South El Monte · Zoning · R-1
South El Monte R-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In South El Monte's R-1 zone, generally buildings can be up to 28 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (South El Monte code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 28 ft (Or 2 stories, whichever is less)
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 52%
R-1 (Single-Family Residential Zone) is a zoning district in South El Monte. Every value below was read from the South El Monte 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-1
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 | 28 ft Applies: Or 2 stories, whichever is less § 17.05.030 · code textTable row “Maximum building height”, column “Single-Family Residential Zone (R-1)”: 2 stories or 28 ft (whichever is less) |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 17.05.030 · code textTable row “Maximum building height”, column “Single-Family Residential Zone (R-1)”: 2 stories or 28 ft (whichever is less) |
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 17.05.040 · code textTable row “Front yard”, column “Single-Family Residential Zone (R-1)”: 20 ft |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 17.05.040 · code textTable row “Side yard (interior or key lot)”, column “Single-Family Residential Zone (R-1)”: 5 ft on each side |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft § 17.05.040 · code textTable row “Rear yard”, column “Single-Family Residential Zone (R-1)”: 15 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft § 17.05.030 · code textTable row “Minimum lot area”, column “Single-Family Residential Zone (R-1)”: 5,000 sq ft |
| Maximum lot coverage | 52% § 17.05.030 · code textTable row “Maximum lot coverage”, column “Single-Family Residential Zone (R-1)”: 52% |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-1:
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — corner or reversed corner lot; street side § 17.05.040
Not on this page
We did not find a general FAR, density limit for R-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the South El Monte Municipal Code.
Other South El Monte zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in South El Monte's R-1 zone?
28 ft (or 2 stories, whichever is less) — South El Monte Municipal Code § 17.05.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in South El Monte's R-1 zone?
2 stories — South El Monte Municipal Code § 17.05.030.
What is the minimum front setback in South El Monte's R-1 zone?
20 ft — South El Monte Municipal Code § 17.05.040.
What is the minimum side setback in South El Monte's R-1 zone?
5 ft — South El Monte Municipal Code § 17.05.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in South El Monte's R-1 zone?
15 ft — South El Monte Municipal Code § 17.05.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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