Bell Gardens · Zoning · R-2
Bell Gardens R-2 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Bell Gardens's R-2 zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Bell Gardens code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft (Primary Structure)
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 45%
- Maximum density: 3 units per lot (Never more than 3 units; the lot-size limits below also apply)
R-2 is a zoning district in Bell Gardens. Every value below was read from the Bell Gardens 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-2
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 Applies: Primary Structure § 9.10.040 · code textTable row “Primary Structure”, column “R-2”: 35 feet |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 9.10.040 · code textTable row “Front 1”, column “R-2”: 20 feet |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 9.10.040 · code textTable row “Side 2”, column “R-2”: 5 feet |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 9.10.040 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “R-2”: 10 feet |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft § 9.10.040 · code textTable row “Area (square feet)”, column “R-2”: 5,000 sf (6,000 for corner lots) |
| Maximum lot coverage | 45% § 9.10.040 · code textTable row “Lot Coverage (%)”, column “R-2”: 45 |
| Maximum density | 3 units per lot Applies: Never more than 3 units; the lot-size limits below also apply § 9.10.040 · code textTable row “Units per Lot”, column “R-2”: 3 units max. Under 5,000 sf: 1 unit max. Over 5,000 sf: 1 unit per 2,500 sf |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-2:
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq ft — corner lots § 9.10.040
- Maximum density: 1 unit per lot — Under 5,000 sf § 9.10.040
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 2,500 sq ft — Lots over 5,000 sq ft; at most 3 units per lot § 9.10.040
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR limit for R-2 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Bell Gardens Municipal Code.
Other Bell Gardens zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Bell Gardens's R-2 zone?
35 ft (primary Structure) — Bell Gardens Municipal Code § 9.10.040.
What is the minimum front setback in Bell Gardens's R-2 zone?
20 ft — Bell Gardens Municipal Code § 9.10.040.
What is the minimum side setback in Bell Gardens's R-2 zone?
5 ft — Bell Gardens Municipal Code § 9.10.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in Bell Gardens's R-2 zone?
10 ft — Bell Gardens Municipal Code § 9.10.040.
What is the minimum lot size in Bell Gardens's R-2 zone?
5,000 sq ft — Bell Gardens Municipal Code § 9.10.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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