Brea · Zoning · R-1
Brea R-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Brea's R-1 zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 25 ft and the minimum lot size is 7,200 sq ft (Brea code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 25 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (Add two and one-half feet next to a main building 20 feet or more in height.)
- Minimum rear setback: 25 ft (the main building may project to within 10 ft of the rear property line)
- Minimum lot size: 7,200 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 35%
- Maximum density: 1 dwelling unit per lot (Accessory dwelling units and two-unit developments may also be allowed (Chapters 20.52 and 20.56).)
R-1 (Single Family Residential Zone) is a zoning district in Brea. Every value below was read from the Brea 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 | 35 ft § 20.208.040 · code textBuildings and structures shall have a height no greater than thirty-five (35) feet, except any detached accessory structures, including but not limited to, patios, pool houses, and garages shall have a height no greater than eighteen (18) feet. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 25 ft § 20.208.040 · code textA minimum 25 foot front yard shall be required. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft Applies: Add two and one-half feet next to a main building 20 feet or more in height. § 20.208.040 · code textLots shall have a side yard on each side of not less than five feet. An additional two and one-half feet shall be required for side yards adjacent to a main building 20 feet or more in height. |
| Minimum rear setback | 25 ft Applies: the main building may project to within 10 ft of the rear property line § 20.208.040 · code textEach yard shall have a rear yard of not less than 25 feet except that the main building may project to within 10 feet of the rear property line. |
| Minimum lot size | 7,200 sq ft § 20.208.040 · code textEach lot shall have a minimum area of seven thousand two hundred (7,200) square feet. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 35% § 20.208.040 · code textNot more than thirty-five (35%) of the lot area shall be covered by buildings or structures. |
| Maximum density | 1 dwelling unit per lot Applies: Accessory dwelling units and two-unit developments may also be allowed (Chapters 20.52 and 20.56). § 20.208.040 · code textNot more than one (1) dwelling unit shall be permitted to be on any lot in the R-1 (Single Family Residential) Zone with the potential for accessory dwelling units subject to the provisions set forth herein and pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 20.52 and a two-unit development subject to the provisions set forth herein and pursuant to the requirements of Chapter 20.56. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-1:
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft — Where the entire block frontage is designed and developed as a neighborhood unit; average building setback must be at least 25 feet. § 20.208.040
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft — Lots on the turn-around end of a cul-de-sac street. § 20.208.040
- Minimum side setback: 20 ft — Street side yard of a corner lot. § 20.208.040
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — Main building may project to within 10 ft of the rear line; main plus accessory buildings cover at most 25% of the required rear yard. § 20.208.040
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR limit for R-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Brea Municipal Code.
Other Brea zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Brea's R-1 zone?
35 ft — Brea Municipal Code § 20.208.040.
What is the minimum front setback in Brea's R-1 zone?
25 ft — Brea Municipal Code § 20.208.040.
What is the minimum side setback in Brea's R-1 zone?
5 ft (add two and one-half feet next to a main building 20 feet or more in height) — Brea Municipal Code § 20.208.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in Brea's R-1 zone?
25 ft (the main building may project to within 10 ft of the rear property line) — Brea Municipal Code § 20.208.040.
What is the minimum lot size in Brea's R-1 zone?
7,200 sq ft — Brea Municipal Code § 20.208.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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