required for each story above the first. For buildings not divided by stories, an additional 3 ft. setback is required for each 10 ft. in height above 20 ft.
Larger Setbacks in Industrial Zones are required when a property fronts a public street with a right-of-way of 86 ft. or more. The Front Setback must be increased to 35 ft. If a property adjoins a residentially zoned property, all affected yards must be increased to 100 ft.
Hotels and Motels In Industrial Zones may exceed 75 ft. in height if allowed by Use Permit.
Longer Street Frontages on Corner Lots may be reduced to 15 ft. unless along El Camino Real.
QUESTIONS?
Call or visit the One-Stop Permit Center at City Hall. Planners are available to assist you between the hours of 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This handout is intended to be a general description of commercial and industrial zoning standards for the City of Sunnyvale. For more detailed information, consult Sunnyvale Municipal Code (SMC) Chapters 19.20 through 19.38.
For Downtown Specific Plan standards, refer to SMC 19.28.
For Public Facilities Zoning District standards, refer to SMC 19.32 and 19.34.