Richmond · Zoning · LW
Richmond LW zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Richmond's LW zone, generally the front setback is 10 ft and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (Richmond code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft (Commercial and mixed-use development; housing-only projects follow the RM2 setbacks)
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft (Commercial and mixed-use development; housing-only projects follow the RM2 setbacks)
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft (Commercial and mixed-use development; housing-only projects follow the RM2 setbacks)
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq. ft.
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.5 (Applies to non-residential floor area only)
- Maximum density: 50 units per net acre
LW is a zoning district in Richmond. Every value below was read from the Richmond 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 LW
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 Applies: Commercial and mixed-use development; housing-only projects follow the RM2 setbacks § 15.04.202.030 · code textTable row “Street Frontages (A)”, column “LW”: Min. 10 |
|---|---|
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft Applies: Commercial and mixed-use development; housing-only projects follow the RM2 setbacks § 15.04.202.030 · code textTable row “Interior Side (B)”, column “LW”: Min. 10; 15 where abutting an RL, RH, PCI, or PR District |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft Applies: Commercial and mixed-use development; housing-only projects follow the RM2 setbacks § 15.04.202.030 · code textTable row “Rear (B)”, column “LW”: Min. 10; 15 where abutting an RL, RH, PCI, or PR District |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq. ft. § 15.04.202.030 · code textTable row “Minimum Lot Size (sq. ft.)”, column “LW”: 5,000 |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.5 Applies: Applies to non-residential floor area only § 15.04.202.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Non-Residential Floor Area Ratio (FAR)”, column “LW”: 0.5; 0.8 with a conditional use permit |
| Maximum density | 50 units per net acre § 15.04.202.030 · code textTable row “Minimum; Maximum Density (units/net acre)”, column “LW”: 15; 50 |
Uses in LW
Uses the code's use tables allow in LW, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Live-work unit — Allowed
- Community garden — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in LW:
- Minimum side setback: 15 ft — where abutting an RL, RH, PCI, or PR District § 15.04.202.030
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft — where abutting an RL, RH, PCI, or PR District § 15.04.202.030
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.8 — With a conditional use permit; non-residential floor area only § 15.04.202.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general height, stories, lot coverage limit for LW in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Richmond Municipal Code.
Other Richmond zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum front setback in Richmond's LW zone?
10 ft (commercial and mixed-use development; housing-only projects follow the RM2 setbacks) — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.202.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Richmond's LW zone?
10 ft (commercial and mixed-use development; housing-only projects follow the RM2 setbacks) — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.202.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Richmond's LW zone?
10 ft (commercial and mixed-use development; housing-only projects follow the RM2 setbacks) — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.202.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Richmond's LW zone?
5,000 sq. ft. — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.202.030.
What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Richmond's LW zone?
0.5 (applies to non-residential floor area only) — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.202.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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