Fresno · Zoning · RS-5
Fresno RS-5 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Fresno's RS-5 zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 13 ft and the minimum lot size is 4,000 sq ft (Fresno code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 13 ft
- Minimum side setback: 8 ft total, minimum 3 ft per side
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Minimum lot size: 4,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 60%
- Maximum density: 12 dwelling units per net acre (Large sites)
RS-5 (Residential Single-Unit 5) is a zoning district in Fresno. Every value below was read from the Fresno 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 RS-5
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 | 35 ft § 15-903 · code textTable row “Maximum Height (ft.)”, column “RS-5”: 35 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 13 ft § 15-903 · code textTable row “Front”, column “RS-5”: 13 |
| Minimum side setback | 8 ft total, minimum 3 ft per side § 15-903 · code textTable row “Interior Side”, column “RS-5”: 8 total, min. 3/side |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 15-903 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “RS-5”: 10 |
| Minimum lot size | 4,000 sq ft § 15-903 · code textTable row “Minimum Lot Size (sq. ft.)”, column “RS-5”: 4,000 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 60% § 15-903 · code textTable row “Maximum Lot Coverage (% of Lot)”, column “RS-5”: 60 |
| Maximum density | 12 dwelling units per net acre Applies: Large sites § 15-903 · code textTable row “Residential Density, Large Sites (dwelling units per net acre)”, column “RS-5”: 12 |
Uses in RS-5
Uses the code's use tables allow in RS-5, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Duplex — Needs a conditional use permit
- Apartment building — Needs a conditional use permit
- Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs a conditional use permit
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit
- Church or place of worship — Allowed
- Private school — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RS-5:
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR limit for RS-5 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Fresno Municipal Code.
Other Fresno zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Fresno's RS-5 zone?
35 ft — Fresno Municipal Code § 15-903.
What is the minimum front setback in Fresno's RS-5 zone?
13 ft — Fresno Municipal Code § 15-903.
What is the minimum side setback in Fresno's RS-5 zone?
8 ft total, minimum 3 ft per side — Fresno Municipal Code § 15-903.
What is the minimum rear setback in Fresno's RS-5 zone?
10 ft — Fresno Municipal Code § 15-903.
What is the minimum lot size in Fresno's RS-5 zone?
4,000 sq ft — Fresno Municipal Code § 15-903.
General information, not legal advice.
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