Gardena · Zoning · R-2
Gardena R-2 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Gardena's R-2 zone, generally buildings can be up to 30 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Gardena code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 30 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft (no more than 50% of the front yard, including driveways, may be paved or hardscaped)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 50% (Interior lots)
- Maximum density: 2 dwelling units per lot (and no more than 17 units per acre)
R-2 (Low-density multifamily residential zone) is a zoning district in Gardena. Every value below was read from the Gardena 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 | 30 ft § 18.14.050 · code textBuilding height: the maximum building height shall not exceed thirty feet and shall not consist of more than two stories; |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 18.14.050 · code textBuilding height: the maximum building height shall not exceed thirty feet and shall not consist of more than two stories; |
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft Applies: no more than 50% of the front yard, including driveways, may be paved or hardscaped § 18.14.050 · code textFront yard setback: a minimum of twenty feet; no more than fifty percent, including driveways, shall be paved or otherwise covered with hardscaped materials. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 18.14.050 · code textA minimum of five feet; |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 18.14.050 · code textRear yard setback: a minimum of ten feet. |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft § 18.14.050 · code textLot area: a minimum of five thousand square feet; |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% Applies: Interior lots § 18.14.050 · code textA maximum of fifty percent for interior lots; and |
| Maximum density | 2 dwelling units per lot Applies: and no more than 17 units per acre § 18.14.050 · code textDensity: a maximum of two dwelling units per lot, but no more than seventeen units/acre; |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-2:
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Corner lots, street side only § 18.14.050
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — When a building fronts on a side yard § 18.14.050
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Buildings with semi-subterranean parking § 18.14.050
- Maximum lot coverage: 75% — Corner lots § 18.14.050
Not on this page
We did not find a general FAR limit for R-2 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Gardena Municipal Code.
Other Gardena zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Gardena's R-2 zone?
30 ft — Gardena Municipal Code § 18.14.050.
What is the maximum number of stories in Gardena's R-2 zone?
2 stories — Gardena Municipal Code § 18.14.050.
What is the minimum front setback in Gardena's R-2 zone?
20 ft (no more than 50% of the front yard, including driveways, may be paved or hardscaped) — Gardena Municipal Code § 18.14.050.
What is the minimum side setback in Gardena's R-2 zone?
5 ft — Gardena Municipal Code § 18.14.050.
What is the minimum rear setback in Gardena's R-2 zone?
10 ft — Gardena Municipal Code § 18.14.050.
General information, not legal advice.
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