Richmond · Zoning · RL1
Richmond RL1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Richmond's RL1 zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 6,000 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (Richmond code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft (Main Building)
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft (ground floor; lower if neighbors' average is under 20 ft, or 10 ft on 20 percent slopes with the garage door 18 ft back)
- Minimum side setback: 6 ft (lots 45 ft wide or less: 10 percent of lot width or 3 ft, whichever is greater)
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft (may be reduced to 10 ft if the combined front and rear setback is at least 40 ft)
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq. ft.
- Maximum lot coverage: 45%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.65 (non-residential floor area only; homes have a separate cap based on lot size, from 2,125 sq ft up to 4,000 sq ft)
- Maximum density: 9 units/net acre
RL1 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 RL1
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 Building § 15.04.201.030 · code textTable row “Main Building”, column “RL1”: 35 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft Applies: ground floor; lower if neighbors' average is under 20 ft, or 10 ft on 20 percent slopes with the garage door 18 ft back § 15.04.201.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “RL1”: 20 (B) |
| Minimum side setback | 6 ft Applies: lots 45 ft wide or less: 10 percent of lot width or 3 ft, whichever is greater § 15.04.201.030 · code textTable row “Interior Side”, column “RL1”: 6 (C) |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft Applies: may be reduced to 10 ft if the combined front and rear setback is at least 40 ft § 15.04.201.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “RL1”: 20 (F) |
| Minimum lot size | 6,000 sq. ft. § 15.04.201.030 · code textTable row “Minimum Lot Size (sq. ft.)”, column “RL1”: 6,000 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 45% § 15.04.201.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Lot Coverage (% of Lot)”, column “RL1”: 45 |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.65 Applies: non-residential floor area only; homes have a separate cap based on lot size, from 2,125 sq ft up to 4,000 sq ft § 15.04.201.030 · code textThe maximum non-residential floor area ratio (FAR) is 0.65 in RH, RL1 and RL2 Districts. |
| Maximum density | 9 units/net acre § 15.04.201.030 · code textTable row “(units/net acre)”, column “RL1”: 9 |
Uses in RL1
Uses the code's use tables allow in RL1, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Duplex — Needs an administrative use permit (lot 7,500 sq ft or larger) — see note
- Child care center — Needs an administrative use permit
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
- Community garden — Allowed
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories limit for RL1 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 maximum building height in Richmond's RL1 zone?
35 ft (main Building) — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.201.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Richmond's RL1 zone?
20 ft (ground floor; lower if neighbors' average is under 20 ft, or 10 ft on 20 percent slopes with the garage door 18 ft back) — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.201.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Richmond's RL1 zone?
6 ft (lots 45 ft wide or less: 10 percent of lot width or 3 ft, whichever is greater) — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.201.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Richmond's RL1 zone?
20 ft (may be reduced to 10 ft if the combined front and rear setback is at least 40 ft) — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.201.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Richmond's RL1 zone?
6,000 sq. ft. — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.201.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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