Sunnyvale · Zoning · R-5
Sunnyvale R-5 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Sunnyvale's R-5 zone, generally buildings can be up to 55 ft (4 stories) tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 8,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Sunnyvale code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 55 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 4 stories
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 20 ft (total of both side yards added together; in the Lawrence Station Area Plan district the minimum is 10 ft)
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft (in the Lawrence Station Area Plan district the minimum is 10 ft)
- Minimum lot size: 8,000 sq ft (lots in the Lawrence Station Area Plan district need 20,000 sq ft)
- Maximum lot coverage: 40%
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 950 sq ft
R-5 is a zoning district in Sunnyvale. Every value below was read from the Sunnyvale 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-5
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 | 55 ft § 19.32.020 · code textTable row “R-5”, column “Building Height (ft.)”: 55 |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 4 stories § 19.32.020 · code textTable row “R-5”, column “Building Stories”: 4 |
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 19.34.030 · code textTable row “R-5”, column “Front Yard Minimum 1, 2”: 20 |
| Minimum side setback | 20 ft Applies: total of both side yards added together; in the Lawrence Station Area Plan district the minimum is 10 ft § 19.35.070 · code textTable row “Minimum”, column “R-5”: 10' |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft Applies: in the Lawrence Station Area Plan district the minimum is 10 ft § 19.35.070 · code textTable row “Minimum”, column “R-5”: 10' |
| Minimum lot size | 8,000 sq ft Applies: lots in the Lawrence Station Area Plan district need 20,000 sq ft § 19.35.070 · code textTable row “Minimum lot size”, column “R-5”: 20,000 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 40% § 19.32.020 · code textTable row “R-5”, column “Lot Coverage”: 40% |
| Maximum density | 1 unit per 950 sq ft § 19.30.020 · code textTable row “R-5 8”, column “Lot Area Per Dwelling Unit (Square Feet)”: 950 |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-5:
- Minimum side setback: 9 ft — one side § 19.34.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general FAR limit for R-5 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Sunnyvale Municipal Code.
Other Sunnyvale zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Sunnyvale's R-5 zone?
55 ft — Sunnyvale Municipal Code § 19.32.020.
What is the maximum number of stories in Sunnyvale's R-5 zone?
4 stories — Sunnyvale Municipal Code § 19.32.020.
What is the minimum front setback in Sunnyvale's R-5 zone?
20 ft — Sunnyvale Municipal Code § 19.34.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Sunnyvale's R-5 zone?
20 ft (total of both side yards added together; in the Lawrence Station Area Plan district the minimum is 10 ft) — Sunnyvale Municipal Code § 19.35.070.
What is the minimum rear setback in Sunnyvale's R-5 zone?
20 ft (in the Lawrence Station Area Plan district the minimum is 10 ft) — Sunnyvale Municipal Code § 19.35.070.
General information, not legal advice.
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