Commerce · Zoning · R-2
Commerce R-2 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Commerce's R-2 zone, buildings can be up to 25 ft (2 stories) tall and the front setback is 20 ft (Commerce code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 25 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10% of average lot width on each side, at least 3 ft and at most 5 ft required
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 45% (1 unit; must also be within the allowable floor area; this standard does not apply to multiple units)
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 40% (1 unit; this standard does not apply to multiple units)
- Maximum density: 8.71 to 14.52 units per acre (the code sets a range: at least 8.71, at most 14.52; a density bonus of at least 25 percent may be granted)
R-2 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-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 § 19.07.030 · code textTable row “4. Maximum Building Height”, column “R-2”: 25 ft., two-story maximum |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 19.07.030 · code textTable row “4. Maximum Building Height”, column “R-2”: 25 ft., two-story maximum |
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 19.07.030 · code textTable row “6. Front Yard Setback (Minimum)”, column “R-2”: 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 textTable row “9. Side Yard Setback”, column “R-2”: 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 textTable row “13. Rear Yard Setback (Minimum)”, column “R-2”: 15 ft. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 45% Applies: 1 unit; must also be within the allowable floor area; this standard does not apply to multiple units § 19.07.030 · code textTable row “16. Maximum Lot Coverage (including all structures, porches, and patios)”, column “R-2”: 1 unit=45% of the total area of the lot. This standard does not apply to multiple units. (must also be within the allowable floor area) |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 40% Applies: 1 unit; this standard does not apply to multiple units § 19.07.030 · code textTable row “15. Floor Area Ratio/Maximum Allowable Floor Area (all structures)”, column “R-2”: 1 unit=40% of the total area of the lot. This standard does not apply to multiple units. |
| Maximum density | 8.71 to 14.52 units per acre Applies: the code sets a range: at least 8.71, at most 14.52; a density bonus of at least 25 percent may be granted § 19.07.030 · code textTable row “1. Maximum Density (a)”, column “R-2”: 8.71 - 14.52 dus/acre |
Uses in R-2
Uses the code's use tables allow in R-2, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed — see note
- 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-2:
- 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
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot size limit for R-2 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Commerce's R-2 zone?
25 ft — Commerce Municipal Code § 19.07.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in Commerce's R-2 zone?
2 stories — Commerce Municipal Code § 19.07.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Commerce's R-2 zone?
20 ft — Commerce Municipal Code § 19.07.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Commerce's R-2 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-2 zone?
15 ft — Commerce Municipal Code § 19.07.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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