Alameda County · Zoning · H-1
Alameda County H-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Alameda County's H-1 zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall and the front setback is 25 ft (Alameda County code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 25 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 40%
H-1 is a zoning district in Alameda County. Every value below was read from the Alameda County 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 H-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 | 35 ft § 17.32.070 · code textNo building or structure in an H-1 district shall have a height in excess of thirty-five (35) feet, except as provided by Section 17.52.090. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 25 ft § 17.32.060 · code textA. Depth of front yard: Not less than twenty-five (25) feet; |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 17.32.060 · code textC. Width of side yard: Not less than five feet. |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft § 17.32.060 · code textB. Depth of rear yard: Not less than twenty (20) feet; |
| Maximum lot coverage | 40% § 17.32.080 · code textIn H-1 districts, the aggregate ground coverage, calculated as provided in Section 17.52.380, shall not exceed forty (40) percent of the area of the lot. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in H-1:
- Minimum side setback: 15 ft — street side of a corner lot § 17.32.060
- Minimum side setback: the setback required in the R district — side yard abuts a lot in an R district § 17.32.060
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot size, FAR, density limit for H-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Alameda County Municipal Code.
Other Alameda County zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Alameda County's H-1 zone?
35 ft — Alameda County Municipal Code § 17.32.070.
What is the minimum front setback in Alameda County's H-1 zone?
25 ft — Alameda County Municipal Code § 17.32.060.
What is the minimum side setback in Alameda County's H-1 zone?
5 ft — Alameda County Municipal Code § 17.32.060.
What is the minimum rear setback in Alameda County's H-1 zone?
20 ft — Alameda County Municipal Code § 17.32.060.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Alameda County's H-1 zone?
40% — Alameda County Municipal Code § 17.32.080.
General information, not legal advice.
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