Local zoning · Barstow

Barstow — Development Standards

Q: What can I build on an R-1 / SFR lot in Barstow?

On a SFR lot you may build a single-family dwelling and accessory structures following the SFR setbacks ( front 10 ft , side 5 ft , rear 5 ft ) and maximum lot coverage 45% , with garage/carport setback rules (24 ft when garage faces the street) — see § 19.10.010 .

Q: Are industrial setbacks different on arterials vs local streets?

Yes — industrial front building setbacks are 10 ft adjacent to local streets but 50 ft adjacent to arterial or collector streets shown on the circulation element. § 19.18.110 .

Development Standards under the Barstow local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes the development standards found in the City of Barstow zoning ordinance (Title 19 zoning chapters) for setbacks, heights, lot coverage and floor-area-ratio (FAR), organized by district and with practical guidance for applicants. For code context start at the city's main Barstow Zoning page and cross-check with the Barstow Land Use map. Expect separate, parallel rules for parking (see the parking rules), design review, overlays and ADUs; those topics are linked where first mentioned below. All numeric standards below are taken directly from the Barstow zoning ordinance and the specific controlling code sections are cited.

How to read this page

Bolded district names and standards are direct references to the ordinance language.
Each numeric rule shows the controlling code paragraph (for example, § 19.10.010), and the underlying file citation is given where the ordinance text was retrieved. Verify parcel-specific constraints with the City of Barstow.

District-by-district development standards

Note: the ordinance organizes districts under Title 19. Below are the key districts with their purpose, common permitted uses (short list), and the principal dimensional rules applicants need to check before preparing plans.

ER — Estate Residential

Purpose and typical uses: very low density single-dwelling lots; one permanent dwelling per parcel is specifically allowed. § 19.10.020 .
Key dimensional standards: minimum front/street-side setback 25 ft (15 ft where street side), side 10 ft, rear 25 ft, garage/carport 25 ft; minimum lot width/depth and lot area are very large (see minimum lot standards table). See § 19.10.010 for the residential lot table. .

LDR — Low Density Residential

Purpose and typical uses: single-family dwellings at low densities with rural/desert pattern. Permitted uses mirror ER with smaller lot minimums. See § 19.10.010. .
Key dimensional standards: front/street-side 25 ft (15 ft street side), side 10 ft, rear 25 ft, garage 25 ft, lot size minimums in the residential lot standards table. § 19.10.010. .

SFR — Single-Family Residential

Purpose and uses: conventional single-family lots. See the residential lot table at § 19.10.010. .
Key dimensional standards: front 10 ft, side 5 ft, rear 5 ft, garage/carport 24 ft (when facing the street), maximum lot coverage 45%, building height generally two stories. § 19.10.010. .

MDR / MD (Medium Density Residential)

Purpose and uses: multi-family housing, townhouse and similar developments; the ordinance refers to medium-density standards and design guidelines in the residential chapter. See § 19.10.010 and the neighborhood compatibility and multifamily design rules in subsequent subsections. .
Key dimensional standards (table): front/street-side 15 ft, side 5 ft, rear 5 ft, garage 24 ft when facing the street, building height up to four stories for higher-density forms. § 19.10.010. .
Design expectations: multi-unit projects are required to step down building scale next to single-family neighborhoods and provide specific circulation, landscaping and entry features; see neighborhood compatibility and on-site design standards. § 19.10.010 and related design subsections. . Link: design review.

C — Commercial District

Purpose and typical uses: retail, services, professional offices and other commercial uses as listed in the C district use list. See § 19.16.030 and the permitted-use list. .
Key dimensional standards: building height when adjacent to single-family limited to 35 ft, along arterials/next to multifamily 45 ft; front and rear yards of 15 ft where the commercial lot abuts residential. See § 19.16.050, § 19.16.060, § 19.16.070. .
Parking: commercial parking requirements are established in the parking chapter; see § 19.06.050 for parking quantity and layout rules (cross-reference in the commercial article). . Link: parking.

