Bellflower R-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R-3 (Multiple Residential Zone) is a zoning district in Bellflower. Every value below was read from the Bellflower 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-3

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	40 ft § 17.32.070 · code text No building or structure may exceed three stories or 40 feet in height, whichever is less.
Maximum number of stories	3 stories § 17.32.070 · code text No building or structure may exceed three stories or 40 feet in height, whichever is less.
Minimum side setback	5 ft Applies: Secondary walls (kitchen, bathroom or no windows) § 17.32.080 · code text The side yard fronting a street must be not less than 10 feet for one-story buildings and 15 feet for two-story buildings.
Minimum rear setback	8 ft Applies: interior lots; adjacent to living areas and bedrooms § 17.32.080 · code text Interior lots must have a rear yard for residential buildings and structures of eight feet when adjacent to living areas and bedrooms and five feet for secondary walls.
Maximum density	1 unit per 1,980 sq ft of net land area § 17.32.050 · code text For any given site, the density will be determined by satisfaction of the following standard of a maximum of one dwelling unit for each 1,980 square feet of net land area, provided all other development standards are complied with.

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-3:

Minimum front setback: 10 ft — one-story buildings § 17.32.080
Minimum front setback: 15 ft — two-story buildings § 17.32.080
Minimum side setback: 8 ft — living area walls and bedroom walls § 17.32.080
Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Side yard fronting a street; one-story buildings § 17.32.080
Minimum side setback: 15 ft — side yard fronting a street; two-story buildings § 17.32.080
Minimum rear setback: 5 ft — interior lots; adjacent to secondary walls § 17.32.080
Minimum rear setback: 15 ft — through lots; one-story buildings § 17.32.080
Minimum rear setback: 20 ft — through lots; two-story buildings § 17.32.080

Not on this page

We did not find a general front setback, lot size, lot coverage, FAR limit for R-3 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Bellflower Municipal Code.

Other Bellflower zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Bellflower's R-3 zone?

40 ft — Bellflower Municipal Code § 17.32.070.

What is the maximum number of stories in Bellflower's R-3 zone?

3 stories — Bellflower Municipal Code § 17.32.070.

What is the minimum side setback in Bellflower's R-3 zone?

5 ft (secondary walls (kitchen, bathroom or no windows)) — Bellflower Municipal Code § 17.32.080.

What is the minimum rear setback in Bellflower's R-3 zone?

8 ft (interior lots; adjacent to living areas and bedrooms) — Bellflower Municipal Code § 17.32.080.

What is the maximum density in Bellflower's R-3 zone?

1 unit per 1,980 sq ft of net land area — Bellflower Municipal Code § 17.32.050.

General information, not legal advice.