Benicia · Zoning · RS
Benicia RS zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Benicia's RS zone, buildings can be up to 30 ft tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 6,000 sq. ft. (Benicia code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 30 ft
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (Add five feet where the yard adjoins a building wall over 25 feet high)
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft (Add five feet where the yard adjoins a building wall over 25 feet high)
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq. ft.
- Maximum lot coverage: 40%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.4 (Nonresidential floor area only)
RS is a zoning district in Benicia. Every value below was read from the Benicia 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 RS
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 § 17.24.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Height (ft.)”, column “RS”: 30 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 17.24.030 · code textTable row “Front (ft.)”, column “RS”: 20 |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft Applies: Add five feet where the yard adjoins a building wall over 25 feet high § 17.24.030 · code textTable row “Side (ft.)”, column “RS”: 5 |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft Applies: Add five feet where the yard adjoins a building wall over 25 feet high § 17.24.030 · code textTable row “Rear (ft.)”, column “RS”: 15 |
| Minimum lot size | 6,000 sq. ft. § 17.24.030 · code textTable row “Minimum Site Area (sq. ft.)”, column “RS”: 6,000 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 40% § 17.24.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Coverage”, column “RS”: 40% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.4 Applies: Nonresidential floor area only § 17.24.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Nonresidential (FAR)”, column “RS”: 0.4 |
Uses in RS
Uses the code's use tables allow in RS, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed — see note
- Church or place of worship — Needs an use permit
- Private school — Needs an use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RS:
- Maximum building height: 24 ft — Any structure in a residential area west of First Street and within the first 150 feet of the shoreline behind the highest tide mark. § 17.24.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, density limit for RS in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Benicia Municipal Code.
Other Benicia zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Benicia's RS zone?
30 ft — Benicia Municipal Code § 17.24.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Benicia's RS zone?
20 ft — Benicia Municipal Code § 17.24.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Benicia's RS zone?
5 ft (add five feet where the yard adjoins a building wall over 25 feet high) — Benicia Municipal Code § 17.24.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Benicia's RS zone?
15 ft (add five feet where the yard adjoins a building wall over 25 feet high) — Benicia Municipal Code § 17.24.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Benicia's RS zone?
6,000 sq. ft. — Benicia Municipal Code § 17.24.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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