DU — Diverse Use (mixed-use)

Purpose and typical uses: mixed residential + commercial/office, or combinations of residential and professional uses; allows SFR/MDR uses and many C-district uses with some CUPs. See § 19.12.020–.030. .
Setbacks: front/street-side 15 ft, interior side 5 ft, rear 5 ft, garage/carport 20 ft. § 19.12.040. .
Coverage and FAR: lot coverage for mixed residential/commercial 50%; for commercial-only uses 45% (§ 19.12.050). FAR: for mixed/residential structures 150% (1.5:1) up to a single-structure cap; for commercial-only 90% (0.9:1). See § 19.12.060 and § 19.12.050. .
Height: stepping and adjacency rules—35 ft next to single-family, 45 ft along arterials or next to multifamily; shopping center step-down provisions are called out. § 19.12.040. .

HS — Human Services

Purpose and uses: specialized district for shelters, supportive housing, SROs and similar uses intended to serve special needs populations. Uses allowed and CUP uses are listed in § 19.14.020–.030. .
Setbacks and dimensions: front/street-side 15 ft, interior side 10 ft, rear 5 ft, garage/carport 20 ft; minimum lot area 6,000 SF. § 19.14.040. .
Coverage and FAR: same approach as DU — mixed/residential coverage 50%, commercial-only 45%, and FAR 150% for residential combos, 90% for commercial-only. See § 19.14.050–.060. .
SRO-specific rules: density and unit-size/common-area rules for SROs are in § 19.14.110. .

I — Industrial

Purpose and uses: industrial, manufacturing, heavy services. See permitted uses and limits in § 19.18.x. .
Setbacks: front setbacks vary by street classification — 10 ft adjacent to local streets, 50 ft adjacent to arterial/collector. § 19.18.110. .
Side/rear yards: interior lot lines may have zero setback except when adjoining residential where side/rear setbacks must be 50 ft and a six-foot solid wall is required. § 19.18.120–.130. .
Coverage and height: maximum building coverage 50%; maximum building height 35 ft next to residential, 55 ft adjacent to other districts. § 19.18.140, § 19.18.160. .

O — Open Space and Government

Purpose and uses: parks, flood control, rights-of-way and limited public uses. Development is intentionally constrained; see § 19.20.010. .

Quick reference table — decision-relevant standards

District	Front setback	Side setback	Rear setback	Max height	Lot coverage / FAR	Code reference
ER	25 ft (15 ft street side)	10 ft	25 ft	3 stories	NA	§ 19.10.010
SFR	10 ft	5 ft	5 ft	2 stories	45%	§ 19.10.010
MDR	15 ft	5 ft	5 ft	4 stories	NA	§ 19.10.010
C	(abutting res.) 15 ft front/rear	Varies	15 ft (if abuts res.)	35 ft next to SF / 45 ft along arterials	See parking chapter	§ 19.16.050–.070
DU	15 ft	5 ft	5 ft	35–45 ft (adjacency rules)	Mixed 50%; commercial 45%; FAR 1.5 / 0.9	§ 19.12.040–.060
HS	15 ft	10 ft	5 ft	35–45 ft (adjacency rules)	Mixed 50%; commercial 45%; FAR 1.5 / 0.9	§ 19.14.040–.060
I	10 ft local, 50 ft arterial	Zero (except bordering residential)	10 ft min (50 ft if bordering residential)	35 ft next to res / 55 ft other	50% max coverage	§ 19.18.110–.160

Notes: parking quantities and some garage setbacks are controlled by the off-street parking chapter (§ 19.06.050). Link: parking.

Practical guidance and interpretation tips

Setbacks and height are frequently context-sensitive: many districts state a dual-height rule (35 ft adjacent to single-family; 45 ft along collectors/next to multifamily). Always check which adjacency standard applies for the specific property: see § 19.12.040, § 19.16.050, § 19.18.160.
Lot coverage and FAR limits differ for mixed residential/commercial developments versus commercial-only developments—DU and HS explicitly split coverage and FAR thresholds (§ 19.12.050–.060, § 19.14.050–.060). Use the mixed-use numbers when the project contains residential units.
Parking, loading, landscaping and screening are separate but tied. Parking quantities are in § 19.06.050; loading standards are district-specific (for example DU loading rules in § 19.12.090). Always assemble setbacks, parking and driveway access together during site planning. Link: parking, landscaping.
Projects seeking density bonuses or incentives should note that waivers to development standards (including FAR) are available under the density-bonus provisions but certain specific-plan standards (e.g., maximum FAR, front/side setbacks facing the public ROW) may be non-waivable. See the incentives/waivers language in the residential chapter. § 19.10.090.
Design/security screening and walls rules appear across chapters; when walls abut residential zones specific heights and materials are required (for example, six-foot solid walls next to residential for industrial-adjacent lots). Check § 19.18.120–.130 and the design guidelines. Link: design review.

