Sacramento · Zoning · R-3
Sacramento R-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Sacramento's R-3 zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 10 ft and the minimum lot size is 2,000 square feet (Sacramento code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft
- Minimum side setback: No minimum
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft
- Minimum lot size: 2,000 square feet
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
- Maximum density: 30 dwelling units per net acre
R-3 (R-3 zone) is a zoning district in Sacramento. Every value below was read from the Sacramento 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-3
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 § 17.208.320 · code textThe maximum height is 35 feet. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft § 17.208.340 · code textThe minimum front and street side-yard setback is 10 feet. |
| Minimum side setback | No minimum § 17.208.340 · code textUnless paragraph 2 of this subsection applies, there is no minimum interior side-yard setback. |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft § 17.208.340 · code textUnless paragraph 2 of this subsection applies, the minimum rear-yard setback is 15 feet. |
| Minimum lot size | 2,000 square feet § 17.208.330 · code textThe minimum lot size is 2,000 square feet. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 17.208.320 · code textThe maximum lot coverage is 50%. |
| Maximum density | 30 dwelling units per net acre § 17.208.320 · code textThe maximum density is 30 dwelling units per net acre. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-3:
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft — If the interior side-yard lot line abuts a lot in the R-1 or R-1B zone or a lot containing a detached single-unit dwelling § 17.208.340
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft — If the rear lot line abuts a public alley § 17.208.340
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR limit for R-3 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Sacramento Municipal Code.
Other Sacramento zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Sacramento's R-3 zone?
35 ft — Sacramento Municipal Code § 17.208.320.
What is the minimum front setback in Sacramento's R-3 zone?
10 ft — Sacramento Municipal Code § 17.208.340.
What is the minimum side setback in Sacramento's R-3 zone?
No minimum — Sacramento Municipal Code § 17.208.340.
What is the minimum rear setback in Sacramento's R-3 zone?
15 ft — Sacramento Municipal Code § 17.208.340.
What is the minimum lot size in Sacramento's R-3 zone?
2,000 square feet — Sacramento Municipal Code § 17.208.330.
General information, not legal advice.
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