Capitola R-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R-1 is a zoning district in Capitola. Every value below was read from the Capitola 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	25 ft § 17.16.030 · code text Table row “Height , Maximum”, column “R-1”: 25 ft.
Minimum front setback	15 ft Applies: Ground floor § 17.16.030 · code text Table row “Front”, column “R-1”: Ground floor : 15 ft. Garage : 20 ft. Second story : 20 ft.
Minimum rear setback	20% of parcel depth, 25 ft max § 17.16.030 · code text Table row “Rear”, column “R-1”: 20% of parcel depth ; 25 ft. max.
Minimum lot size	5,000 sq. ft. Applies: Applies only to the creation of new parcels § 17.16.030 · code text Table row “Parcel Area, Minimum [1]”, column “R-1”: 5,000 sq. ft.
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)	0.50 Applies: Lot size 4,751 to 5,000 sq. ft.; the maximum runs from 0.58 on small lots to 0.48 above 6,000 sq. ft. § 17.16.030 · code text Table row “4,751 to 5,000 sq. ft.”, column “Maximum FAR”: 0.50

Uses in R-1

Uses the code's use tables allow in R-1, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

Single-family home — Allowed
Duplex — Allowed — see note
Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs a conditional use permit
Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit

When a different number applies

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

Maximum building height: 27 ft — Historic-structure additions matching roof pitch; parcels greater than 6,000 sq. ft.; parcels at least 60 ft. wide; parcels with average slope of at least 25%; or plate height not exceeding 22 ft. § 17.16.030
Minimum front setback: 20 ft — Garage § 17.16.030
Minimum front setback: 20 ft — Second story § 17.16.030
Minimum side setback: 15% of parcel width — Second story § 17.16.030
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.58 — Lot size 2,650 sq. ft. or less § 17.16.030
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.57 — Lot size 2,651 to 3,250 sq. ft. § 17.16.030
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.56 — Lot size 3,251 to 3,500 sq. ft. § 17.16.030
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.55 — Lot size 3,501 to 3,750 sq. ft. § 17.16.030

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, side setback, lot coverage, density limit for R-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Capitola Municipal Code.

Other Capitola zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Capitola's R-1 zone?

25 ft — Capitola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.

What is the minimum front setback in Capitola's R-1 zone?

15 ft (ground floor) — Capitola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.

What is the minimum rear setback in Capitola's R-1 zone?

20% of parcel depth, 25 ft max — Capitola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.

What is the minimum lot size in Capitola's R-1 zone?

5,000 sq. ft. (applies only to the creation of new parcels) — Capitola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.

What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Capitola's R-1 zone?

0.50 (lot size 4,751 to 5,000 sq. ft.; the maximum runs from 0.58 on small lots to 0.48 above 6,000 sq. ft) — Capitola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.

General information, not legal advice.