Encinitas R-25 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R-25 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 R-25

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 § 30.16.010 · code text 22 feet—RR-2 (except Olivenhain Community) through R-25 and MHP zone, and substandard lots in the Olivenhain Community.
Maximum number of stories	2 stories Applies: or 22 feet, whichever is less § 30.16.010 · code text The standard height limit for residential buildings, shall be the lesser of two stories in the RR through R-25 and MHP zones and shall be the lesser of three stories in the R-30 Overlay zone or the following height, all as measured to the top of a flat roof (or in the case of a pitched roof to the top of the roof immediately above the exterior plane of the wall below, including roofing material):
Minimum front setback	20 ft § 30.16.010 · code text Table row “f. Front Yard Setback (ft.)”, column “R-25”: 20
Minimum side setback	15 ft Applies: 15/15 ft for each interior side (Standard Lot) § 30.16.010 · code text Table row “g. Side Yard Setback (ft.) for each interior side (Standard Lot) 5”, column “R-25”: 15/15
Minimum rear setback	15 ft § 30.16.010 · code text Table row “k. Rear Yard Setback (ft.)”, column “R-25”: 15
Minimum lot size	20,000 sq. ft. § 30.16.010 · code text Table row “c. Net Lot Area (sq. ft.)”, column “R-25”: 20,000
Maximum lot coverage	40% § 30.16.010 · code text Table row “m. Lot Coverage (maximum percentage)”, column “R-25”: 40
Maximum density	25.0 units per acre § 30.16.010 · code text Table row “a. Density (Maximum dwelling units per net acre)”, column “R-25”: 25.0

Uses in R-25

Uses the code's use tables allow in R-25, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

Single-family home — Allowed
Duplex — Allowed
Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit (minor)
Community garden — Needs an agriculture permit — see note

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-25:

Minimum side setback: 5 ft — Substandard Lot § 30.16.010
Minimum rear setback: 20 ft — Where alley exists § 30.16.010

Not on this page

We did not find a general FAR limit for R-25 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

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Encinitas's R-25 zone?

22 ft (or 2 stories, whichever is less) — Encinitas Municipal Code § 30.16.010.

What is the maximum number of stories in Encinitas's R-25 zone?

2 stories (or 22 feet, whichever is less) — Encinitas Municipal Code § 30.16.010.

What is the minimum front setback in Encinitas's R-25 zone?

20 ft — Encinitas Municipal Code § 30.16.010.

What is the minimum side setback in Encinitas's R-25 zone?

15 ft (15/15 ft for each interior side (Standard Lot)) — Encinitas Municipal Code § 30.16.010.

What is the minimum rear setback in Encinitas's R-25 zone?

15 ft — Encinitas Municipal Code § 30.16.010.

General information, not legal advice.