Alameda County · Zoning · R-S
Alameda County R-S zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Alameda County's R-S zone, buildings can be up to 25 ft (2 stories) tall and the front setback is 20 ft (Alameda County code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 25 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft
R-S 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 R-S
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 | 25 ft § 17.12.100 · code textNo dwelling shall have a height of more than two stories, except as provided by Section 17.52.090; nor shall any building or structure have a height in excess of twenty-five (25) feet, except as provided by Section 17.52.090. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 17.12.100 · code textNo dwelling shall have a height of more than two stories, except as provided by Section 17.52.090; nor shall any building or structure have a height in excess of twenty-five (25) feet, except as provided by Section 17.52.090. |
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 17.12.070 · code textA. Depth of front yard: Not less than twenty (20) feet; |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft § 17.12.070 · code textC. Width of side yard: Not less than ten feet. |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft § 17.12.070 · code textB. Depth of rear yard: Not less than twenty (20) feet; |
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot size, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for R-S 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 R-S zone?
25 ft — Alameda County Municipal Code § 17.12.100.
What is the maximum number of stories in Alameda County's R-S zone?
2 stories — Alameda County Municipal Code § 17.12.100.
What is the minimum front setback in Alameda County's R-S zone?
20 ft — Alameda County Municipal Code § 17.12.070.
What is the minimum side setback in Alameda County's R-S zone?
10 ft — Alameda County Municipal Code § 17.12.070.
What is the minimum rear setback in Alameda County's R-S zone?
20 ft — Alameda County Municipal Code § 17.12.070.
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about an Alameda County property in R-S
Ask GoCodebook what you can build at a specific address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question