Alhambra · Zoning · RL
Alhambra RL zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Alhambra's RL zone, buildings can be up to 25 ft (2 stories) tall and the front setback is 25 ft (Alhambra code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 25 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 25 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (First story)
- Minimum rear setback: 20% of lot depth, up to 15 ft
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.40
- Maximum density: 5 units per acre
RL is a zoning district in Alhambra. Every value below was read from the Alhambra 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 RL
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 | 25 ft § 23.04.030 · code textTable row “Maximum height (feet)”, column “RL”: 25 |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 23.04.030 · code textTable row “Maximum number of stories”, column “RL”: 2 |
| Minimum front setback | 25 ft § 23.04.030 · code textTable row “Minimum front setback (feet)”, column “RL”: 25(A) |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft Applies: First story The code labels this number “1st St.”: it is for the first story, and upper stories may need more. § 23.04.030 · code textTable row “Minimum interior setback (feet)”, column “RL”: First story: 5 Second story: 6 |
| Minimum rear setback | 20% of lot depth, up to 15 ft § 23.04.030 · code textTable row “Minimum rear setback”, column “RL”: 20% of lot depth, up to 15 feet |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.40 § 23.04.030 · code textTable row “Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)”, column “RL”: 0.40 |
| Maximum density | 5 units per acre § 23.04.030 · code textTable row “Maximum density (units per acre)”, column “RL”: 5 |
Uses in RL
Uses the code's use tables allow in RL, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RL:
- Minimum side setback: 6 ft — Second story § 23.04.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot size, lot coverage limit for RL in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Alhambra Municipal Code.
Other Alhambra zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Alhambra's RL zone?
25 ft — Alhambra Municipal Code § 23.04.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in Alhambra's RL zone?
2 stories — Alhambra Municipal Code § 23.04.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Alhambra's RL zone?
25 ft — Alhambra Municipal Code § 23.04.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Alhambra's RL zone?
5 ft (first story) — Alhambra Municipal Code § 23.04.030. The code attaches notes or conditions to this value; read the section before relying on it.
What is the minimum rear setback in Alhambra's RL zone?
20% of lot depth, up to 15 ft — Alhambra Municipal Code § 23.04.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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