Fairfield · Zoning · RH
Fairfield RH zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Fairfield's RH zone, generally buildings can be up to 45 ft tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 3 acres, with the conditions listed below (Fairfield code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 45 ft (principal structure; more with a conditional use permit)
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft (from a property line along a road to the habitable part; 20 ft on average (Table 25-4))
- Minimum side setback: 15 ft (to a habitable building from an interior property line; 10 ft more next to a single-family zone or use)
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft (to a habitable building from an interior property line; 10 ft more next to a single-family zone or use)
- Minimum lot size: 3 acres (minimum area for a new multifamily subdivision; small-lot development has no minimum)
- Maximum lot coverage: 60% (small-lot development only (Table 25-5))
- Maximum density: 19 to 25 units per acre (the code sets a range: at least 19, at most 25)
RH (Residential, High Density) is a zoning district in Fairfield. Every value below was read from the Fairfield 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 RH
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 | 45 ft Applies: principal structure; more with a conditional use permit § 25.20.3 · code textTable row “Main dwelling”, column “RLM, RM and RH Zoning Districts”: 35' |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft Applies: from a property line along a road to the habitable part; 20 ft on average (Table 25-4) § 25.20.3 · code textTable row “... if front of house faces a monolithic sidewalk”, column “RLM, RM and RH Zoning Districts”: 10' |
| Minimum side setback | 15 ft Applies: to a habitable building from an interior property line; 10 ft more next to a single-family zone or use § 25.20.3 · code textTable row “Interior side yard and rear yard”, column “RLM, RM and RH Zoning Districts”: Either 0', 4', or as necessary to provide private open space |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft Applies: to a habitable building from an interior property line; 10 ft more next to a single-family zone or use § 25.20.3 · code textTable row “Interior side yard and rear yard”, column “RLM, RM and RH Zoning Districts”: Either 0', 4', or as necessary to provide private open space |
| Minimum lot size | 3 acres Applies: minimum area for a new multifamily subdivision; small-lot development has no minimum § 25.20.3 · code textTable row “Attached homes”, column “RLM, RM and RH Zoning Districts”: No minimum |
| Maximum lot coverage | 60% Applies: small-lot development only (Table 25-5) § 25.20.3 · code textTable row “Lot Coverage (maximum)”, column “RLM, RM and RH Zoning Districts”: 50% in RLM, 60% in RM and RH |
| Maximum density | 19 to 25 units per acre Applies: the code sets a range: at least 19, at most 25 § 25.20.3 · code textTable row “Maximum Density (dwelling units per acre)”, column “RLM, RM and RH Zoning Districts”: 4.5 to 9 du/ac in RLM 10 to 18 du/ac in RM 19 to 25 du/ac in RH |
Uses in RH
Uses the code's use tables allow in RH, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
- Duplex — Allowed
- Apartment building — Allowed — see note
- Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs a special conditional use permit (planning commission, 25.32.24) — see note
- Child care center — Allowed
- Church or place of worship — Allowed
- Private school — Needs a conditional use permit
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR limit for RH in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Fairfield Municipal Code.
Other Fairfield zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Fairfield's RH zone?
45 ft (principal structure; more with a conditional use permit) — Fairfield Municipal Code § 25.20.3.
What is the minimum front setback in Fairfield's RH zone?
15 ft (from a property line along a road to the habitable part; 20 ft on average (Table 25-4)) — Fairfield Municipal Code § 25.20.3.
What is the minimum side setback in Fairfield's RH zone?
15 ft (to a habitable building from an interior property line; 10 ft more next to a single-family zone or use) — Fairfield Municipal Code § 25.20.3.
What is the minimum rear setback in Fairfield's RH zone?
15 ft (to a habitable building from an interior property line; 10 ft more next to a single-family zone or use) — Fairfield Municipal Code § 25.20.3.
What is the minimum lot size in Fairfield's RH zone?
3 acres (minimum area for a new multifamily subdivision; small-lot development has no minimum) — Fairfield Municipal Code § 25.20.3.
General information, not legal advice.
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