Poway · Zoning · RA
Poway RA zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Poway's RA zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 3 acres, with the conditions listed below (Poway code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft (35 feet or 2 stories, whichever is less)
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories (35 feet or 2 stories, whichever is less)
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 15 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft
- Minimum lot size: 3 acres
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
- Maximum density: 20.0 units per acre
RA is a zoning district in Poway. Every value below was read from the Poway 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 RA
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: 35 feet or 2 stories, whichever is less § 17.08.160 · code textTable row “J. Building and structure height (maximum in feet)”, column “RA”: 35 feet or 2 stories, whichever is less, or as expressly authorized pursuant to an adopted specific plan. Amateur radio antenna installations are subject to the height and other regulations contained in Chapter 17.31 PMC. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories Applies: 35 feet or 2 stories, whichever is less § 17.08.160 · code textTable row “J. Building and structure height (maximum in feet)”, column “RA”: 35 feet or 2 stories, whichever is less, or as expressly authorized pursuant to an adopted specific plan. Amateur radio antenna installations are subject to the height and other regulations contained in Chapter 17.31 PMC. |
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 17.08.160 · code textTable row “E. Front yard setback (in feet)”, column “RA”: 20 |
| Minimum side setback | 15 ft § 17.08.160 · code textTable row “F. Side yard setback, interior, each side (in feet)”, column “RA”: 15/15 |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft § 17.08.160 · code textTable row “H. Rear yard setback (in feet)”, column “RA”: 15 |
| Minimum lot size | 3 acres § 17.08.160 · code textTable row “B. Net lot area (in square feet, unless otherwise noted)”, column “RA”: 3 acres |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 17.08.160 · code textTable row “I. Lot coverage, maximum (in percentage)”, column “RA”: 50 |
| Maximum density | 20.0 units per acre § 17.08.160 · code textTable row “A. Density - Maximum dwelling units per acre”, column “RA”: 20.0 |
Uses in RA
Uses the code's use tables allow in RA, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Apartment building — Allowed
- Rooming or boarding house — Needs a conditional use permit
- Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs a conditional use permit
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit
- Growing crops — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RA:
- Minimum side setback: 50 ft — Building exceeds 15 feet in height and is adjacent to any single-family zone § 17.08.220
- Minimum side setback: 25 ft — Building less than 15 feet in height and is adjacent to any single-family zone § 17.08.220
- Minimum side setback: 25 ft — Adjacent single-family zone property is six feet or greater in height above the RA-zoned property § 17.08.220
- Minimum lot size: 4,000 sq ft — Existing legal lots may be built on if the use is permitted, but no building permit for a lot under 4,000 sq ft § 17.08.170
Not on this page
We did not find a general FAR limit for RA in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Poway Municipal Code.
Other Poway zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Poway's RA zone?
35 ft (35 feet or 2 stories, whichever is less) — Poway Municipal Code § 17.08.160.
What is the maximum number of stories in Poway's RA zone?
2 stories (35 feet or 2 stories, whichever is less) — Poway Municipal Code § 17.08.160.
What is the minimum front setback in Poway's RA zone?
20 ft — Poway Municipal Code § 17.08.160.
What is the minimum side setback in Poway's RA zone?
15 ft — Poway Municipal Code § 17.08.160.
What is the minimum rear setback in Poway's RA zone?
15 ft — Poway Municipal Code § 17.08.160.
General information, not legal advice.
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