Checklist

Confirm zoning designation for the parcel (ER, LDR, SFR, MDR, C, DU, HS, I, O) — see § 19.10.010, § 19.12.040, § 19.16.050, § 19.18.110.
Verify minimum lot size/lot width/depth per district (residential lot standards table § 19.10.010).
Confirm front/side/rear setbacks and garage setback for the district (§ 19.10.010, § 19.12.040, § 19.18.110).
Check maximum lot coverage and FAR that apply (mixed vs commercial-only rules — see § 19.12.050–.060, § 19.14.050–.060, § 19.18.140).
Determine applicable parking and loading requirements (§ 19.06.050, § 19.12.090, § 19.16.120).
Review compatibility and design standards; confirm design-review triggers (see residential and design guideline sections). Link: design review.
If proposing ADUs, confirm ADU-specific state rules vs local limits and minimum setback provisions (see local ADU page and state ADU rules); local lot coverage/FAR must not unreasonably restrict ADU creation. Link: ADUs, California ADU law. Not all ADU dimensions are in the retrieved local ordinance.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
ADUs vs local lot coverage / FAR	State ADU law restricts use of lot coverage/FAR to block a compliant ADU; local ordinance applies coverage/FAR elsewhere but may not trump state ADU protections.	Verify ADU-specific allowances and local ADU ordinance; confirm that applied lot-coverage/FAR will not preclude an 800–850 SF ADU with 4-ft side/rear setbacks. Not found in retrieved materials (local ADU text).
Which adjacency rule controls height	Multiple chapters state 35 ft next to single-family and 45 ft along arterials or next to multifamily—conflict can occur on corner or transition sites.	Confirm the adjacent property zoning and street classification on the General Plan/circulation map; ask planning staff to confirm which subsection applies. § 19.12.040, § 19.16.050, § 19.18.160.
Parking reductions and incentives	Incentives can reduce parking but reductions are discretionary and may be limited by state density bonus rules.	If using density bonus/incentives, document requested waivers and confirm parking modifications under § 19.10.090 and cross-reference § 19.06.050.
Specific-plan exemptions	Where a specific plan is adopted, some development standards (FAR, front/side setbacks) cannot be modified by incentives/waivers.	Check whether the parcel is in a specific plan area; confirm which constraints are unwaivable under § 19.10.090 (i).
Landscaping / wall requirements	Industrial and commercial adjacency to residential triggers 50-ft setbacks and six-foot walls; inconsistent design review expectations can affect project footprint.	Confirm required landscape buffer widths and wall design requirements in § 19.18.120–.150 and the design guidelines. Link: landscaping-and-screening

Plain-English Summary

Barstow's zoning ordinance sets district-specific minimum front/side/rear setbacks, step-down height limits next to single-family neighborhoods, and separate lot coverage/FAR rules for mixed residential vs commercial projects. Always pull the district from the zoning map, confirm adjacent zone and street classification, then apply the front/side/rear setbacks and the coverage or FAR limits listed in the district article before you design the footprint. Key code anchors: § 19.10.010 (residential tables), § 19.12.040–.060 (diverse use), § 19.16.050 (commercial), § 19.18.110–.160 (industrial).

Source References

Barstow zoning code — Residential lot standards and district table: § 19.10.010.
Diverse Use (DU) district standards — setbacks, coverage, FAR: § 19.12.040–.060.
Human Services (HS) district — setbacks, coverage, FAR: § 19.14.040–.060.
Commercial district: setbacks, rear/front yard where abutting residential, height: § 19.16.050–.070.
Industrial district setbacks, buffer and height rules: § 19.18.110–.160.
Density bonus / incentive and waiver rules (development standards and waivers): § 19.10.090.
Loading and parking cross-references (see DU loading space rules and parking chapter): § 19.12.090, § 19.06.050.
For ADU state-level interactions and constraints on lot coverage/FAR for ADUs, see the California ADU guidance in the 2025 ADU handbook (summarizing state law); local ADU ordinance text was not found in the retrieved materials.

