Imperial Beach · Zoning · R-1-3800
Imperial Beach R-1-3800 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Imperial Beach's R-1-3800 zone, generally buildings can be up to 26 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 3,800 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Imperial Beach code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 26 ft (whichever is less)
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories (whichever is less)
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft (the front of a garage must be set back at least 20 ft)
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Minimum lot size: 3,800 sq ft (any new lot created in the R-1-3800 zone)
R-1-3800 (SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONE) is a zoning district in Imperial Beach. Every value below was read from the Imperial Beach 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-1-3800
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 | 26 ft Applies: whichever is less § 19.13.060 · code textNo building or structure shall exceed two stories or twenty six feet in height, whichever is less. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories Applies: whichever is less § 19.13.060 · code textNo building or structure shall exceed two stories or twenty six feet in height, whichever is less. |
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft Applies: the front of a garage must be set back at least 20 ft § 19.13.030 · code textThere shall be a minimum front yard of fifteen feet, provided that the front of a garage shall be set back a minimum of twenty feet. |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 19.13.030 · code textThere shall be a minimum rear yard of ten feet. |
| Minimum lot size | 3,800 sq ft Applies: any new lot created in the R-1-3800 zone § 19.13.040 · code textThe minimum lot size for any new lot created in the R-1-3800 zone shall be three thousand eight hundred square feet, (for related provisions concerning small lots, see Sections 19.42.). |
Uses in R-1-3800
Uses the code's use tables allow in R-1-3800, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-1-3800:
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft — front of a garage § 19.13.030
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft — if on an alley § 19.13.030
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — if no alley § 19.13.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general side setback, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for R-1-3800 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Imperial Beach Municipal Code.
Other Imperial Beach zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Imperial Beach's R-1-3800 zone?
26 ft (whichever is less) — Imperial Beach Municipal Code § 19.13.060.
What is the maximum number of stories in Imperial Beach's R-1-3800 zone?
2 stories (whichever is less) — Imperial Beach Municipal Code § 19.13.060.
What is the minimum front setback in Imperial Beach's R-1-3800 zone?
15 ft (the front of a garage must be set back at least 20 ft) — Imperial Beach Municipal Code § 19.13.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Imperial Beach's R-1-3800 zone?
10 ft — Imperial Beach Municipal Code § 19.13.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Imperial Beach's R-1-3800 zone?
3,800 sq ft (any new lot created in the R-1-3800 zone) — Imperial Beach Municipal Code § 19.13.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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