Local zoning · Bradbury

Bradbury — Development Standards

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

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

Bradbury regulates site planning and building form through Title IX of the Bradbury Development Code, implemented with the official zoning map and zone-specific chapters that set objective standards for lot size, setbacks, height, coverage/FAR, and related features. Core residential districts include R-7,500 and R-20,000, plus large-lot Agriculture Residential Estate districts A-1, A-2, and A-5; the City also has OS Open Space and several overlay frameworks that can add or supersede base standards. Chapter- and section-level standards below are distilled and cited, with cross-references to related processes like design review, parking, overlay districts, and ADUs.

How Bradbury’s Development Code is organized

  • Title IX is the “Bradbury Development Code,” applied citywide and implemented with the zoning map; it is the primary tool to regulate use, setbacks, height, and density consistent with the General Plan.
  • Many zone height limits defer to the City’s ridgeline and view preservation regulations in Chapter 43, which can constrain height and require Planning Commission review.
  • Overlays can add or override base-zone standards (e.g., Specific Plan overlay, Affordable Housing overlays).

Quick comparison table — base dimensional standards

Decision-relevant standards are summarized below. Always confirm the parcel’s mapped district on the City’s zoning map before applying any numbers.

District Min Lot Area Min Lot Width (frontage) Setbacks (Front/Side/Rear) Max Height Min Main-Dwelling Size Coverage / FAR (if any) Code Reference
R-7,500 7,500 sf 60 ft avg (45 ft frontage) 20/10/10 ft; second floor 25/20/30 ft 28 ft; principal dwelling may be 2 stories 1,500 sf Two-story: 35% lot coverage and 0.50 FAR § 9.61.040
R-20,000 20,000 sf 80 ft avg (60 ft frontage) 35/15/15 ft 28 ft (subject to ridgeline regs) 1,850 sf Not found in retrieved materials § 9.64.040
A-1 1 acre 100 ft avg (75 ft frontage) 50/25/25 ft 28 ft (ridgeline may further limit) 2,250 sf Not found in retrieved materials § 9.67.040
A-2 2 acres 120 ft avg (90 ft frontage) 50/25/25 ft 28 ft (ridgeline may further limit) 2,500 sf Not found in retrieved materials § 9.70.040
A-5 5 acres 250 ft avg (150 ft frontage) 50/25/25 ft 28 ft by-right; up to 35 ft with specific PC findings 2,500 sf Not found in retrieved materials § 9.73.040
OS (Open Space) No minimum No requirement As set by Planning Commission 18 ft N/A Max 10% building coverage § 9.76.050

Notes:

  • A 50 ft setback to private streets/vehicular easements serving >2 parcels appears across multiple zones (R-7,500, R-20,000, A-1, A-2, A-5).
  • Roof design standards are part of Bradbury’s development standards and interface with the California Building Standards Code. Examples include minimum roof pitch or limitations on low-slope roofs in several zones.

Base districts — what they allow and where they apply

Each district applies where mapped on the City’s official zoning map; Title IX is used, together with the map, to implement the General Plan in Bradbury.

R-7,500 Single-Family Residential

  • Purpose/permitted uses: One single-family dwelling plus typical accessory uses; small residential care, group homes, supportive and transitional housing, ALQ and ADUs are recognized as permitted or accessory where listed.
  • Development standards: The R-7,500 district sets a 20 ft front setback, 10 ft sides and 10 ft rear at one story; second stories step back to 25/20/30 ft. It caps height at 28 ft (principal dwelling may be two stories), requires a 1,500 sf minimum dwelling, and applies a two-story cap of 35% lot coverage and 0.50 FAR. Off-street parking is required per Chapter 103.
  • Where it applies: Parcels mapped R-7,500 on the official zoning map; base standards apply unless an overlay states otherwise.
  • Other notable standards: Yard hardscape in rights-of-way is capped at 40%; two-story roofs must be hipped with ≤4:12 pitch on all sides.

R-20,000 Single-Family Residential

  • Purpose/permitted uses: One single-family dwelling; small residential care, group homes, supportive/transitional housing, and typical accessory uses including ALQ and ADUs.
  • Development standards: The R-20,000 district requires 35/15/15 ft front/side/rear setbacks, height max 28 ft subject to ridgeline review, a 1,850 sf minimum dwelling, and compliance with Chapter 103 parking.
  • Where it applies: Parcels mapped R-20,000; base standards can be supplemented by overlays.
  • Other notable standards: Yard hardscape in rights-of-way is capped at 35%.

A-1 Agriculture Residential Estate

  • Purpose/permitted uses: Single-family residential with estate-scale lots; allows ALQ and ADUs as listed; typical estate agriculture and animal-keeping per separate chapters.
  • Development standards: The A-1 district requires 50/25/25 ft front/side/rear setbacks, height 28 ft (ridgeline review may further limit), and a minimum main-dwelling size of 2,250 sf. Chapter 103 parking applies.
  • Where it applies: Parcels mapped A-1.
  • Other notable standards: Yard hardscape in rights-of-way is capped at 30%; minimum roof slope and equipment screening are required.

