Pacifica · Zoning · R-1
Pacifica R-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Pacifica's R-1 zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Pacifica code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft (main buildings; a detached accessory building is limited to 12 ft)
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 40%
R-1 (Single-Family Residential District) is a zoning district in Pacifica. Every value below was read from the Pacifica 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 | 35 ft Applies: main buildings; a detached accessory building is limited to 12 ft See note j below the table in the code. § 9-4.402 · code text(j) Maximum height: thirty-five (35′) feet; however, the maximum height for a detached accessory building shall be twelve (12′) feet; Note j: Maximum height: thirty-five (35′) feet; however, the maximum height for a detached accessory building shall be twelve (12′) feet; |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft See note d below the table in the code. § 9-4.402 · code text(d) Minimum front setback: fifteen (15′) feet; however, the minimum front setback to a garage entrance shall be twenty (20′) feet. Note d: Minimum front setback: fifteen (15′) feet; however, the minimum front setback to a garage entrance shall be twenty (20′) feet. The minimum setback entrance on the street side of a corner lot shall be twenty (20′) feet. (For nonconforming lots, see Section 9-4.3002 and for garages as accessory buildings, see Section 9-4.2704). |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft See note e below the table in the code. § 9-4.402 · code text(e) Minimum side setback: five (5′) feet; however, the minimum exterior side yard for corner lots shall be ten (10′) feet. Note e: Minimum side setback: five (5′) feet; however, the minimum exterior side yard for corner lots shall be ten (10′) feet. (For nonconforming lots, see Sec. 9-4.3002); |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft See note f below the table in the code. § 9-4.402 · code text(f) Minimum rear setback: twenty (20′) feet; Note f: Minimum rear setback: twenty (20′) feet; |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft See note a below the table in the code. § 9-4.402 · code text(a) Minimum building site area: 5,000 square feet; Note a: Minimum building site area: 5,000 square feet; |
| Maximum lot coverage | 40% See note h below the table in the code. § 9-4.402 · code text(h) Maximum lot coverage by all structures: forty (40%) percent; Note h: Maximum lot coverage by all structures: forty (40%) percent; |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-1:
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft — to a garage entrance § 9-4.402
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft — the code sets 20 ft for the setback entrance on the street side of a corner lot § 9-4.402
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — exterior side yard for corner lots § 9-4.402
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 5,000 sq ft — lot area required for each dwelling unit § 9-4.402
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR, density limit for R-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Pacifica Municipal Code.
Other Pacifica zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Pacifica's R-1 zone?
35 ft (main buildings; a detached accessory building is limited to 12 ft) — Pacifica Municipal Code § 9-4.402.
What is the minimum front setback in Pacifica's R-1 zone?
15 ft — Pacifica Municipal Code § 9-4.402.
What is the minimum side setback in Pacifica's R-1 zone?
5 ft — Pacifica Municipal Code § 9-4.402.
What is the minimum rear setback in Pacifica's R-1 zone?
20 ft — Pacifica Municipal Code § 9-4.402.
What is the minimum lot size in Pacifica's R-1 zone?
5,000 sq ft — Pacifica Municipal Code § 9-4.402.
General information, not legal advice.
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