Aliso Viejo · Zoning · RL
Aliso Viejo RL zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Aliso Viejo's RL zone, buildings can be up to 35 feet (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 10 feet and the minimum lot size is 3,000 square feet (Aliso Viejo code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 feet
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 10 feet
- Minimum side setback: 10 feet for one side only; or 10 feet aggregate for both sides (Single-Family Detached)
- Minimum rear setback: 10 feet
- Minimum lot size: 3,000 square feet
RL (Low Density Residential) is a zoning district in Aliso Viejo. Every value below was read from the Aliso Viejo 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 | 35 feet § 15.10.030 · code textTable row “Maximum structure height 1”, column “RL Low Density Residential”: 35 feet, maximum 2 stories (lofts do not count as a separate story) |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 15.10.030 · code textTable row “Maximum structure height 1”, column “RL Low Density Residential”: 35 feet, maximum 2 stories (lofts do not count as a separate story) |
| Minimum front setback | 10 feet § 15.10.030 · code textTable row “Front:”, column “RL”: 10 feet |
| Minimum side setback | 10 feet for one side only; or 10 feet aggregate for both sides Applies: Single-Family Detached § 15.10.030 · code textTable row “Side:”, column “RL”: 10 feet for one side only; or 10 feet aggregate for both sides |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 feet § 15.10.030 · code textTable row “Rear:”, column “RL”: 10 feet |
| Minimum lot size | 3,000 square feet § 15.10.030 · code textTable row “Building site area, minimum (square feet)”, column “RL Low Density Residential”: 3,000 |
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.
- Single-family home — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RL:
- Minimum side setback: 0 feet — Single-Family Attached; attached side § 15.10.030
- Minimum side setback: 10 feet — Single-Family Attached; open side § 15.10.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot coverage, FAR, density limit for RL in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Aliso Viejo Municipal Code.
Other Aliso Viejo zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Aliso Viejo's RL zone?
35 feet — Aliso Viejo Municipal Code § 15.10.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in Aliso Viejo's RL zone?
2 stories — Aliso Viejo Municipal Code § 15.10.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Aliso Viejo's RL zone?
10 feet — Aliso Viejo Municipal Code § 15.10.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Aliso Viejo's RL zone?
10 feet for one side only; or 10 feet aggregate for both sides (single-Family Detached) — Aliso Viejo Municipal Code § 15.10.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Aliso Viejo's RL zone?
10 feet — Aliso Viejo Municipal Code § 15.10.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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