Arcadia R-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R-1 (Single-Family Residential) is a zoning district in Arcadia. Every value below was read from the Arcadia 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 R-1

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 for lots less than 75 ft wide; 30 ft for lots 75 ft wide or greater Applies: lot width § 9102.01.030 · code text Table row “Maximum Height”, column “R-1”: Citywide: 25 ft for lots with less than 75-foot lot width; 30 ft for lots with 75-foot width or greater
Maximum number of stories	2 stories § 9102.01.030 · code text Table row “Maximum Number of Stories”, column “R-1”: 2 stories
Minimum front setback	25 ft Applies: Or the average of the two nearest developed lots, if greater. § 9102.01.030 · code text Table row “Front”, column “R-1”: 25 ft
Minimum side setback	5 ft or 10% of lot width, whichever is greater Applies: Interior side, first or single story. § 9102.01.030 · code text Table row “Interior”, column “R-1”: 5 ft or 10% of the lot width, whichever is greater
Minimum rear setback	25 ft Applies: First or single story. Add 1 ft per story for each 10 ft of lot depth over 150 ft. § 9102.01.030 · code text Table row “Rear - first or single story”, column “R-1”: 25 ft
Maximum lot coverage	45% Applies: 1-story dwellings § 9102.01.030 · code text Table row “1-story dwellings”, column “R-1”: 45%
Maximum density	1 unit per lot Applies: Except as allowed for accessory dwelling units. § 9102.01.030 · code text Table row “Maximum Density”, column “R-1”: 1 unit per lot

Uses in R-1

Uses the code's use tables allow in R-1, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

Single-family home — Allowed
Residential care home (7 or more) — Allowed
Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit
Private school — Needs a conditional use permit — see note

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-1:

Minimum side setback: 10 ft or 20% of lot width, whichever is greater — second story § 9102.01.030
Minimum rear setback: 15 ft — Attached garage, one story and up to 16 ft high, on a corner or reverse corner lot. § 9102.01.040
Minimum rear setback: 35 ft — second story § 9102.01.030
Maximum lot coverage: 35% — 2-story dwellings § 9102.01.030

Not on this page

We did not find a general lot size, FAR limit for R-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Arcadia Municipal Code.

Other Arcadia zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Arcadia's R-1 zone?

25 ft for lots less than 75 ft wide; 30 ft for lots 75 ft wide or greater (lot width) — Arcadia Municipal Code § 9102.01.030.

What is the maximum number of stories in Arcadia's R-1 zone?

2 stories — Arcadia Municipal Code § 9102.01.030.

What is the minimum front setback in Arcadia's R-1 zone?

25 ft (or the average of the two nearest developed lots, if greater) — Arcadia Municipal Code § 9102.01.030.

What is the minimum side setback in Arcadia's R-1 zone?

5 ft or 10% of lot width, whichever is greater (interior side, first or single story) — Arcadia Municipal Code § 9102.01.030.

What is the minimum rear setback in Arcadia's R-1 zone?

25 ft (first or single story. Add 1 ft per story for each 10 ft of lot depth over 150 ft) — Arcadia Municipal Code § 9102.01.030.

General information, not legal advice.