Ceres R-2 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R-2 (Two-Family Residential Zone (Low Density)) is a zoning district in Ceres. Every value below was read from the Ceres 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	25 ft § 18.09.060 · code text No main building shall have a height greater than two stories or 25 feet; whichever is less as defined under section 18.02.010 of this title.
Maximum number of stories	2 stories § 18.09.060 · code text No main building shall have a height greater than two stories or 25 feet; whichever is less as defined under section 18.02.010 of this title.
Minimum front setback	20 ft § 18.09.060 · code text Front yard. Twenty feet minimum setback, except detached accessory structures shall have a 35-foot minimum front yard setback.
Minimum side setback	5 ft and 12 ft Applies: Lots having two interior side yard areas: one interior side yard at least 12 feet and the other at least 5 feet § 18.09.060 · code text For lots having two interior side yard areas, one such interior side yard shall have a setback of at least 12 feet, and the other interior side yard setback shall be at least five feet.
Minimum rear setback	20% of lot depth, not to exceed 25 ft § 18.09.060 · code text Rear yard. Minimum 20 percent of lot depth, but not be required to exceed 25 feet maximum.
Minimum lot size	6,200 sq ft Applies: Single-family interior lots § 18.09.060 · code text For interior lots, the minimum lot area shall be 6,200 square feet.
Maximum lot coverage	40% Applies: Single-family lots. A further 10% of lot area is allowed for accessory structures once the dwelling reaches 40%. § 18.09.060 · code text Single-family lots, the maximum allowable lot coverage by structures for all uses shall be 40 percent.
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)	0.40:1.0 Applies: Single-family lots, interior or corner; single-story buildings and the first story of multiple-story buildings. § 18.09.060 · code text For single story buildings and the first story of all multiple story buildings, the maximum allowable FAR shall be 0.40:1.0.
Maximum density	7 dwelling units/acre Applies: Properties zoned R-2 and designated low density residential (up to seven dwelling units/acre) in the general plan § 18.09.060 · code text For all residential uses, the density shall not exceed ten dwelling units/acre for those properties that are zoned R-2 and designated medium density residential (7 to 12 dwelling units/acre) in the general plan, or exceed seven (7) dwelling units/acre for those properties that are zoned R-2 and designated low density residential (up to seven dwelling units/acre) in the general plan.

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-2:

Minimum front setback: 35 ft — Detached accessory structures § 18.09.060
Minimum side setback: 12 ft — Lots having only one interior side yard § 18.09.060
Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Exterior side yard § 18.09.060
Minimum rear setback: 5 ft — Detached accessory structures § 18.09.060
Minimum lot size: 7,500 sq ft — Single-family corner lots § 18.09.060
Minimum lot size: 9,000 sq ft — All other principal uses § 18.09.060
Maximum lot coverage: 50% — All other interior lots § 18.09.060
Maximum lot coverage: 45% — All other corner lots § 18.09.060
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.54:1.0 — Single-family interior lots; all two-story buildings § 18.09.060
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.64:1.0 — Single-family corner lots; all two-story buildings § 18.09.060
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.50:1.0 — All other interior lots; single-story buildings and first story of all multiple-story buildings § 18.09.060
Maximum density: 10 dwelling units/acre — Properties zoned R-2 and designated medium density residential (7 to 12 dwelling units/acre) in the general plan § 18.09.060

Other Ceres zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Ceres's R-2 zone?

25 ft — Ceres Municipal Code § 18.09.060.

What is the maximum number of stories in Ceres's R-2 zone?

2 stories — Ceres Municipal Code § 18.09.060.

What is the minimum front setback in Ceres's R-2 zone?

20 ft — Ceres Municipal Code § 18.09.060.

What is the minimum side setback in Ceres's R-2 zone?

5 ft and 12 ft (lots having two interior side yard areas: one interior side yard at least 12 feet and the other at least 5 feet) — Ceres Municipal Code § 18.09.060.

What is the minimum rear setback in Ceres's R-2 zone?

20% of lot depth, not to exceed 25 ft — Ceres Municipal Code § 18.09.060.

General information, not legal advice.