Carmel-by-the-Sea · Zoning · R-4
Carmel-by-the-Sea R-4 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Carmel-by-the-Sea's R-4 zone, buildings can be up to 26 ft (2 stories) tall and the minimum lot size is 4,000 sq ft (Carmel-by-the-Sea code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 26 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum lot size: 4,000 sq ft
- Maximum density: 33 units/acre
R-4 is a zoning district in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Every value below was read from the Carmel-by-the-Sea 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-4
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 | 26 ft § 17.14.150 · code textIn the RC and R-4 districts the main building and roof form of all structures shall be limited to a maximum of 26 feet. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 17.12.020 · code textBuildings shall be no more than two stories. |
| Minimum lot size | 4,000 sq ft § 17.12.020 · code textMinimum: 4,000 square feet. |
| Maximum density | 33 units/acre § 17.12.020 · code textMaximum base density: 33 units/acre. |
Uses in R-4
Uses the code's use tables allow in R-4, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Senior or assisted living — Needs a conditional use permit
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-4:
- Maximum building height: 24 ft — building site faces, abuts or adjoins any property in the R-1 district § 17.14.150
- Minimum front setback: 5 ft — sites abutting or across the street from an R-4 or RC district § 17.14.160
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft — sites abutting an R-4 or RC district; required along at least 50 percent of each side property line § 17.14.160
- Minimum side setback: None required — Sites abutting an R-4 or RC district: the remaining 50 percent of each side property line, unless the side faces a public street. § 17.14.160
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft — any site abutting an R-1 district; required along the entire side yard § 17.14.160
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — sites abutting an R-1 or R-4 district § 17.14.160
- Maximum density: 44 units/acre — Upon approval of a density bonus § 17.12.020
Not on this page
We did not find a general front setback, side setback, rear setback, lot coverage, FAR limit for R-4 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Carmel-by-the-Sea Municipal Code.
Other Carmel-by-the-Sea zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Carmel-by-the-Sea's R-4 zone?
26 ft — Carmel-by-the-Sea Municipal Code § 17.14.150.
What is the maximum number of stories in Carmel-by-the-Sea's R-4 zone?
2 stories — Carmel-by-the-Sea Municipal Code § 17.12.020.
What is the minimum lot size in Carmel-by-the-Sea's R-4 zone?
4,000 sq ft — Carmel-by-the-Sea Municipal Code § 17.12.020.
What is the maximum density in Carmel-by-the-Sea's R-4 zone?
33 units/acre — Carmel-by-the-Sea Municipal Code § 17.12.020.
General information, not legal advice.
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