Internal reference pages used (first mention of each topic was linked inline above): Barstow Zoning, Barstow Land Use, Barstow Parking, Barstow Design Review, Barstow Overlay Districts, Barstow Landscaping and Screening, Barstow ADUs, California Building Standards Code. Links are in-text at first uses.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Barstow Zoning Code (§ 19.12.030) High relevance
Barstow Zoning Code (§ 19.14.020) High relevance
Barstow Zoning Code (§ 19.14.040) High relevance
Barstow Zoning Code (§ 19.08.090) High relevance
CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) High relevance
Barstow Zoning Code (chapter 19.30.) High relevance
Barstow Zoning Code (§ 19.12.040) High relevance
Barstow Zoning Code (§ 19.10.090) High relevance

Cited sections

Official Barstow code library

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R-1 / SFR lot in Barstow?

On a SFR lot you may build a single-family dwelling and accessory structures following the SFR setbacks (front 10 ft, side 5 ft, rear 5 ft) and maximum lot coverage 45%, with garage/carport setback rules (24 ft when garage faces the street) — see § 19.10.010.

What are Barstow setback requirements for residential lots?

Residential setbacks are summarized in the residential lot table: ER front 25 ft (15 ft street side), LDR front 25 ft, SFR front 10 ft, MDR front 15 ft; side and rear setbacks vary by district — see § 19.10.010.

Do I need design review in Barstow for a multifamily project?

Large multifamily developments and projects that trigger design guidelines should expect design review; the ordinance includes neighborhood-compatibility, articulation, landscaping and entry treatment requirements for multiunit projects (see multifamily design subsections and incentives language). Verify whether your project triggers planning commission review. § 19.10.xxx (neighborhood compatibility) — see the residential design sections.

What height limits apply if my lot borders single-family homes?

Where a project borders single-family residential, the ordinance commonly caps height at 35 ft; along arterials or next to multi-family, height can go to 45 ft (district articles reference the adjacency rule). See § 19.12.040, § 19.16.050, § 19.18.160.

What lot coverage and FAR will apply to a small mixed-use project?

In the DU and HS districts mixed residential/commercial buildings use a higher mixed-residential FAR/coverage: lot coverage for mixed use 50% and FAR 150% (1.5:1) for mixed/residential; commercial-only limits are lower (coverage 45%, FAR 90%). See § 19.12.050–.060, § 19.14.050–.060.

Can lot coverage or FAR stop me from building an ADU?

State ADU law limits the ability of lot coverage or FAR requirements to preclude a functioning ADU of the statutory minimum size with required setbacks. The local ordinance manages lot coverage/FAR generally, but state ADU constraints apply; confirm local ADU rules. Local ADU text was not found in the retrieved materials — verify with planning staff and check state ADU law.

How much landscaping is required along streets and parking areas?

Landscape setback widths are district-specific (for example, industrial requires 10 ft along local streets and an average 20 ft along arterials, with a minimum 10 ft) and all landscape setback areas adjoining streets must be planted and maintained; parking lot landscaping is governed by the parking/landscaping rules. See § 19.18.110, § 19.18.150, and parking/landscaping chapters.

What loading space standards apply to commercial buildings in DU?

DU district loading standards require one loading space for 3,000–20,000 SF commercial area and two for over 20,000 SF; loading may not occupy required yard areas. See § 19.12.090.

If my project requests a density bonus, which development standards can be waived?

The density-bonus chapter allows waivers of development standards (including FAR or setbacks) to make increased density physically feasible, but some specific-plan standards (maximum FAR, certain front/side setbacks and facade height/massing) are non-waivable. See § 19.10.090.

Are industrial setbacks different on arterials vs local streets?

Yes — industrial front building setbacks are 10 ft adjacent to local streets but 50 ft adjacent to arterial or collector streets shown on the circulation element. § 19.18.110.

Where do I find the parking quantity rules that affect lot coverage?

Parking quantities and layout are in the off-street parking chapter § 19.06.050; most district articles cross-reference that section when describing parking and garage/carport requirements. ---

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