San Pablo · Zoning · R-2
San Pablo R-2 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In San Pablo's R-2 zone, generally buildings can be up to 27 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 20 feet and the minimum lot size is 4,500 sf, with the conditions listed below (San Pablo code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 27 ft (At roof peak)
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 20 feet
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft per side (Per side, for both the 1st and 2nd story)
- Minimum rear setback: 15 feet
- Minimum lot size: 4,500 sf (Interior parcels)
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
- Maximum density: 18 du/ac
R-2 is a zoning district in San Pablo. Every value below was read from the San Pablo 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-2
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 | 27 ft Applies: At roof peak § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “At Roof Peak”, column “R-2”: 27 feet |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “Stories, max”, column “R-2”: 2 |
| Minimum front setback | 20 feet § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “Front, min”, column “R-2”: 20 feet |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft per side Applies: Per side, for both the 1st and 2nd story § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “1st Story”, column “R-2”: 5 feet per side |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 feet § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “Rear, min”, column “R-2”: 15 feet |
| Minimum lot size | 4,500 sf Applies: Interior parcels § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “Interior Parcels”, column “R-2”: 4,500 sf |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “Parcel Coverage, max”, column “R-2”: 50% |
| Maximum density | 18 du/ac See note 3 below the table in the code. § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “Density, max 3”, column “R-2”: 18 du/ac Note 3: Maximum densities shown in this table may be increased pursuant to the state density bonus law for affordable housing and the city's density bonus ordinance. |
Uses in R-2
Uses the code's use tables allow in R-2, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Duplex — Allowed — see note
- Child care center — Needs an use permit (conditional use permit, 17.20.040)
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-2:
- Maximum building height: 20 ft — At eave § 17.32.040
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sf — Corner parcels § 17.32.040
Not on this page
We did not find a general FAR limit for R-2 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the San Pablo Municipal Code.
Other San Pablo zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in San Pablo's R-2 zone?
27 ft (at roof peak) — San Pablo Municipal Code § 17.32.040.
What is the maximum number of stories in San Pablo's R-2 zone?
2 stories — San Pablo Municipal Code § 17.32.040.
What is the minimum front setback in San Pablo's R-2 zone?
20 feet — San Pablo Municipal Code § 17.32.040.
What is the minimum side setback in San Pablo's R-2 zone?
5 ft per side (per side, for both the 1st and 2nd story) — San Pablo Municipal Code § 17.32.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in San Pablo's R-2 zone?
15 feet — San Pablo Municipal Code § 17.32.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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