Gonzales · Zoning · R-2
Gonzales R-2 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Gonzales's R-2 zone, generally buildings can be up to 40 ft (3 stories) tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 2,625 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Gonzales code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 40 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft (When no porch is provided)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft per story (12 ft on the driveway side only if the setback includes part of a driveway shared with the neighboring lot.)
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft (Primary residences)
- Minimum lot size: 2,625 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 60% (Existing or proposed lots greater than 4,000 square feet)
- Maximum density: 20 units/acre
R-2 (Medium Density Residential District) is a zoning district in Gonzales. Every value below was read from the Gonzales 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 | 40 ft § 12.68.040 · code textMaximum height: three stories, but not exceeding 40 feet in height, as defined in section 12.08.020 (definition of "building height"). |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories § 12.68.040 · code textMaximum height: three stories, but not exceeding 40 feet in height, as defined in section 12.08.020 (definition of "building height"). |
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft Applies: When no porch is provided § 12.68.040 · code textFront: ten feet (10') when a porch is provided; fifteen feet (15') when no porch is provided, and the minimum dimension of a front porch shall be six feet (6') deep and ten feet (10') long. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft per story Applies: 12 ft on the driveway side only if the setback includes part of a driveway shared with the neighboring lot. § 12.68.040 · code textTwelve feet (12') on the driveway side only if the setback includes a portion of a driveway shared with the neighboring lot (see Examples B and C below); |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft Applies: Primary residences § 12.68.040 · code textRear: fifteen feet (15') for primary residences, five feet (5') for detached garages and carports (see Examples A, B, and C below). |
| Minimum lot size | 2,625 sq ft § 12.68.040 · code textMinimum lot size: two thousand six hundred twenty five (2,625) square feet. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 60% Applies: Existing or proposed lots greater than 4,000 square feet § 12.68.040 · code textExisting or proposed lots greater than four thousand (4,000) square feet shall not exceed sixty percent (60%). |
| Maximum density | 20 units/acre § 12.68.040 · code textMaximum allowable density: 20 units/acre. |
Uses in R-2
Uses the code's use tables allow in R-2, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Duplex — Allowed
- Private school — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-2:
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft — When a porch is provided § 12.68.040
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft — Detached garages or carports situated in the rear yard setback and sharing a wall with the neighboring accessory structure serving the same purpose § 12.68.040
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Corner lot; side yard abutting a street § 12.68.040
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft — Detached garages and carports § 12.68.040
- Maximum lot coverage: 70% — Existing lots less than 2,600 square feet § 12.68.040
- Maximum lot coverage: 65% — Proposed lots less than 4,000 square feet § 12.68.040
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 Gonzales Municipal Code.
Other Gonzales zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Gonzales's R-2 zone?
40 ft — Gonzales Municipal Code § 12.68.040.
What is the maximum number of stories in Gonzales's R-2 zone?
3 stories — Gonzales Municipal Code § 12.68.040.
What is the minimum front setback in Gonzales's R-2 zone?
15 ft (when no porch is provided) — Gonzales Municipal Code § 12.68.040.
What is the minimum side setback in Gonzales's R-2 zone?
5 ft per story (12 ft on the driveway side only if the setback includes part of a driveway shared with the neighboring lot) — Gonzales Municipal Code § 12.68.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in Gonzales's R-2 zone?
15 ft (primary residences) — Gonzales Municipal Code § 12.68.040.
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a Gonzales property in R-2
Ask GoCodebook what you can build at a specific address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question