San Rafael · Zoning · R20
San Rafael R20 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In San Rafael's R20 zone, generally buildings can be up to 30 ft tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 20,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (San Rafael code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 30 ft
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft (where two or more lots on the block are built, the block's average setback applies; a garage on a perpendicular driveway needs 20 ft)
- Minimum side setback: 12 ft 6 in
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Minimum lot size: 20,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 30%
R20 is a zoning district in San Rafael. Every value below was read from the San Rafael 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 R20
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 | 30 ft § 14.04.030 · code textTable row “Maximum height of structure (ft.)”, column “R20”: 30 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft Applies: where two or more lots on the block are built, the block's average setback applies; a garage on a perpendicular driveway needs 20 ft § 14.04.030 · code textTable row “Front (ft.)”, column “R20”: 20 |
| Minimum side setback | 12 ft 6 in This is the street-side setback on a corner lot; an interior side setback can differ. § 14.04.030 · code textTable row “Side/street side (ft.)”, column “R20”: 12′6″ |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 14.04.030 · code textTable row “Rear (ft.)”, column “R20”: 10 |
| Minimum lot size | 20,000 sq ft § 14.04.030 · code textTable row “Minimum lot area (sq. ft.)”, column “R20”: 20,000 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 30% § 14.04.030 · code textTable row “Maximum lot coverage”, column “R20”: 30% |
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR, density limit for R20 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the San Rafael Municipal Code.
Other San Rafael zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in San Rafael's R20 zone?
30 ft — San Rafael Municipal Code § 14.04.030.
What is the minimum front setback in San Rafael's R20 zone?
20 ft (where two or more lots on the block are built, the block's average setback applies; a garage on a perpendicular driveway needs 20 ft) — San Rafael Municipal Code § 14.04.030.
What is the minimum side setback in San Rafael's R20 zone?
12 ft 6 in — San Rafael Municipal Code § 14.04.030. The code attaches notes or conditions to this value; read the section before relying on it.
What is the minimum rear setback in San Rafael's R20 zone?
10 ft — San Rafael Municipal Code § 14.04.030.
What is the minimum lot size in San Rafael's R20 zone?
20,000 sq ft — San Rafael Municipal Code § 14.04.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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