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Local zoning · San Leandro

San Leandro — Land Use

Land Use under the San Leandro local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Quick answer

San Leandro allows uses by district: e.g., RS lots require front 20 ft and side 5 ft yards (§ 2.04.316), while RS‑VP caps height at 18 ft to protect views (§ 2.04.100). RM multifamily densities range from 14.5 to 50 du/ac (§ 2.04.100). In IL/IP/IG, new warehouses or ≥10,000 sf expansions need a CUP (§ 2.12.200; § 2.12.204; § 2.12.208), and ADUs citywide get 4 ft side/rear setbacks with no parking required (§ 2.04.388).

Last reviewed: July 25, 2026 · AI-generated analysis · General information, not legal advice · details

Compiled from San Leandro's adopted code with AI research tools and grounded in the sources cited below. Verify with San Leandro planning staff before relying on it.

Overview

San Leandro regulates what land can be used for through base zoning districts and overlays shown on the City zoning map, with rules grouped by use class and district (§ 1.08.108). Whether a use is permitted by right, needs Administrative Review, or a Use Permit depends on the district and any overlay in effect (§ 5.08.108). Residential rules live in § 2.04, commercial/professional in § 2.08, and industrial in § 2.12; some areas (Downtown, South Area, North Area, Bay Fair TOD) carry added standards. Related topics like parking, design review, and overlay districts may also apply.

San Leandro’s land-use decisions are district-based: a use is allowed, conditionally allowed, or prohibited depending on the specific base district and any overlays that modify it (§ 1.08.108; § 5.08.108).

How the code is organized (quick orientation)

  • Base districts and overlays are encoded in each parcel’s zoning label, e.g., “IP(S)” = Industrial Park with Special Review overlay (§ 1.08.108).
  • Commercial “Downtown (DA)”, “South Area (SA)”, and “North Area (NA)” districts implement corridor/specific plans with additional standards (§ 2.08.100; § 2.08.300).
  • Industrial districts have detailed, use-by-use permission lists and setback tables (§ 2.12.100; § 2.12.200; § 2.12.204; § 2.12.208; § 2.12.212; § 2.12.308).
  • Citywide residential add-ons include ADUs (§ 2.04.388) and accessory-structure limits (§ 2.04.348). For broader dimensional rules see Development Standards.

Base Districts — Residential (R)

RS — Residential Single Family (including subdistricts RS-40 and RS‑VP)

  • Purpose: Single-family neighborhoods (§ 2.04.100).
  • Typical permitted uses: Single-family dwellings; ADUs are allowed citywide with limits (§ 2.04.100; § 2.04.388).
  • Key dimensional standards: Front 20 ft, side 5 ft, corner side 10 ft, rear 15 ft (§ 2.04.316). Accessory structures: up to 500 sf each; graduated setbacks by height; may not be in required front/corner side yards (§ 2.04.348).
  • Subdistricts:
    • RS‑40: minimum front yard 40 ft (§ 2.04.100; § 2.04.316).
    • RS‑VP (View Preservation): max height 18 ft; all new homes/additions subject to discretionary review to prevent unreasonable view blockage (§ 2.04.100).
  • Where it applies: Mapped as RS (or RS‑40 / RS‑VP) on the zoning map (§ 1.08.108).
  • Related: fences, signs, parking, and screening defer to citywide standards (§ 2.04.336; see signage, landscaping and screening).

RO — Residential Outer

  • Purpose: Larger-lot single- and two-family areas; also allows limited horticulture, animal husbandry, and small-scale truck gardening consistent with residential character (§ 2.04.100).
  • Typical permitted uses: Single- and two-family housing; limited ancillary rural activities as noted (§ 2.04.100).
  • Key dimensional standards: Front 20 ft; sides 6–12 ft; corner side 10 ft; rear 10–25 ft (§ 2.04.316). Additional RO setbacks/lot coverage may apply (§ 2.04.316.B).
  • Where it applies: RO-mapped neighborhoods on the zoning map (§ 1.08.108).

RD — Residential Duplex (Two-Family)

  • Purpose: Two-family housing opportunities (§ 2.04.100).
  • Typical permitted uses: Duplexes; single-family also typical in practice (verify use table—Not found in source materials).
  • Key dimensional standards: Front 20 ft, side 5 ft, corner side 10 ft, rear 15 ft (§ 2.04.316).
  • Where it applies: RD-mapped areas (§ 1.08.108).