A-2 Agriculture Residential Estate

  • Purpose/permitted uses: Similar to A-1 with larger lots; permits one single-family dwelling and listed accessory/special uses including ALQ and ADUs.
  • Development standards: The A-2 district requires 50/25/25 ft setbacks, height 28 ft (ridgeline review may further limit), and a 2,500 sf minimum dwelling. Parking per Chapter 103 applies.
  • Where it applies: Parcels mapped A-2.
  • Other notable standards: Yard hardscape in rights-of-way is capped at 25%; minimum roof slope and equipment screening are required.

A-5 Agriculture Residential Estate

  • Purpose/permitted uses: Estate-scale single-family residential with agricultural allowances; ALQ and ADUs recognized as accessory.
  • Development standards: The A-5 district requires 50/25/25 ft setbacks and a 2,500 sf minimum dwelling. Height is 28 ft by-right; up to 35 ft may be approved if the Planning Commission makes specific findings on building size, stories, roof pitch and articulation, view/privacy, and roof equipment, among others. Yard hardscape in rights-of-way is capped at 15%. Parking per Chapter 103 applies.
  • Where it applies: Parcels mapped A-5.

OS Open Space

  • Purpose/permitted uses: Open space and public/semi-public resource functions; limited accessory/conditional uses.
  • Development standards: Height 18 ft; Planning Commission may establish yards; no dwellings; max 10% building coverage.

Cross-cutting standards and overlays

Ridgeline and View Preservation (Chapter 43)

  • Many zones cap height at the lesser of the base-zone cap or the height approved under ridgeline/view preservation regulations; discretionary review can further restrict height to protect ridgelines and significant views.

Hillside Development Standards (Chapter 97)

  • Applicability: Lots of 2 acres or more with average slope ≥10%, and certain previously graded hillside lots.
  • Setbacks: On hillside lots ≥2 acres, dwellings and attached structures must be at least 100 ft from all lot lines (detached nonhabitable structures may use underlying district setbacks; modifications require a variance).
  • Height and coverage: Hillside projects are limited to 28 ft height unless otherwise allowed in Title IX; impervious coverage is limited to 50% of the allowable gradable area.
  • Natural open space retention: Based on slope, retain 50%–85% of net lot area in a natural state.
  • Setback modifications: For single-lot projects on flatter/previously graded portions, the approval authority may allow use of the underlying zone setbacks if justified.

Specific Plan (SP) Overlay

  • Purpose/applicability: Applied to moderate/high environmentally sensitive areas on the zoning map; SP overlay standards add to or supersede base zones; development permits require an adopted Specific Plan.

Affordable Housing Overlays (AHO and AHCCO)

  • AHO (citywide where mapped on residential parcels): Density 20–25 du/ac, min lot area 7,500 sf, min lot width 60 ft; front setback 20 ft to public streets; 10 ft to private streets; otherwise 5 ft (one story) or 10 ft (two stories/basements); height 28 ft and two stories; parking at 1 space per 3 units.
  • AHCCO (600 Winston Ave): Density 20–35 du/ac; no minimum lot dimensions; setbacks same as AHO; otherwise same framework as AHO.

SB 9 (Urban Lot Splits and Two-Unit Developments)

  • Urban lot splits: Side and rear setbacks may be as low as 4 ft; front setback remains per the underlying single-family zone. The City cannot impose objective standards that preclude two units or reduce unit size below 800 sf.
  • Two-unit/SB 9 developments: Underlying objective standards apply unless superseded; the City may not impose standards that physically preclude two units per parcel created by an SB 9 split (see also Chapter 85 policy).

ADUs and ALQ (Accessory Living Quarters)

  • ADUs and JADUs are allowed with objective standards; underlying zone standards apply unless superseded. Height allowances include up to 18–25 ft depending on attachment and context; max floor area typically 1,000 sf. See local ADU sections for details and how they interact with base setbacks.
  • ALQ and SRO provisions are summarized in Chapter 85 and vary by zone; they operate alongside—but distinct from—state-regulated ADUs.
  • For the ADU-specific process, use the City’s ADU guide; for state context see California housing laws.

Additional district-specific notes that commonly affect site plans

  • Private-street setbacks: A consistent 50 ft minimum applies in R-7,500, R-20,000, A-1, A-2, and A-5.
  • Yard hardscape caps (abutting rights-of-way): R-7,500: 40%; R-20,000: 35%; A-1: 30%; A-2: 25%; A-5: 15%.
  • Placement in yards: Across zones, buildings generally may not intrude into required yards; see each district’s “Placement” section.
  • Nonconforming structures: Additions are possible if they meet prior-era setbacks and do not increase the degree of nonconformity; see district chapters and the City’s nonconforming uses overview.

