Encinitas · Zoning · ER-SFR5
Encinitas ER-SFR5 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Encinitas's ER-SFR5 zone, generally buildings can be up to 22 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 4,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Encinitas code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 22 ft (or 2 stories, whichever is less)
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories (or 22 feet, whichever is less)
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft
- Minimum lot size: 4,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
- Maximum density: 5.0 units per acre
ER-SFR5 (ER-SFR5 Zone) is a zoning district in Encinitas. Every value below was read from the Encinitas 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 ER-SFR5
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 | 22 ft Applies: or 2 stories, whichever is less § 6.5.3 · code textTwenty-two feet (measured from finished grade in conformity with the final subdivision map approved by the City) or two stories, whichever is less, subject to the following exceptions: |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories Applies: or 22 feet, whichever is less § 6.5.3 · code textTwenty-two feet (measured from finished grade in conformity with the final subdivision map approved by the City) or two stories, whichever is less, subject to the following exceptions: |
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft § 6.5.3 · code textTable row “Front Yard Setback”, column “ER-SFR5 Zone”: 15 FT |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 6.5.3 · code textTable row “Interior Side Yard Setback”, column “ER-SFR5 Zone”: 5 FT |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft § 6.5.3 · code textTable row “Rear Yard Setback”, column “ER-SFR5 Zone”: 15 FT |
| Minimum lot size | 4,000 sq ft § 6.5.3 · code textTable row “Minimum Lot Size (net)”, column “ER-SFR5 Zone”: 4,000 SF |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 6.5.3 · code textTable row “Maximum Percentage of Area Covered with Buildings/Structures”, column “ER-SFR5 Zone”: 50% |
| Maximum density | 5.0 units per acre See note 1 below the table in the code. § 6.5.3 · code textTable row “Maximum Density (1)”, column “ER-SFR5 Zone”: 5.0 DU/AC Note 1: Density for residential development shall be determined based on the maximum total number of allowable units as shown in Table 3-1, Encinitas Ranch Land Use Plan Summary, which reflects the public dedication of otherwise developable land (e.g., the golf course), and other substantial improvements and benefits provided to the City pursuant to the Development Agreement (see Section 9.4 of this Speci |
Not on this page
We did not find a general FAR limit for ER-SFR5 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Encinitas Municipal Code.
Other Encinitas zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Encinitas's ER-SFR5 zone?
22 ft (or 2 stories, whichever is less) — Encinitas Municipal Code § 6.5.3.
What is the maximum number of stories in Encinitas's ER-SFR5 zone?
2 stories (or 22 feet, whichever is less) — Encinitas Municipal Code § 6.5.3.
What is the minimum front setback in Encinitas's ER-SFR5 zone?
15 ft — Encinitas Municipal Code § 6.5.3.
What is the minimum side setback in Encinitas's ER-SFR5 zone?
5 ft — Encinitas Municipal Code § 6.5.3.
What is the minimum rear setback in Encinitas's ER-SFR5 zone?
15 ft — Encinitas Municipal Code § 6.5.3.
General information, not legal advice.
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