Saratoga · Zoning · R-M-5,000
Saratoga R-M-5,000 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Saratoga's R-M-5,000 zone, buildings can be up to 30 ft (2 stories) tall, the side setback limit is 10% of site width, at least 10 ft, at most 25 ft and the lot coverage limit is 40% (Saratoga code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 30 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories (does not apply to a structure in the Village that the approving authority finds compatible with existing structures and the environment)
- Minimum side setback: 10% of site width, at least 10 ft, at most 25 ft (conforming site; interior side; extra setback is added for height over 14 ft)
- Maximum lot coverage: 40%
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 5,000 sq ft
R-M-5,000 is a zoning district in Saratoga. Every value below was read from the Saratoga 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-M-5,000
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 § 15-17.090 · code textNo structure shall exceed thirty feet in height. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories Applies: does not apply to a structure in the Village that the approving authority finds compatible with existing structures and the environment § 15-17.090 · code textNo structure shall exceed two stories; provided, however, this restriction shall not apply to a structure located within the Village which is found by the approving authority to be compatible with existing structures and the natural environment. |
| Minimum side setback | 10% of site width, at least 10 ft, at most 25 ft Applies: conforming site; interior side; extra setback is added for height over 14 ft § 15-17.080 · code textNotwithstanding subsection (a) of this Section, a side setback area of more than twenty-five feet from the applicable side lot line shall not be required, and a side setback area of less than ten feet from the applicable side lot line shall not be permitted, subject to the following exceptions: |
| Maximum lot coverage | 40% § 15-17.070 · code textThe maximum net site area covered by structures in each R-M district shall be forty percent. |
| Maximum density | 1 unit per 5,000 sq ft § 15-17.050 · code textTable row “R-M-5,000”, column “Net Site Area Per Dwelling Unit”: 5,000 sq. ft. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-M-5,000:
- Maximum number of stories: No story limit — structure in the Village that the approving authority finds compatible with existing structures and the environment; the 30 ft height limit still applies § 15-17.090
- Minimum side setback: 15 ft — Exterior side setback for a corner lot. § 15-17.080
Not on this page
We did not find a general front setback, rear setback, lot size, FAR limit for R-M-5,000 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Saratoga Municipal Code.
Other Saratoga zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Saratoga's R-M-5,000 zone?
30 ft — Saratoga Municipal Code § 15-17.090.
What is the maximum number of stories in Saratoga's R-M-5,000 zone?
2 stories (does not apply to a structure in the Village that the approving authority finds compatible with existing structures and the environment) — Saratoga Municipal Code § 15-17.090.
What is the minimum side setback in Saratoga's R-M-5,000 zone?
10% of site width, at least 10 ft, at most 25 ft (conforming site; interior side; extra setback is added for height over 14 ft) — Saratoga Municipal Code § 15-17.080.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Saratoga's R-M-5,000 zone?
40% — Saratoga Municipal Code § 15-17.070.
What is the maximum density in Saratoga's R-M-5,000 zone?
1 unit per 5,000 sq ft — Saratoga Municipal Code § 15-17.050.
General information, not legal advice.
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