El Segundo R-2 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R-2 (Two-Family Residential (R-2) Zone) is a zoning district in El Segundo. Every value below was read from the El Segundo 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-2

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	32 ft Applies: Buildings or structures with a pitched roof § 15-4C-3 · code text The height of all buildings or structures with a pitched roof shall not exceed 32 feet and two stories.
Maximum number of stories	2 stories Applies: applies to buildings with a pitched roof: 32 ft and two stories § 15-4C-3 · code text The height of all buildings or structures with a pitched roof shall not exceed 32 feet and two stories.
Minimum front setback	20 ft § 15-4C-3 · code text Front yard: A minimum of 20 feet.
Minimum side setback	10% of lot width, min 3 ft, max 5 ft § 15-4C-3 · code text Structures shall maintain a minimum setback on each side of the lot of 10 percent of the width of the lot, but shall never be less than three feet and need not be more than five feet.
Minimum rear setback	5 ft § 15-4C-3 · code text Rear Yard: A minimum of five feet.
Minimum lot size	7,000 sq ft § 15-4C-3 · code text C. Lot Area: A minimum of 7,000 square feet.
Maximum lot coverage	50% § 15-4C-3 · code text All buildings, including detached accessory buildings, shall not cover more than 50 percent of the area of the lot.

Uses in R-2

Uses the code's use tables allow in R-2, 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-2:

Maximum building height: 26 ft — Buildings or structures with a flat roof § 15-4C-3
Minimum side setback: 0 ft — Detached accessory structures, and attached garages on 25-foot wide lots only, located on the rear one-third of the lot, on one interior side lot line § 15-4C-3
Minimum rear setback: 0 ft — Detached accessory structures on the rear property line § 15-4C-3
Minimum rear setback: 1 ft — A dwelling unit above a garage where the vehicular entrance is from an alley § 15-4C-3

Not on this page

We did not find a general FAR, density limit for R-2 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the El Segundo Municipal Code.

Other El Segundo zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in El Segundo's R-2 zone?

32 ft (buildings or structures with a pitched roof) — El Segundo Municipal Code § 15-4C-3.

What is the maximum number of stories in El Segundo's R-2 zone?

2 stories (applies to buildings with a pitched roof: 32 ft and two stories) — El Segundo Municipal Code § 15-4C-3.

What is the minimum front setback in El Segundo's R-2 zone?

20 ft — El Segundo Municipal Code § 15-4C-3.

What is the minimum side setback in El Segundo's R-2 zone?

10% of lot width, min 3 ft, max 5 ft — El Segundo Municipal Code § 15-4C-3.

What is the minimum rear setback in El Segundo's R-2 zone?

5 ft — El Segundo Municipal Code § 15-4C-3.

General information, not legal advice.