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

R-2 (Residential Duplex) is a zoning district in Cupertino. Every value below was read from the Cupertino 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	30 ft Applies: Buildings; areas with an i suffix are limited to one story and 18 ft § 19.32.060 · code text Table row “b. Zoning districts with "i" suffix *”, column “Limited to one story (not to exceed 18 feet)”: Limited to one story (not to exceed 18 feet)
Maximum number of stories	2 stories Applies: Buildings; areas with an i suffix are limited to one story and 18 ft § 19.32.060 · code text Table row “b. Zoning districts with "i" suffix *”, column “Limited to one story (not to exceed 18 feet)”: Limited to one story (not to exceed 18 feet)
Minimum front setback	20 ft Applies: First floor front yard § 19.32.060 · code text Table row “i. Minimum Setback”, column “First Floor”: 20 feet
Minimum side setback	20% of lot width, min 6 ft Applies: Interior side; measured at front setback line; first floor § 19.32.060 · code text Table row “i. Interior side”, column “First Floor”: 20% of lot width measured at front setback line and not less than six feet
Minimum lot size	8,500 sq ft Applies: The number after the R-2 symbol, times 2,000 sq ft, can set the size (R2-4.25 is 8,500 sq ft) § 19.32.050 · code text Table row “2. Minimum lot size by zoning district symbol:”, column “Lot area shall correspond to the number (multiplied by two thousand square feet) following the R-2 symbol.”: Lot area shall correspond to the number (multiplied by two thousand square feet) following the R-2 symbol.Example: R2-4.25: Minimum lot size of 8,500 square feet (4.25 * 2,000 s.f.)

When a different number applies

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

Minimum front setback: 15 ft — Side entering garage with curved driveway; first floor § 19.32.060
Minimum side setback: 3 ft more than first-floor setback — Interior side; second floor § 19.32.060

Not on this page

We did not find a general rear setback, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for R-2 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Cupertino Municipal Code.

Other Cupertino zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

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

30 ft (buildings; areas with an i suffix are limited to one story and 18 ft) — Cupertino Municipal Code § 19.32.060.

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

2 stories (buildings; areas with an i suffix are limited to one story and 18 ft) — Cupertino Municipal Code § 19.32.060.

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

20 ft (first floor front yard) — Cupertino Municipal Code § 19.32.060.

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

20% of lot width, min 6 ft (interior side; measured at front setback line; first floor) — Cupertino Municipal Code § 19.32.060.

What is the minimum lot size in Cupertino's R-2 zone?

8,500 sq ft (the number after the R-2 symbol, times 2,000 sq ft, can set the size (R2-4.25 is 8,500 sq ft)) — Cupertino Municipal Code § 19.32.050.

General information, not legal advice.