Brea R-1 (5,000) zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R-1 (5,000) (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 (5,000)

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 § 20.212.040 · code text Buildings 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	15 ft § 20.212.040 · code text A minimum 15 foot front yard shall be required.
Minimum side setback	5 ft Applies: Interior lots; a side yard is required on each side § 20.212.040 · code text Interior lots shall have a side yard on each side of not less than five feet.
Minimum rear setback	10 ft § 20.212.040 · code text Each lot shall have a rear yard of not less than 10 feet.
Minimum lot size	5,000 sq ft § 20.212.040 · code text Each lot shall have a minimum area of five thousand (5,000) square feet.
Maximum lot coverage	50% § 20.212.040 · code text No more than fifty percent (50%) of the lot area shall be covered by buildings or structures.
Maximum density	1 unit per 5,000 sq ft Applies: Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units may be added (Chapter 20.52). § 20.212.040 · code text Maximum net dwelling unit density shall not exceed the required minimum net area per dwelling unit of five thousand (5,000) square feet, except that an accessory dwelling unit and a junior accessory dwelling unit may be permitted pursuant to requirements of Chapter 20.52, or as otherwise permitted by state law.

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-1 (5,000):

Minimum front setback: 10 ft — Front yards on the turn-around end of a cul-de-sac street § 20.212.040
Minimum side setback: 0 ft — One side of an interior lot when a zero foot side yard is utilized; total width of the two side yards must be at least 10 feet § 20.212.040
Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Street side yard of a corner lot § 20.212.040
Minimum side setback: 0 ft — Interior lot line of a corner lot § 20.212.040
Minimum side setback: 15 ft — Street side yard of a reversed corner lot § 20.212.040

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, FAR limit for R-1 (5,000) 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

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Brea's R-1 (5,000) zone?

35 ft — Brea Municipal Code § 20.212.040.

What is the minimum front setback in Brea's R-1 (5,000) zone?

15 ft — Brea Municipal Code § 20.212.040.

What is the minimum side setback in Brea's R-1 (5,000) zone?

5 ft (interior lots; a side yard is required on each side) — Brea Municipal Code § 20.212.040.

What is the minimum rear setback in Brea's R-1 (5,000) zone?

10 ft — Brea Municipal Code § 20.212.040.

What is the minimum lot size in Brea's R-1 (5,000) zone?

5,000 sq ft — Brea Municipal Code § 20.212.040.

General information, not legal advice.