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

R-1 is a zoning district in Commerce. Every value below was read from the Commerce 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 § 19.07.030 · code text Table row “4. Maximum Building Height”, column “R-1”: 25 ft., two-story maximum
Maximum number of stories	2 stories § 19.07.030 · code text Table row “4. Maximum Building Height”, column “R-1”: 25 ft., two-story maximum
Minimum front setback	20 ft § 19.07.030 · code text Table row “6. Front Yard Setback (Minimum)”, column “R-1”: 20 ft. from front property line
Minimum side setback	10% of average lot width on each side, at least 3 ft and at most 5 ft required § 19.07.030 · code text Table row “9. Side Yard Setback”, column “R-1”: 10% of average width of lot on each side 3 ft. - min. allowed 5 ft. - max. required
Minimum rear setback	15 ft § 19.07.030 · code text Table row “13. Rear Yard Setback (Minimum)”, column “R-1”: 15 ft.
Minimum lot size	4,000 sf § 19.07.030 · code text Table row “2. Minimum Lot Area”, column “R-1”: 4,000 sf
Maximum lot coverage	45% Applies: Must also be within the allowable floor area § 19.07.030 · code text Table row “16. Maximum Lot Coverage (including all structures, porches, and patios)”, column “R-1”: 45% of the total area of the lot. (must also be within the allowable floor area)
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)	40% § 19.07.030 · code text Table row “15. Floor Area Ratio/Maximum Allowable Floor Area (all structures)”, column “R-1”: 40% of the total area of the lot.

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 — see note

When a different number applies

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

Minimum front setback: 15 ft — Key lot; same as required front yard of adjoining interior lot, but not less than 15 ft. § 19.07.030
Maximum density: up to 8.70 units per acre — the code sets a range: 0 to 8.70; a density bonus of at least 25 percent may be granted § 19.07.030

Not on this page

We did not find a general density limit for R-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Commerce Municipal Code.

Other Commerce zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

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

25 ft — Commerce Municipal Code § 19.07.030.

What is the maximum number of stories in Commerce's R-1 zone?

2 stories — Commerce Municipal Code § 19.07.030.

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

20 ft — Commerce Municipal Code § 19.07.030.

What is the minimum side setback in Commerce's R-1 zone?

10% of average lot width on each side, at least 3 ft and at most 5 ft required — Commerce Municipal Code § 19.07.030.

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

15 ft — Commerce Municipal Code § 19.07.030.

General information, not legal advice.