East Palo Alto · Zoning · R-UHD
East Palo Alto R-UHD zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In East Palo Alto's R-UHD zone, generally buildings can be up to 75 ft. (7 stories) tall, the front setback is 20 ft. and the minimum lot size is 12,000 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (East Palo Alto code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 75 ft. (Or 7 stories, whichever is greater)
- Maximum number of stories: 7 stories (Or 75 ft, whichever is greater)
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft.
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft.
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft.
- Minimum lot size: 12,000 sq. ft. (Newly created parcel)
- Maximum lot coverage: 70%
- Maximum density: 43 to 86 du/acre (the code sets a range: at least 43, at most 86)
R-UHD 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-UHD
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 | 75 ft. Applies: Or 7 stories, whichever is greater § 18.10.030 · code textTable row “Height”, column “R-UHD”: 7 stories or 75 ft., whichever is greater |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 7 stories Applies: Or 75 ft, whichever is greater § 18.10.030 · code textTable row “Height”, column “R-UHD”: 7 stories or 75 ft., whichever is greater |
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft. § 18.10.030 · code textTable row “Front Living Area Garage Face”, column “R-UHD”: 20 ft. |
| Minimum side setback | 10 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-UHD”: 10 ft./15 ft. |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft. § 18.10.030 · code textTable row “Rear 1 st Story 2 nd Story (see footnote 1 for structures above 18 feet)”, column “R-UHD”: 20 ft. |
| Minimum lot size | 12,000 sq. ft. Applies: Newly created parcel § 18.10.030 · code textTable row “Parcel Area”, column “R-UHD”: 12,000 sq. ft. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 70% § 18.10.030 · code textTable row “Site Coverage”, column “R-UHD”: 70% |
| Maximum density | 43 to 86 du/acre Applies: the code sets a range: at least 43, at most 86 § 18.10.030 · code textTable row “Density/Intensity”, column “R-UHD”: 43 to 86 du/acre |
Uses in R-UHD
Uses the code's use tables allow in R-UHD, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Duplex — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-UHD:
- Minimum side setback: 15 ft. — Street side § 18.10.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general FAR limit for R-UHD in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the East Palo Alto Municipal Code.
Other East Palo Alto zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in East Palo Alto's R-UHD zone?
75 ft. (or 7 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-UHD zone?
7 stories (or 75 ft, whichever is greater) — East Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.10.030.
What is the minimum front setback in East Palo Alto's R-UHD zone?
20 ft. — East Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.10.030.
What is the minimum side setback in East Palo Alto's R-UHD zone?
10 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-UHD zone?
20 ft. — East Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.10.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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