Avenal R-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R-3 (HIGH DENSITY RESIDENTIAL) is a zoning district in Avenal. Every value below was read from the Avenal 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-3

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	50 ft § 9.20.090 · code text The maximum structure height shall be 50 feet.
Minimum front setback	15 ft Applies: livable building space § 9.20.070 · code text The front building setback area shall be a minimum of 15 feet from the front lot line for livable building space and 20 feet for garages, carports, and other non-livable building space.
Minimum side setback	5 ft Applies: From an interior side lot line; one clause of the code also says 10 ft for the interior side § 9.20.070 · code text The side building setback area shall be five feet (5) from an interior side lot line, except when a three-story or more building is located adjacent to single-family zoned property, the setback area shall be a minimum ten (10) feet plus an additional five feet per story.
Minimum rear setback	10 ft Applies: for a three-story or taller building adjacent to single-family zoned property: 10 ft plus 5 ft per story § 9.20.070 · code text The rear building setback area and interior side setback area shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet, except when a three-story or more building is located adjacent to single-family zoned property, the setback area shall be a minimum ten (10) feet plus an additional five (5) feet per story.
Minimum lot size	6,000 sq ft § 9.20.030 · code text The minimum lot area shall be 6,000 square feet.

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-3:

Maximum building height: 25 ft — portion of a structure within 30 feet of an interior property line § 9.20.090
Minimum front setback: 20 ft — garages, carports, and other non-livable building space § 9.20.070
Minimum side setback: 10 ft plus 5 ft per story — three-story or more building located adjacent to single-family zoned property § 9.20.070
Minimum rear setback: 10 ft plus 5 ft per story — three-story or more building located adjacent to single-family zoned property § 9.20.070

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for R-3 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Avenal Municipal Code.

Other Avenal zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Avenal's R-3 zone?

50 ft — Avenal Municipal Code § 9.20.090.

What is the minimum front setback in Avenal's R-3 zone?

15 ft (livable building space) — Avenal Municipal Code § 9.20.070.

What is the minimum side setback in Avenal's R-3 zone?

5 ft (from an interior side lot line; one clause of the code also says 10 ft for the interior side) — Avenal Municipal Code § 9.20.070.

What is the minimum rear setback in Avenal's R-3 zone?

10 ft (for a three-story or taller building adjacent to single-family zoned property: 10 ft plus 5 ft per story) — Avenal Municipal Code § 9.20.070.

What is the minimum lot size in Avenal's R-3 zone?

6,000 sq ft — Avenal Municipal Code § 9.20.030.

General information, not legal advice.