RM — Residential Multi-Family (five subdistricts)

  • Purpose: Apartments, townhouses, condos; single-family and duplex are permitted in RM (§ 2.04.100).
  • Density by subdistrict (§ 2.04.100):
    • RM‑3000: 14.5 du/ac
    • RM‑2500: 17.5 du/ac
    • RM‑2000: 22 du/ac
    • RM‑1800: 24 du/ac
    • RM‑875: 50 du/ac
  • Key dimensional standards (§ 2.04.316):
    • RM‑3000: Front 20 ft; side min 6 ft, avg 10 ft; corner side 20 ft; rear 15 ft.
    • RM‑2500 / RM‑2000 / RM‑1800 / RM‑875: Front 15 ft; side min 6 ft, avg 10 ft; corner side 15 ft; rear 15 ft.
  • Accessory structures: count toward lot coverage caps by RM type; single accessory structure ≤ 500 sf (§ 2.04.348.C–D).
  • Where it applies: RM‑mapped blocks citywide (§ 1.08.108).

Citywide residential accessory and ADU rules that affect land use

  • Accessory structures: No required front/corner side yard encroachment; max single structure 500 sf; height/setback matrix (e.g., up to 12 ft height requires 3 ft setback; >12–15 ft requires 5 ft) (§ 2.04.348).
  • ADUs/JADUs: Allowed with ministerial approval citywide. Highlights (§ 2.04.388):
    • Min side/rear setbacks 4 ft; detached ADU separation 5 ft (§ 2.04.388.C).
    • Heights: detached 16–18 ft depending on transit proximity; attached up to district max or 25 ft, whichever lower (§ 2.04.388.D).
    • No parking required for ADUs/JADUs; no replacement parking if converting a garage (§ 2.04.388.E).
    • Size: at least 150 sf; common maximums include 800–1,000+ sf depending on bedrooms and lot standards (§ 2.04.388.B).
    • Review timeline: 60 days ministerial for qualifying ADUs/JADUs (§ 2.04.388.L).
  • Multi-family/mixed-use residential design standards are cross-referenced citywide (§ 2.04.336.A; § 4.04.336). For structural matters, see the California Building Standards Code; for state housing constraints, see California housing laws.

Base Districts — Commercial and Professional (C, DA, NA, P, SA)

Note: The code excerpts provided include purposes and certain corridor-specific rules; detailed permitted-use lists by C/DA/NA/SA/P district were not included. Where specific permitted/conditional uses are needed, see the City’s full use tables (Not found in source materials).

CC — Commercial Community

  • Purpose: Citywide-serving retail, banking/finance, durable goods; entertainment, eating/drinking, hotels may be allowed with safeguards for neighbors (§ 2.08.100).
  • Key land-use controls: Full-service restaurants/cafés at or above 2,000 sf GFA or 1,000 sf dining area trigger Administrative Review with findings on parking, hours, signage (§ 2.08.272.D). Small-scale fast food within 500 ft of an R district in CC is subject to Administrative Review with findings (§ 2.08.272.E).
  • Where it applies: Community commercial centers (zoning map, § 1.08.108).

CN — Commercial Neighborhood

  • Purpose: Daily-needs retail/services serving nearby neighborhoods; offices and residential uses are allowed above the ground floor (§ 2.08.100).
  • Key land-use controls: Same Administrative Review thresholds for larger restaurants/cafés may apply citywide (§ 2.08.272.D).
  • Where it applies: Neighborhood nodes near residences.

CR — Commercial Recreation

  • Purpose: Waterfront recreation-oriented commercial (e.g., hotels, restaurants) near the marina (§ 2.08.100).
  • Special note: Projects on City-owned land in CR require City Council action on CUP/variance applications (§ 5.08.104.B).
  • Where it applies: Marina/waterfront areas as mapped.

CS — Commercial Services

  • Purpose: Auto sales/services, building materials, contractors’ yards, warehousing, storage; stand-alone offices excluded (§ 2.08.100).
  • Where it applies: Auto- and service-oriented corridors.

P — Professional Office

  • Purpose: Offices, mixed-use, and multifamily at appropriate locations; limited retail compatible with neighborhood quality (§ 2.08.100).
  • Where it applies: Office districts as mapped.

