Oakland S-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

S-1 (MEDICAL CENTER COMMERCIAL ZONE) is a zoning district in Oakland. Every value below was read from the Oakland 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 S-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.

Minimum front setback	10 ft § 17.74.150 · code text The minimum front yard depth on every lot shall be ten (10) feet.
Minimum side setback	None required Applies: interior side lot line; residential facilities and lots along some other zones need a side yard set by other code sections § 17.74.150 · code text No side yard is generally required along an interior side lot line except as follows:
Minimum rear setback	10 ft § 17.74.150 · code text The minimum rear yard depth on every lot shall be ten (10) feet.
Minimum lot size	4,000 sq ft § 17.74.110 · code text Every lot shall have a minimum lot area of four thousand (4,000) square feet and a minimum lot width mean of twenty-five (25) feet, except as a lesser area or width is allowed by Section 17.106.010.
Maximum density	1 unit per 300 sq ft Applies: Regular Dwelling Units; one extra unit if the remainder is 200 sq ft or more; 10% more on corner lots or lots facing a park § 17.74.120 · code text The number of living units permitted heretofore may be exceeded by ten percent (10%) on any corner lot, and may also be exceeded by ten percent (10%) on any lot which faces or abuts a public park at least as wide as the lot.

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in S-1:

Maximum density: 1 unit per 150 sq ft — Efficiency Dwelling Units; only if a remainder of 100 sq ft or more is obtained § 17.74.120
Maximum density: 1 unit per 150 sq ft — Rooming Units; one extra unit permitted if a remainder of 100 sq ft or more is obtained § 17.74.120
Maximum density: Up to 50% increase — with a Conditional Use Permit: buildings over 4 stories, or development rights bought from nearby lots § 17.74.120

Not on this page

We did not find a general height, stories, lot coverage, FAR limit for S-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Oakland Municipal Code.

Other Oakland zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum front setback in Oakland's S-1 zone?

10 ft — Oakland Municipal Code § 17.74.150.

What is the minimum side setback in Oakland's S-1 zone?

None required (interior side lot line; residential facilities and lots along some other zones need a side yard set by other code sections) — Oakland Municipal Code § 17.74.150.

What is the minimum rear setback in Oakland's S-1 zone?

10 ft — Oakland Municipal Code § 17.74.150.

What is the minimum lot size in Oakland's S-1 zone?

4,000 sq ft — Oakland Municipal Code § 17.74.110.

What is the maximum density in Oakland's S-1 zone?

1 unit per 300 sq ft (regular Dwelling Units; one extra unit if the remainder is 200 sq ft or more; 10% more on corner lots or lots facing a park) — Oakland Municipal Code § 17.74.120.

General information, not legal advice.