El Cajon · Zoning · RS-40
El Cajon RS-40 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In El Cajon's RS-40 zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft tall and the front setback is 30 ft, with the conditions listed below (El Cajon code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 30 ft (A side-entry garage may be 20 ft from the front property line)
- Minimum side setback: 15 ft (Interior and exterior side yards; on the exterior side a direct-entry garage or carport needs 20 ft)
- Minimum rear setback: 25 ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 30%
RS-40 is a zoning district in El Cajon. Every value below was read from the El Cajon 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 RS-40
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 § 17.140.100 · code textTable row “RS-40”, column “height”: 35 ft. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 30 ft Applies: A side-entry garage may be 20 ft from the front property line § 17.140.090 · code textTable row “RS-40”, column “Front Yard Setback:”: 30 ft. 1 |
| Minimum side setback | 15 ft Applies: Interior and exterior side yards; on the exterior side a direct-entry garage or carport needs 20 ft § 17.140.090 · code textTable row “RS-40”, column “Exterior Side Yard Setback:”: 15 ft. 3 |
| Minimum rear setback | 25 ft § 17.140.090 · code textTable row “RS-40”, column “Rear Yard Setback:”: 25 ft. 5 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 30% § 17.140.110 · code textTable row “RS-40”, column “lot coverage”: 30% |
Uses in RS-40
Uses the code's use tables allow in RS-40, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed — see note
- Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
- Bed and breakfast — Needs an administrative zoning permit — see note
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
- Growing crops — Allowed — see note
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RS-40:
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft — cul-de-sac front yard § 17.140.090
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot size, FAR, density limit for RS-40 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the El Cajon Municipal Code.
Other El Cajon zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in El Cajon's RS-40 zone?
35 ft — El Cajon Municipal Code § 17.140.100.
What is the minimum front setback in El Cajon's RS-40 zone?
30 ft (a side-entry garage may be 20 ft from the front property line) — El Cajon Municipal Code § 17.140.090.
What is the minimum side setback in El Cajon's RS-40 zone?
15 ft (interior and exterior side yards; on the exterior side a direct-entry garage or carport needs 20 ft) — El Cajon Municipal Code § 17.140.090.
What is the minimum rear setback in El Cajon's RS-40 zone?
25 ft — El Cajon Municipal Code § 17.140.090.
What is the maximum lot coverage in El Cajon's RS-40 zone?
30% — El Cajon Municipal Code § 17.140.110.
General information, not legal advice.
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