Gardena R-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R-3 (Medium 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-3

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 § 18.16.050 · code text Building height: the maximum building height shall not exceed thirty-five feet and shall consist of no more than three stories;
Maximum number of stories	3 stories § 18.16.050 · code text Building height: the maximum building height shall not exceed thirty-five feet and shall consist of no more than three stories;
Minimum front setback	20 ft Applies: no more than 50% of the front yard, including driveways, may be paved or hardscaped § 18.16.050 · code text Front 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 Applies: one- or two-story buildings; 10 ft where a building fronts on a side yard § 18.16.050 · code text A minimum of ten feet when a building fronts on a side yard.
Minimum rear setback	5 ft Applies: one- or two-story buildings; 10 ft where a building fronts on a rear yard § 18.16.050 · code text A minimum of ten feet when a building fronts on a rear yard.
Minimum lot size	5,000 sq ft § 18.16.050 · code text Lot area: a minimum of five thousand square feet;
Maximum density	17 units per acre § 18.16.050 · code text Density: a minimum density of twelve units per acre and a maximum of seventeen units per acre. Fractional units shall be rounded upward if such fraction is at or above the five-tenths breakpoint;

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-3:

Minimum side setback: 10 ft — buildings which abut parcels zoned R-1 or R-2 § 18.16.050
Minimum side setback: 10 ft — corner lots, street side only § 18.16.050
Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — buildings which abut parcels zoned R-1 or R-2 § 18.16.050

Not on this page

We did not find a general lot coverage, FAR limit for R-3 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

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Gardena's R-3 zone?

35 ft — Gardena Municipal Code § 18.16.050.

What is the maximum number of stories in Gardena's R-3 zone?

3 stories — Gardena Municipal Code § 18.16.050.

What is the minimum front setback in Gardena's R-3 zone?

20 ft (no more than 50% of the front yard, including driveways, may be paved or hardscaped) — Gardena Municipal Code § 18.16.050.

What is the minimum side setback in Gardena's R-3 zone?

5 ft (one- or two-story buildings; 10 ft where a building fronts on a side yard) — Gardena Municipal Code § 18.16.050.

What is the minimum rear setback in Gardena's R-3 zone?

5 ft (one- or two-story buildings; 10 ft where a building fronts on a rear yard) — Gardena Municipal Code § 18.16.050.

General information, not legal advice.