Bell · Zoning · R-1
Bell R-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Bell's R-1 zone, generally buildings can be up to 30 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 25 ft, or average front setback, whichever is lesser and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Bell code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 30 ft (Primary building or structure)
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories (Primary building or structure)
- Minimum front setback: 25 ft, or average front setback, whichever is lesser
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (Interior lots)
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq ft
R-1 (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONE) is a zoning district in Bell. Every value below was read from the Bell 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 | 30 ft Applies: Primary building or structure § 17.16.040 · code textNo primary building or structure shall be constructed or located upon any lot classified in the R-1 zone having more than two stories and a height in excess of 30 feet. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories Applies: Primary building or structure § 17.16.040 · code textNo primary building or structure shall be constructed or located upon any lot classified in the R-1 zone having more than two stories and a height in excess of 30 feet. |
| Minimum front setback | 25 ft, or average front setback, whichever is lesser § 17.16.040 · code textEach lot in the R-1 zone shall maintain a front yard area of not less than 25 feet in depth, or a depth equal to that of the average front setback of the properties along the same side of the block whichever depth is the lesser. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft Applies: Interior lots § 17.16.040 · code textInterior lots, which have a building located thereon, shall maintain side yards adjacent to each side lot line not less than five feet in width. |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 17.16.040 · code textEach lot in the R-1 zone shall maintain a rear yard of not less than 10 feet in depth. |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft § 17.16.040 · code textEach lot shall have a minimum area of 5,000 square feet. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-1:
- Minimum side setback: 3 ft — Additions to, or new construction of single-family dwellings, on lots less than 50 feet wide, subject to review and approval § 17.16.040
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot coverage, FAR, density limit for R-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Bell Municipal Code.
Other Bell zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Bell's R-1 zone?
30 ft (primary building or structure) — Bell Municipal Code § 17.16.040.
What is the maximum number of stories in Bell's R-1 zone?
2 stories (primary building or structure) — Bell Municipal Code § 17.16.040.
What is the minimum front setback in Bell's R-1 zone?
25 ft, or average front setback, whichever is lesser — Bell Municipal Code § 17.16.040.
What is the minimum side setback in Bell's R-1 zone?
5 ft (interior lots) — Bell Municipal Code § 17.16.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in Bell's R-1 zone?
10 ft — Bell Municipal Code § 17.16.040.
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a Bell property in R-1
Ask GoCodebook what you can build at a specific address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question