DA‑1 / DA‑2 / DA‑3 / DA‑4 / DA‑6 — Downtown Area

  • Purpose: Implement the Downtown San Leandro Transit-Oriented Development Strategy with varying mixes of retail, residential, and office by subarea (§ 2.08.100):
    • DA‑1: Retail core on East 14th/Washington; ground-floor retail required on key frontages unless a CUP is granted.
    • DA‑2: Periphery; scale sensitive to adjacent residential; mixed-use encouraged.
    • DA‑3: Near retail core; infill to respect neighborhood; higher heights/densities allowed.
    • DA‑4: Near transit; residential required; limited ground-floor retail/office allowed.
    • DA‑6: Cluster offices near Davis St/San Leandro Blvd; shared/off-site parking encouraged.
  • Key land-use controls: On commercial ground floors in DA districts not governed by multi-family/mixed-use standards, at least 50% of first-story street-facing façade must be doors/windows with views into interior/merchandise/courtyards (§ 2.08.340.A). Interior placement rules for security grilles/roll-ups apply (§ 2.08.340.B).
  • Where it applies: Downtown core and edges as mapped.

NA‑1 / NA‑2 — North Area

  • Purpose: Implement North Area Specific Plan; NA‑1 emphasizes small-scale, pedestrian-oriented retail/services and mixed-use; NA‑2 emphasizes mixed-use with multi-story residential/retail/services (§ 2.08.100).
  • Where it applies: North Area corridors.

SA‑1 / SA‑2 / SA‑3 — South Area

  • Purpose: Implement East 14th Street South Area Development Strategy; promote quality infill mixed-use with some parking reductions (§ 2.08.100).

    • SA‑1: Neighborhood-oriented mixed-use (Palma & International/Cultural Districts).
    • SA‑2: Infill residential sensitive to adjoining neighborhoods; mixed-use also encouraged.
    • SA‑3: Larger commercial/office with quality design; parking reductions included.

  • Key land-use controls: Ground-floor transparency standard mirrors DA (if not otherwise governed) (§ 2.08.340.A). Small-scale fast food within 500 ft of R in SA‑3 requires Administrative Review with findings (§ 2.08.272.E).

  • Where it applies: East 14th Street South Area districts.

  • Corridor plan consistency: Development in DA, SA, and NA must be consistent with the respective design guidelines/specific plans (§ 2.08.300). For projects triggering design oversight, see Design Review.

Base Districts — Industrial (I)

IL — Industrial Limited

  • Purpose: Low-to-moderate intensity industrial compatible near residential; allows light manufacturing and certain commercial services; limits unrelated retail/general industrial (§ 2.12.100).
  • Permitted uses (partial): Custom/limited industry, R&D, labs, business services, building materials/services, equipment sales, retail financial institutions, government offices, emergency shelters (≤45 beds), animal hospitals, offices (conversion triggers parking standards), warehousing (CUP if new building or expansion ≥10,000 sf), etc. (§ 2.12.204.A).
  • Conditional uses (examples): Bars, assembly uses, large-scale fast food, general food processing, public storage, service stations, big-box retail, vehicle repair, etc. (§ 2.12.220.B).
  • Administrative Review uses (examples): Cafés, brewpubs, day care, small-scale fast food, mobile food vending, full-service restaurants, general retail/services, new telecom monopoles/towers (§ 2.12.220.C).
  • Setbacks: Front 10 ft, side 0 ft, corner side 10 ft, rear 0 ft; added front/corner side yard for buildings >20 ft tall, up to 20 ft minimum above 40 ft height; Doolittle Dr. min front/corner side 20 ft (with limited reductions via Site Plan) (§ 2.12.308.B–D).
  • Overlays that modify IL:
    • IL(AU) (Assembly Use): expands/adjusts allowed assembly/commercial activities; see specific IL(AU) lists (§ 2.12.220).
    • S Overlay: may convert otherwise-permitted uses into CUPs unless regional retail, new auto sales, or compatible regional market use (§ 2.12.204; § 2.12.220).

