Arcata · Zoning · RL
Arcata RL zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Arcata's RL zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 10 ft and the minimum lot size is 4,000 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: 4,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 50% (Counts buildings, parking, driveways and pavement)
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.50
RL 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 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 ft § 9.24.050 · code textTable row “Maximum height”, column “Code”: 35 ft. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft § 9.24.050 · code textTable row “Front”, column “Code”: 10 ft |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 9.24.050 · code textTable row “Side - Interior (each)”, column “Code”: 5 ft |
| Minimum rear setback | 5 ft § 9.24.050 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “Code”: 5 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 4,000 sq ft See notes 1, 2 below the table in the code. § 9.24.040 · code textTable row “Minimum lot area”, column “RL”: 4,000 sf, 6,000 sf average (1)(2) Note 1: A parcel in a new subdivision may be as small as 4,000 square feet, but the average size of all the parcels must be 6,000 square feet, except where the subdivision complies with the Special Subdivision Design Standards of Section 9.88.032. Note 2: Section 9.24.060.B (RL Alternative Development Option) may allow a lower average. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% Applies: Counts buildings, parking, driveways and pavement § 9.24.050 · code textTable row “Maximum coverage”, column “Code”: 50% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.50 § 9.24.050 · code textTable row “Maximum FAR”, column “Code”: 0.50 |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RL:
- Maximum building height: 38 ft — Density Bonus § 9.24.050
- Minimum front setback: 8 ft — Density Bonus § 9.24.050
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft — Density Bonus; townhouse and condo § 9.24.050
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq ft average — Average size of all parcels in a new subdivision § 9.24.040
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, density limit for RL 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Arcata's RL zone?
35 ft — Arcata Municipal Code § 9.24.050.
What is the minimum front setback in Arcata's RL zone?
10 ft — Arcata Municipal Code § 9.24.050.
What is the minimum side setback in Arcata's RL zone?
5 ft — Arcata Municipal Code § 9.24.050.
What is the minimum rear setback in Arcata's RL zone?
5 ft — Arcata Municipal Code § 9.24.050.
What is the minimum lot size in Arcata's RL zone?
4,000 sq ft — Arcata Municipal Code § 9.24.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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