Downey · Zoning · R-3
Downey R-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Downey's R-3 zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft (3 stories) tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 10,000 sq ft (Downey code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum lot size: 10,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
R-3 is a zoning district in Downey. Every value below was read from the Downey 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-3
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 | 35 ft § 9312.08 · code textTable row “Building height — maximum (feet) main building”, column “R-3”: 35 feet or three stories, whichever is less a |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories § 9312.08 · code textTable row “Building height — maximum (feet) main building”, column “R-3”: 35 feet or three stories, whichever is less a |
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft § 9312.08 · code textTable row “front”, column “R-3”: 15 |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 9312.08 · code textTable row “interior”, column “R-3”: 5 c |
| Minimum lot size | 10,000 sq ft § 9312.08 · code textTable row “Lot area — minimum (sq. ft.)”, column “R-3”: 10,000 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 9312.08 · code textTable row “Lot coverage — maximum (percent)”, column “R-3”: 50 |
Uses in R-3
Uses the code's use tables allow in R-3, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed — see note
- Duplex — Needs a minor site plan review — see note
- Private school — 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-3:
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — When abutting the R-1 Zone § 9312.08
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft — Rear yard area abuts an R-1 Zone and building is one story § 9312.08
- Minimum rear setback: 30 ft — Rear yard area abuts an R-1 Zone and building is two-story § 9312.08
- Minimum rear setback: 46 ft — Rear yard area abuts an R-1 Zone and building is three-story § 9312.08
- Minimum rear setback: None required — Rear yard abuts a fully dedicated public alley and the building is one story § 9312.08
Not on this page
We did not find a general rear setback, FAR, density limit for R-3 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Downey Municipal Code.
Other Downey zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Downey's R-3 zone?
35 ft — Downey Municipal Code § 9312.08.
What is the maximum number of stories in Downey's R-3 zone?
3 stories — Downey Municipal Code § 9312.08.
What is the minimum front setback in Downey's R-3 zone?
15 ft — Downey Municipal Code § 9312.08.
What is the minimum side setback in Downey's R-3 zone?
5 ft — Downey Municipal Code § 9312.08.
What is the minimum lot size in Downey's R-3 zone?
10,000 sq ft — Downey Municipal Code § 9312.08.
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a Downey property in R-3
Ask GoCodebook what you can build at a specific address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question