IG — Industrial General

  • Purpose: Protect existing general industry with performance standards and buffering; allows limited retail types (§ 2.12.100).
  • Permitted uses (partial): General/custom/limited industry, R&D, food processing (limited/general), labs, business/professional offices, big-box retail, financial institutions, emergency shelters (≤45 beds), new auto sales, warehousing/wholesale distribution (CUP if new building or expansion ≥10,000 sf), telecom co-locations/architecturally integrated (§ 2.12.200.A).
  • Conditional uses (partial): Cannabis dispensary/product manufacturing/testing, emergency shelters (>45 beds), drive-ups, supermarkets, service stations, vehicle repair, trucking terminals, transfer stations, hazardous materials/waste uses, heavy recycling, etc. (§ 2.12.200.B).
  • Administrative Review uses (partial): Small-scale fast food, cafés, day care, full-service restaurants, retail sales/services, telecom monopoles/towers, parking lots (§ 2.12.200.C).
  • Setbacks: Same as IL; added height-based yard increases; Doolittle Dr. special front/corner side yard (§ 2.12.308).

IP — Industrial Park

  • Purpose: High-tech, R&D, limited production/assembly, small warehousing/distribution, industrial office centers, specified retail in a landscaped setting (§ 2.12.100).
  • Permitted uses (partial): Custom/limited industry, R&D, labs, business/professional offices (conversions trigger parking), parcel processing/shipping (subject to § 2.12.228), retail services as secondary use, big-box retail, telecom co-locations/architectural integration, warehousing (CUP if new building or expansion ≥10,000 sf), etc. (§ 2.12.208.A).
  • Conditional uses (partial): General industry, cannabis (dispensary/manufacturing/testing), large-scale fast food, service stations, furniture/electronics/appliance sales (§ 2.12.208.B).
  • Administrative Review uses (partial): Cafés, brewpubs, small-scale fast food, full-service restaurants, retail sales, ATMs, day care, telecom monopoles/towers (§ 2.12.208.C).
  • Setbacks: Front 20 ft, corner side 20 ft, side/rear 0 ft (§ 2.12.308.A).

IT — Industrial Transition

  • Purpose: Emerging technologies, artisanal production, and light manufacturing; allows added commercial uses and residential within ½ mile of BART (§ 2.12.100).
  • Permitted uses (partial): Broad set including custom/limited industry, R&D, labs, retail sales/services, full-service restaurants, offices, emergency health care, food processing (general/limited), etc. (§ 2.12.212.A).
  • Setbacks: Front 10 ft, corner side 10 ft, side/rear 0 ft; added yard increases for taller buildings (§ 2.12.308).

Industrial overlays and citywide industrial use restrictions

  • “S” Special Review overlay: can up-shift “permitted” to “CUP” in I districts unless the use is regional retail, new auto sales, or compatible regional market use (§ 2.12.200.A; § 2.12.208.A).
  • “AU” Assembly Use overlay variants: IG(AU), IL(AU), IP(AU) provide tailored permitted/conditional lists for assembly/commercial activities (§ 2.12.216; § 2.12.220; § 2.12.224).
  • Parcel Processing & Shipping Centers: Administrative Review when occupying ≥30,000 sf in post‑8/15/2001 buildings; findings required on trips/circulation/noise (§ 2.12.228.D).
  • Hazardous materials/waste: subject to specialized regulations and consistency findings (§ 2.12.200.B.15–17; § 2.12.228.B).
  • Telecommunications: Co-locations/architecturally-integrated antennas are typically permitted; new monopoles/towers require Administrative Review and must meet wireless facility standards (§ 2.12.200.A.34; § 2.12.200.C.20; § 2.12.208.A.28; § 2.12.208.C.19; § 4.04.376).

Special Purpose/Base Districts

B‑TOD — Bay Fair Transit‑Oriented Development

  • Purpose/standards: TOD area with connectivity and active frontages; for subdivisions, new construction, or additions ≥10,000 sf, provide pedestrian connections (to buildings, transit, neighbors), frontage improvements, and ground-floor height minimums (12 ft residential; 14 ft nonresidential). Nonresidential tenant spaces must be ≥40 ft deep; façade openings at least every 25 ft (§ 2.10.328).
  • Where it applies: Bay Fair TOD Specific Plan area.

OS — Open Space; PS — Public & Semipublic

  • Establishment: Recognized base districts (§ 1.08.108). Detailed permitted-use lists were not provided (Not found in source materials).
  • Special note: Projects on City-owned land in CR and OS route CUP/variance decisions to City Council (§ 5.08.104.B).

