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Arcata · Zoning · RH

Arcata RH zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

In Arcata's RH zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 10 ft and the minimum lot size is 6,000 sq ft (Arcata code, read October 2026).

Key points

  • Maximum building height: 35 ft
  • Minimum front setback: 10 ft
  • Minimum side setback: 5 ft
  • Minimum rear setback: 5 ft
  • Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq ft
  • Maximum lot coverage: 70% (Counts buildings, parking, driveways and pavement)

RH is a zoning district in Arcata. Every value below was read from the Arcata 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 RH

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
§ 9.24.050 · code text
Table row “Maximum height”, column “Code”: 35 ft.
Minimum front setback
10 ft
§ 9.24.050 · code text
Table row “Front”, column “Code”: 10 ft
Minimum side setback
5 ft
§ 9.24.050 · code text
Table row “Side - Interior (each)”, column “Code”: 5 ft
Minimum rear setback
5 ft
§ 9.24.050 · code text
Table row “Rear”, column “Code”: 5 ft
Minimum lot size
6,000 sq ft
§ 9.24.040 · code text
Table row “Minimum lot area”, column “RH”: 6,000 sf
Maximum lot coverage
70%
Applies: Counts buildings, parking, driveways and pavement
§ 9.24.050 · code text
Table row “Maximum coverage”, column “Code”: 70%

When a different number applies

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

  • Maximum building height: 45 ft — Density Bonus § 9.24.050
  • Minimum front setback: 5 ft — Density Bonus § 9.24.050

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, FAR, density limit for RH in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Arcata Municipal Code.

Other Arcata zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Arcata's RH zone?

35 ft — Arcata Municipal Code § 9.24.050.

What is the minimum front setback in Arcata's RH zone?

10 ft — Arcata Municipal Code § 9.24.050.

What is the minimum side setback in Arcata's RH zone?

5 ft — Arcata Municipal Code § 9.24.050.

What is the minimum rear setback in Arcata's RH zone?

5 ft — Arcata Municipal Code § 9.24.050.

What is the minimum lot size in Arcata's RH zone?

6,000 sq ft — Arcata Municipal Code § 9.24.040.

General information, not legal advice.

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