Millbrae · Zoning · R-1
Millbrae R-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Millbrae's R-1 zone, buildings can be up to 30 ft tall and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq ft (Millbrae code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 30 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (Interior side yard; may be reduced to 10% of lot width, but not below 3 ft. Exterior side: 10 ft.)
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 55%
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 5,000 sq ft
R-1 (Single-family Residential) is a zoning district in Millbrae. Every value below was read from the Millbrae 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
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 § 10.05.0620 · code text1. Maximum height of structures shall be thirty feet, provided the uppermost five feet shall consist of a roof which slopes toward any adjacent street at a minimum slope of three inches per foot. |
|---|---|
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft Applies: Interior side yard; may be reduced to 10% of lot width, but not below 3 ft. Exterior side: 10 ft. § 10.05.0620 · code textFive feet interior; however, the width of interior side yards may be reduced to ten percent of the lot width, but in no case to less than three feet. |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft § 10.05.0620 · code text2. Area: five thousand square feet. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 10.05.0620 · code text1. Lot coverage: fifty percent. |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 55% § 10.05.0620 · code text2. Floor area ratio (FAR): fifty-five percent. |
| Maximum density | 1 unit per 5,000 sq ft § 10.05.0620 · code textE. Density Limit. The minimum lot area per unit shall be five thousand square feet. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-1:
- Maximum building height: 25 ft — If the roof slope toward any adjacent street is less than three inches per foot § 10.05.0620
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, front setback, rear setback limit for R-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Millbrae Municipal Code.
Other Millbrae zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Millbrae's R-1 zone?
30 ft — Millbrae Municipal Code § 10.05.0620.
What is the minimum side setback in Millbrae's R-1 zone?
5 ft (interior side yard; may be reduced to 10% of lot width, but not below 3 ft. Exterior side: 10 ft) — Millbrae Municipal Code § 10.05.0620.
What is the minimum lot size in Millbrae's R-1 zone?
5,000 sq ft — Millbrae Municipal Code § 10.05.0620.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Millbrae's R-1 zone?
50% — Millbrae Municipal Code § 10.05.0620.
What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Millbrae's R-1 zone?
55% — Millbrae Municipal Code § 10.05.0620.
General information, not legal advice.
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