Commercial corridor/site-wide rules that affect land use

  • Ground-floor transparency: For DA and SA commercial frontages not otherwise regulated by multi-family/mixed-use standards, at least 50% of the first story along the street must be clear/tinted glass with interior views (§ 2.08.340.A).
  • Security roll-ups/gates: Must be inside the glazing and not visible during business hours; subject to Zoning Enforcement Official review (§ 2.08.340.B).
  • Restaurants/cafés: ≥2,000 sf GFA or ≥1,000 sf dining area = Administrative Review with findings on parking, hours, signage (§ 2.08.272.D).
  • Small-scale fast food: Within 500 ft of R in CC and SA‑3 triggers Administrative Review with findings (§ 2.08.272.E).
  • Lots split by district lines: Apply special lot-split development rules (§ 2.08.272.A).
  • Nonconforming uses: Chapter 4.20 governs continuation and change; see Nonconforming Uses (§ 2.08.272.B).
  • Administrative Exceptions: Limited flexibility available in R and C chapters when expressly allowed (§ 2.04.400; § 2.08.400). Broader relief relies on Variances and Exceptions.

High‑impact rules and numbers (selected)

Topic What it says Key figure(s) Code Reference
RS standard setbacks Front/side/corner side/rear in RS 20 ft / 5 ft / 10 ft / 15 ft § 2.04.316
RS‑VP height View Preservation height cap 18 ft max § 2.04.100
RM densities RM‑3000 to RM‑875 14.5 to 50 du/ac § 2.04.100
Industrial setbacks (IL/IG/IT) Front and corner side with height adders 10 ft base; up to 20 ft when >40 ft tall § 2.12.308.B–D
IP setbacks Front and corner side 20 ft § 2.12.308.A
Doolittle Drive frontage Front/corner side yards (industrial) 20 ft min (some relief via Site Plan) § 2.12.308.C
Warehouse CUP trigger (IL/IP/IG) New building or expansion threshold 10,000 sf § 2.12.204.A.33–34; § 2.12.208.A.31–32; § 2.12.200.A.37–38
Parcel processing centers Admin Review size threshold 30,000 sf (post‑8/15/2001 buildings) § 2.12.228.D
DA/SA transparency Ground-floor street-facing glass ≥50% § 2.08.340.A
ADU setbacks Min side/rear; structure separation 4 ft; 5 ft (detached to others) § 2.04.388.C
ADU heights Detached (typical / near transit) 16–18 ft § 2.04.388.D

Overlays that change land use outcomes

  • Overlay districts include PD, IS, CV, S, AU, N, L (§ 1.08.108). See Overlay Districts.
    • PD (Planned Development): Where allowed as a conditional use, the City may process a PD; development regs follow the PD use permit (and nearest base district if silent) (§ 3.04.104; § 2.16.300).
    • S (Special Review): In industrial districts, can require a CUP for otherwise-permitted uses unless regional retail/new auto sales/compatible regional market use (§ 2.12.200.A; § 2.12.208.A; § 2.12.216.A).
    • AU (Assembly Use): Produces district variants (e.g., IL(AU), IP(AU), IG(AU)) with adjusted permitted/conditional assembly/commercial uses (§ 2.12.220; § 2.12.224; § 2.12.216).

