St Helena · Zoning · WW
St Helena WW zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In St Helena's WW zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft above natural grade tall, the front setback is 20—50 ft or 10% of lot depth, whichever is lesser and the minimum lot size is 5 to 40 acres, with the conditions listed below (St Helena code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft above natural grade (Principal Structure)
- Minimum front setback: 20—50 ft or 10% of lot depth, whichever is lesser (The code sets a range of 20 to 50 ft, or 10% of the lot dimension if that is less)
- Minimum side setback: 20—50 ft or 10% of lot width, whichever is lesser (The code sets a range of 20 to 50 ft, or 10% of the lot dimension if that is less)
- Minimum rear setback: 20—50 ft or 10% of lot depth, whichever is lesser (The code sets a range of 20 to 50 ft, or 10% of the lot dimension if that is less)
- Minimum lot size: 5 to 40 acres (The code sets a range: at least 5, at most 40)
- Maximum lot coverage: 10% or 20,000 sq ft, whichever is less
WW (Woodlands and Watershed) is a zoning district in St Helena. Every value below was read from the St Helena 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 WW
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 | 35 ft above natural grade Applies: Principal Structure § 17.19.030 · code textTable row “Principal Structure”, column “WW”: Max. 35 ft above natural grade |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20—50 ft or 10% of lot depth, whichever is lesser Applies: The code sets a range of 20 to 50 ft, or 10% of the lot dimension if that is less § 17.19.030 · code textTable row “Front Setback”, column “WW”: 20—50 ft or 10% of lot depth, whichever is lesser |
| Minimum side setback | 20—50 ft or 10% of lot width, whichever is lesser Applies: The code sets a range of 20 to 50 ft, or 10% of the lot dimension if that is less § 17.19.030 · code textTable row “Interior Side Setback”, column “WW”: 20—50 ft or 10% of lot width, whichever is lesser |
| Minimum rear setback | 20—50 ft or 10% of lot depth, whichever is lesser Applies: The code sets a range of 20 to 50 ft, or 10% of the lot dimension if that is less § 17.19.030 · code textTable row “Rear Setback”, column “WW”: 20—50 ft or 10% of lot depth, whichever is lesser |
| Minimum lot size | 5 to 40 acres Applies: The code sets a range: at least 5, at most 40 § 17.19.030 · code textTable row “Lot Area”, column “WW”: 5—40 acres |
| Maximum lot coverage | 10% or 20,000 sq ft, whichever is less § 17.19.030 · code textTable row “Max. Lot Coverage (Includes Accessory Structures)”, column “WW”: 10% or 20,000 sq ft, whichever is less |
Uses in WW
Uses the code's use tables allow in WW, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed — see note
- Community garden — Allowed
- Growing crops — Allowed — see note
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR, density limit for WW in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the St Helena Municipal Code.
Other St Helena zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in St Helena's WW zone?
35 ft above natural grade (principal Structure) — St Helena Municipal Code § 17.19.030.
What is the minimum front setback in St Helena's WW zone?
20—50 ft or 10% of lot depth, whichever is lesser (the code sets a range of 20 to 50 ft, or 10% of the lot dimension if that is less) — St Helena Municipal Code § 17.19.030.
What is the minimum side setback in St Helena's WW zone?
20—50 ft or 10% of lot width, whichever is lesser (the code sets a range of 20 to 50 ft, or 10% of the lot dimension if that is less) — St Helena Municipal Code § 17.19.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in St Helena's WW zone?
20—50 ft or 10% of lot depth, whichever is lesser (the code sets a range of 20 to 50 ft, or 10% of the lot dimension if that is less) — St Helena Municipal Code § 17.19.030.
What is the minimum lot size in St Helena's WW zone?
5 to 40 acres (the code sets a range: at least 5, at most 40) — St Helena Municipal Code § 17.19.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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