East Palo Alto · Zoning · R-LD
East Palo Alto R-LD zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In East Palo Alto's R-LD zone, generally buildings can be up to 26 ft. (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 10 ft. and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (East Palo Alto code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 26 ft. (Dwelling; or 2 stories, whichever is greater)
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories (Dwelling; or 26 ft, whichever is greater)
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft. (Front living area)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft.
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft. (1st and 2nd story; needs at least 750 sq ft of usable rear yard, or development is not allowed)
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq. ft. (Newly created parcel)
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): .55
- Maximum density: 0 to 12 du/acre (the code sets a range: at least 0, at most 12)
R-LD is a zoning district in East Palo Alto. Every value below was read from the East Palo Alto 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-LD
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 | 26 ft. Applies: Dwelling; or 2 stories, whichever is greater § 18.10.030 · code textTable row “Height”, column “R-LD”: Dwelling: 2 stories or 26 ft., whichever is greater |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories Applies: Dwelling; or 26 ft, whichever is greater § 18.10.030 · code textTable row “Height”, column “R-LD”: Dwelling: 2 stories or 26 ft., whichever is greater |
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft. Applies: Front living area § 18.10.030 · code textTable row “Front Living Area Garage Face”, column “R-LD”: 10 ft. 23 ft. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft. This is the street-side setback on a corner lot; an interior side setback can differ. § 18.10.030 · code textTable row “Side/Street Side”, column “R-LD”: 5 ft. |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft. Applies: 1st and 2nd story; needs at least 750 sq ft of usable rear yard, or development is not allowed § 18.10.030 · code textTable row “Rear 1 st Story 2 nd Story (see footnote 1 for structures above 18 feet)”, column “R-LD”: 10 ft. 10 ft. |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq. ft. Applies: Newly created parcel § 18.10.030 · code textTable row “Parcel Area”, column “R-LD”: 5,000 sq. ft. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 18.10.030 · code textTable row “Site Coverage”, column “R-LD”: 50% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | .55 § 18.10.030 · code textTable row “Floor Area Ratio”, column “R-LD”: .55 |
| Maximum density | 0 to 12 du/acre Applies: the code sets a range: at least 0, at most 12 § 18.10.030 · code textTable row “Density/Intensity”, column “R-LD”: 0 to 12 du/acre |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-LD:
- Minimum front setback: 23 ft. — Garage face § 18.10.030
Other East Palo Alto zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in East Palo Alto's R-LD zone?
26 ft. (dwelling; or 2 stories, whichever is greater) — East Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.10.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in East Palo Alto's R-LD zone?
2 stories (dwelling; or 26 ft, whichever is greater) — East Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.10.030.
What is the minimum front setback in East Palo Alto's R-LD zone?
10 ft. (front living area) — East Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.10.030.
What is the minimum side setback in East Palo Alto's R-LD zone?
5 ft. — East Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.10.030. The code attaches notes or conditions to this value; read the section before relying on it.
What is the minimum rear setback in East Palo Alto's R-LD zone?
10 ft. (1st and 2nd story; needs at least 750 sq ft of usable rear yard, or development is not allowed) — East Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.10.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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