Checklist

  • Identify your parcel’s exact zoning label and overlay designators on the zoning map (§ 1.08.108).
  • Confirm your proposed use is permitted, conditionally permitted, or requires Administrative Review in your district (industrial districts have explicit lists; commercial/residential may require full code table—Not found in source materials).
  • If industrial: verify setbacks and any height-based yard increases; check Doolittle Drive frontages (§ 2.12.308).
  • For warehousing/parcel processing: check CUP/Admin Review thresholds (10,000 sf expansions; 30,000 sf occupancy) (§ 2.12.204; § 2.12.208; § 2.12.200; § 2.12.228.D).
  • In DA/SA corridors: meet ground-floor transparency and security door placement rules (§ 2.08.340).
  • For restaurants/cafés: size triggers for Administrative Review; extra findings near R districts for small fast food (§ 2.08.272.D–E).
  • If building housing in RM or RS‑VP: respect RM setbacks/densities and RS‑VP 18 ft height cap (§ 2.04.100; § 2.04.316).
  • For ADUs/JADUs: apply citywide standards on setbacks, height, and parking exemptions (§ 2.04.388).
  • If a use isn’t listed: obtain a determination under “Uses Not Listed” or adjust scope (§ 2.08.272; Verify with the jurisdiction).
  • Consider Design Review, Development Standards, Landscaping, and Signage cross-refs (§ 2.08.300; § 2.04.336).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Missing commercial use tables Whether a retail/office/restaurant is permitted, CUP, or AR varies by subdistrict Full use tables for § 2.08 districts (Not found in source materials)
Split-zoned parcels Two sets of regulations can apply on one lot Apply § 2.08.272.A and § 4.04.308 rules; ask staff for boundary line choice/averaging
Industrial “S” overlay May up-shift permitted uses to CUP Check map for “S” and apply overlay language in IL/IP/IG (§ 2.12.200.A; § 2.12.208.A; § 2.12.216.A)
Warehouse thresholds Triggers CUP at 10,000 sf expansion/new Confirm building size, project phasing, cumulative expansions (§ 2.12.204; § 2.12.208; § 2.12.200)
DA/SA transparency applicability Applies only when not subject to multi-family/mixed-use standards Confirm if § 4.04.336 governs your façade instead (§ 2.08.340.A)
ADU height near transit 16 vs 18 ft limits Verify transit proximity definitions (major transit stop/HQTC) (§ 2.04.388.D)
RS‑VP view controls Discretionary review scope Extent of “unreasonable blockage” and review path (§ 2.04.100; Verify with the jurisdiction)
Nonconforming status Expansion/change limits Apply Chapter 4.20; see Nonconforming Uses (§ 2.04.336.J; § 2.08.272.B)

Plain-English Summary

San Leandro assigns each property a zoning district that decides what you can do on it. Single-family areas like RS have standard setbacks (front 20 ft, side 5 ft), and some lots have a view overlay with an 18 ft height cap. Multifamily RM areas come in set density tiers, each with its own yard rules. Downtown and corridor districts encourage street-facing storefronts with at least half the ground floor in windows. Industrial districts spell out by use whether you’re permitted, need administrative review, or a use permit—and they impose extra reviews for big warehouses and parcel hubs. ADUs are allowed citywide with small setbacks and no parking.

Source References

  • § 1.08.108 Applicability of Land Use and Development Regulations (district/overlay system)
  • § 2.04.100 Specific Purposes (Residential districts; RS‑40; RS‑VP; RM density tiers)
  • § 2.04.316 Minimum Yards (Residential setbacks)
  • § 2.04.336 Additional Property Development Regulations: Residential Districts
  • § 2.04.348 Accessory Structures in RD, RM and RS Districts
  • § 2.04.388 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
  • § 2.08.100 Specific Purposes (Commercial/DA/NA/P/SA purposes)
  • § 2.08.272 Additional Use Restrictions: Commercial and Professional Districts
  • § 2.08.300 Property Development Regulations: Commercial and Professional Districts
  • § 2.08.340 Additional Property Development Regulations: Commercial and Professional Districts (transparency/security doors)
  • § 2.10.328 Site, Building and Structured Parking Design (Bay Fair TOD standards)
  • § 2.12.100 Specific Purposes (Industrial districts)
  • § 2.12.200 IG District—Use Regulations
  • § 2.12.204 IL District—Use Regulations
  • § 2.12.208 IP District—Use Regulations
  • § 2.12.212 IT District—Use Regulations
  • § 2.12.216 IG(AU) District—Use Regulations
  • § 2.12.220 IL(AU) District—Use Regulations
  • § 2.12.224 IP(AU) District—Use Regulations
  • § 2.12.228 Additional Use Restrictions: Industrial Districts
  • § 2.12.308 Minimum Yards (Industrial)
  • § 3.04.104 Land Use Regulations (Planned Development)
  • § 2.16.300 Property Development Regulations (PD fallback to nearest base)
  • § 4.04.376 Wireless Telecommunications Facilities
  • § 5.08.104 Authority of Planning Commission
  • § 5.08.108 Applicability to Existing and New Uses