Checklist

  • Identify your base district and any overlay districts mapped to the parcel.
  • Verify minimum lot area and lot width/frontage for the mapped district.
  • Lay out building envelopes to meet front/side/rear setbacks, including the common 50 ft setback to private streets.
  • Confirm height against the base limit and Chapter 43 ridgeline/view rules; if in A-5 and over 28 ft, be ready for the 35 ft findings.
  • If your site is hillside (≥2 acres and ≥10% slope), apply hillside setbacks, open-space retention, and coverage limits.
  • For AHO/AHCCO sites, meet overlay density, setback, and height rules; AHO parking is 1 space per 3 units.
  • Apply yard hardscape caps and any district-specific roof design standards; coordinate with landscaping and screening.
  • Check Chapter 103 parking standards referenced by your district.
  • Determine if design review is Minor (staff) or Significant (Planning Commission).
  • If you need relief, consider a variance or exception. Several standards explicitly note variance availability.
  • If proposing ADUs/SB 9 units, apply Chapter 85 objective standards and state-mandated allowances; do not preclude two SB 9 units or <800 sf units.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Ridgeline/view review effect on height Many zones defer ultimate height to Chapter 43; this can reduce buildable height. Early view analyses and story poles as directed by the City; Planning Commission conditions.
Hillside designation trigger If your lot qualifies, setbacks shift dramatically (e.g., 100 ft) and open space/coverage rules apply. Slope calculations and lot area; ask the City if Chapter 97 applies.
A-5 height over 28 ft Up to 35 ft only if all detailed findings are met (size, stories, roof pitch/articulation, views/privacy). Pre-application with Planning staff to test findings and massing.
Two-story setbacks in R-7,500 Second floor stepbacks are larger; can constrain additions. Site sections confirming 25/20/30 ft second-floor setbacks.
Private-street setback (50 ft) Applies widely and can reduce buildable depth on flag or easement-served lots. Title report/easement mapping; locate private drives and vehicular easements.
Lot coverage/FAR gaps Some districts lack explicit lot coverage/FAR caps beyond hardscape limits. If absent in code for your district, confirm with staff; document any project-specific conditions. Not found in retrieved materials.

Plain-English Summary

Bradbury’s zoning sets big-lot, low-scale development patterns: expect wide front yards, deep sides, and a 28-foot general height cap, with special view/hillside rules that can be stricter. If you’re on a hillside, in A-5 with extra height, or under an affordable-housing overlay, different objective standards kick in—so always confirm your mapped district, check setbacks and height early, and budget time for design review and parking compliance.

Source References

  • Title IX — Development Code purpose/applicability; zoning map relationship to General Plan: § 9.01.010–9.01.040
  • Chapter 43 — Ridgeline and view preservation purpose/applicability: § 9.43.010–9.43.020
  • R-7,500 standards (lot, yards, height, FAR/coverage): § 9.61.040; placement; nonconforming: § 9.61.050–.070
  • R-20,000 standards (lot, yards, height): § 9.64.040; placement; nonconforming: § 9.64.050–.070; permitted/conditional uses: § 9.64.020–.030
  • A-1 standards (lot, yards, height): § 9.67.040; placement; nonconforming; permitted uses: § 9.67.010–.020, .050–.070
  • A-2 standards (lot, yards, height): § 9.70.040; placement; permitted uses: § 9.70.020, .050
  • A-5 standards (lot, yards, A-5 height findings, hardscape cap): § 9.73.040–.050
  • OS standards: § 9.76.020–.050
  • SP overlay: § 9.79.010–.040
  • Hillside standards (applicability, setbacks, modifications): § 9.97.020–.040; coverage and natural open space: § 9.97.100
  • Affordable Housing Overlays: AHO/AHCCO standards: § 9.88.050–.060; purposes/applicability: § 9.88.010–.020
  • SB 9 — Urban lot split standards; objective design standard limits: § 9.164.040–.050; § 9.85.470
  • ADUs — applicability, heights, application of underlying standards: § 9.85.120–.130

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Bradbury Zoning Code (§ 4) High relevance
  • CBC § 100 (Chapter 43) High relevance
  • CBC § 3 (Chapter 103) High relevance
  • Bradbury Zoning Code (CHAPTER 1.) High relevance
  • Bradbury Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • CBC § 000 (Chapter 103) High relevance
  • CBC § 9.05.040.040 (Chapter 103) High relevance
  • Bradbury Zoning Code (Section 9.76.020) High relevance
  • Bradbury Zoning Code (§ 9.05.070.010) High relevance
  • Bradbury Zoning Code (§ 9.05.050.030) High relevance
  • Bradbury Zoning Code (Chapter 43) High relevance
  • Bradbury Zoning Code (Chapter 43) High relevance
  • CBC § 3 (Chapter 1.5) High relevance
  • Bradbury Zoning Code (§ 9.05.020.030) High relevance
  • Bradbury Zoning Code (§ 9.05.030.030) High relevance
  • Bradbury Zoning Code (Chapter 85) High relevance
  • Bradbury Zoning Code (§ 9.06.020.030) