Brea · Zoning · R-2
Brea R-2 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Brea's R-2 zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 23 ft and the minimum lot size is 9,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Brea code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 23 ft (15 ft for a single-family-only lot under 9,000 sq ft approved by subdivision or lot split)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (Interior lots; side yard on each side)
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft (15 ft for a single-family-only lot under 9,000 sq ft approved by lot split or subdivision)
- Minimum lot size: 9,000 sq ft (4,500 sq ft for a lot approved for single-family use only by subdivision or lot split)
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
- Maximum density: 18 dwelling units per acre
R-2 (Multiple 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-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 § 20.216.040 · 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 | 23 ft Applies: 15 ft for a single-family-only lot under 9,000 sq ft approved by subdivision or lot split § 20.216.040 · code textA minimum 23 foot front yard shall be required; except that a lot approved for single family residential use, only, either by subdivision or lot split, with a minimum area of less than 9,000 square feet, may have a minimum front yard of 15 feet. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft Applies: Interior lots; side yard on each side § 20.216.040 · code textInterior lots shall have a side yard on each side of not less than five feet. The side yard may be reduced to zero feet on one of the interior lot lines on a lot approved for single-family residential use, only, by lot split or subdivision, with a minimum area of less than 9,000 square feet. |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft Applies: 15 ft for a single-family-only lot under 9,000 sq ft approved by lot split or subdivision § 20.216.040 · code textEach lot shall have a rear yard of not less than 10 feet; except that a lot approved for single-family residential use, only, either by lot split or subdivision, with a minimum area of less than 9,000 square feet, shall have a minimum rear yard of not less than 15 feet. |
| Minimum lot size | 9,000 sq ft Applies: 4,500 sq ft for a lot approved for single-family use only by subdivision or lot split § 20.216.040 · code textEach lot shall have a minimum area of nine thousand (9,000) square feet; except that a lot approved for single-family residential use, only, either by subdivision or lot split, may have a minimum area of four thousand five hundred (4,500) square feet. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 20.216.040 · code textNo more than fifty percent (50%) of the lot area shall be covered by buildings or structures. |
| Maximum density | 18 dwelling units per acre § 20.216.040 · code textMaximum dwelling unit density shall not exceed 18 dwelling units per acre (one unit per 2,420 square feet). |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-2:
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft — Lot approved for single-family residential use only by subdivision or lot split, with a minimum area of less than 9,000 square feet § 20.216.040
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft — On one interior side only: single-family-only lot under 9,000 sq ft (lot split or subdivision); both side yards together at least 10 ft. § 20.216.040
- Minimum side setback: 15 ft — Street side of a corner lot § 20.216.040
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Street side of a corner lot approved for single-family residential use only by subdivision or lot split, with a minimum area of less than 9,000 square feet § 20.216.040
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft — Interior lot line of a corner lot approved for single-family residential use only by subdivision or lot split, with a minimum area of less than 9,000 square feet § 20.216.040
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft — Lot approved for single-family residential use only by lot split or subdivision, with a minimum area of less than 9,000 square feet § 20.216.040
- Minimum lot size: 4,500 sq ft — Lot approved for single-family residential use only by subdivision or lot split § 20.216.040
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 Brea Municipal Code.
Other Brea zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Brea's R-2 zone?
35 ft — Brea Municipal Code § 20.216.040.
What is the minimum front setback in Brea's R-2 zone?
23 ft (15 ft for a single-family-only lot under 9,000 sq ft approved by subdivision or lot split) — Brea Municipal Code § 20.216.040.
What is the minimum side setback in Brea's R-2 zone?
5 ft (interior lots; side yard on each side) — Brea Municipal Code § 20.216.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in Brea's R-2 zone?
10 ft (15 ft for a single-family-only lot under 9,000 sq ft approved by lot split or subdivision) — Brea Municipal Code § 20.216.040.
What is the minimum lot size in Brea's R-2 zone?
9,000 sq ft (4,500 sq ft for a lot approved for single-family use only by subdivision or lot split) — Brea Municipal Code § 20.216.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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