Newark · Zoning · RL
Newark RL zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Newark's RL zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 6,000 sq ft (Newark code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
- Maximum density: 11 units/net acre (up to 15 units per net acre under condition (A) of the code)
RL is a zoning district in Newark. Every value below was read from the Newark 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 RL
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 § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Height (ft)”, column “RL”: 35 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “RL”: 20 |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Interior Side”, column “RL”: 5(B) |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “RL”: 15 |
| Minimum lot size | 6,000 sq ft § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Minimum Lot Size (sq ft)”, column “RL”: 6,000, 3,000 for Single-Unit Dwelling, Detached |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Lot Coverage (% of lot)”, column “RL”: 50 |
| Maximum density | 11 units/net acre Applies: up to 15 units per net acre under condition (A) of the code § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Maximum”, column “RL”: 11; up to 15 subject to (A) below |
Uses in RL
Uses the code's use tables allow in RL, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Apartment building — Allowed
- Rooming or boarding house — 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 RL:
- Minimum lot size: 3,000 sq ft — For Single-Unit Dwelling, Detached. § 17.07.030
- Maximum density: 15 units/net acre — needs primary access on an arterial or collector street, compatibility with the area, and a conditional use permit (note A) § 17.07.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR limit for RL in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Newark Municipal Code.
Other Newark zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Newark's RL zone?
35 ft — Newark Municipal Code § 17.07.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Newark's RL zone?
20 ft — Newark Municipal Code § 17.07.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Newark's RL zone?
5 ft — Newark Municipal Code § 17.07.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Newark's RL zone?
15 ft — Newark Municipal Code § 17.07.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Newark's RL zone?
6,000 sq ft — Newark Municipal Code § 17.07.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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