El Monte · Zoning · R-1A
El Monte R-1A zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In El Monte's R-1A zone, generally buildings can be up to 30 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 7,260 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (El Monte code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 30 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft (1st story)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Minimum lot size: 7,260 sq. ft.
- Maximum lot coverage: 35%
- Maximum density: 1 unit/lot
R-1A is a zoning district in El Monte. Every value below was read from the El Monte 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-1A
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 § 17.20.050 · code textTable row “Height”, column “R-1A”: 2 stories & 30 ft. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 17.20.050 · code textTable row “Height”, column “R-1A”: 2 stories & 30 ft. |
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft Applies: 1st story § 17.20.050 · code textTable row “1 st story front”, column “R-1A”: 20 ft. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 17.20.050 · code textTable row “1 st story interior side”, column “R-1A”: 5 ft. |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 17.20.050 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “R-1A”: 10 ft. |
| Minimum lot size | 7,260 sq. ft. § 17.20.050 · code textTable row “Area”, column “R-1A”: 7,260 sq. ft. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 35% § 17.20.050 · code textTable row “Maximum lot coverage”, column “R-1A”: 35% |
| Maximum density | 1 unit/lot § 17.20.050 · code textTable row “≤100 ft. of frontage”, column “R-1A”: 1 unit/lot |
Uses in R-1A
Uses the code's use tables allow in R-1A, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-1A:
- Minimum front setback: 5 ft additional — 2nd story, additional from the 1st story § 17.20.050
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft additional — 2nd story, additional from the 1st story § 17.20.050
Not on this page
We did not find a general FAR limit for R-1A in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the El Monte Municipal Code.
Other El Monte zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in El Monte's R-1A zone?
30 ft — El Monte Municipal Code § 17.20.050.
What is the maximum number of stories in El Monte's R-1A zone?
2 stories — El Monte Municipal Code § 17.20.050.
What is the minimum front setback in El Monte's R-1A zone?
20 ft (1st story) — El Monte Municipal Code § 17.20.050.
What is the minimum side setback in El Monte's R-1A zone?
5 ft — El Monte Municipal Code § 17.20.050.
What is the minimum rear setback in El Monte's R-1A zone?
10 ft — El Monte Municipal Code § 17.20.050.
General information, not legal advice.
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