Sources

Source passages

  • San Leandro Zoning Code (§ 2.04.100) High relevance
  • San Leandro Zoning Code (§ 2.12.200) High relevance
  • San Leandro Zoning Code (§ 2.08.340) High relevance
  • San Leandro Zoning Code (§ 2.12.100) High relevance
  • San Leandro Zoning Code (§ 2.12.220) High relevance
  • San Leandro Zoning Code (§ 2.12.208) High relevance
  • San Leandro Zoning Code (§ 2.08.272) High relevance
  • San Leandro Zoning Code (§ 2.12.204) High relevance
  • San Leandro Zoning Code (§ 2.08.100) High relevance
  • San Leandro Zoning Code (§ 2.12.212) High relevance
  • San Leandro Zoning Code (§ 2.12.228) High relevance
  • San Leandro Zoning Code (§ 2.12.216) High relevance
  • San Leandro Zoning Code (§ 2.12.224) Medium relevance
  • San Leandro Zoning Code (§ 2.04.348) Medium relevance
  • San Leandro Zoning Code (§ 2.10.328) Medium relevance
  • San Leandro Zoning Code (§ 5.08.108) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an RS lot in San Leandro?

Single‑family homes are the core land use in RS. Typical setbacks are front 20 ft, side 5 ft, corner side 10 ft, and rear 15 ft (§ 2.04.316). Accessory structures are allowed with size and setback limits (§ 2.04.348). ADUs are permitted with 4‑ft side/rear setbacks and no parking requirement (§ 2.04.388).

What is different about RS‑VP (View Preservation)?

In RS‑VP, the maximum building height is 18 ft and new homes/additions are subject to discretionary review to avoid unreasonable view blockage (§ 2.04.100). Base RS yard standards still apply (§ 2.04.316).

How dense can multifamily housing be in RM districts?

San Leandro sets RM density tiers: RM‑3000 at 14.5 du/ac up to RM‑875 at 50 du/ac (§ 2.04.100). Yard standards vary by tier (e.g., RM‑3000 front 20 ft; others 15 ft; sides min 6 ft/avg 10 ft; rear 15 ft) (§ 2.04.316).

Are warehouses by right in industrial zones?

Warehouse/storage and wholesale/distribution are permitted in IL/IP/IG only if reusing existing buildings; a CUP is required for any new warehouse building or expansions of 10,000 sf or more (§ 2.12.204.A.33–34; § 2.12.208.A.31–32; § 2.12.200.A.37–38).

Do restaurants need special approval in commercial districts?

Full‑service restaurants/cafés at or above 2,000 sf GFA or 1,000 sf dining area require Administrative Review with findings on parking, hours, and signage (§ 2.08.272.D). Small‑scale fast food within 500 ft of residential in CC and SA‑3 also requires Administrative Review (§ 2.08.272.E).

What transparency is required for downtown storefronts?

In DA and SA districts (when not governed by the mixed‑use residential standards), at least 50% of the first story of street‑facing frontage must be doors/windows with interior views (§ 2.08.340.A).

How do industrial setbacks work?

Minimum yards are generally front 10 ft and corner side 10 ft (IP is 20 ft front/corner side), with side/rear at 0 ft; taller buildings >20 ft require increased front/corner side yards up to 20 ft, and Doolittle Drive has a 20‑ft minimum frontage yard (§ 2.12.308).

Are ADUs allowed in San Leandro and how big can they be?

Yes. Minimum side/rear setbacks are 4 ft; detached ADUs can be 16–18 ft tall depending on transit proximity; no parking is required (§ 2.04.388.C–E). Sizes commonly range from 800 sf to 1,000+ sf, subject to district standards (§ 2.04.388.B).

What happens if my lot is in two zones?

Lots split by district boundaries are subject to special development rules for split‑zoned parcels (§ 2.08.272.A). Confirm how § 4.04.308 applies and coordinate with the Zoning Enforcement Official.

Where do PDs (Planned Developments) fit in?

Where a PD is a conditionally permitted use, the City may process a PD; its use permit sets the development regulations, and if silent, the nearest base district controls (§ 3.04.104; § 2.16.300). ---

General information, not legal advice.

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San Leandro Nonconforming Uses

San Leandro Variances and Exceptions

San Leandro Landscaping and Screening

San Leandro overview

San Leandro municipal code (full text)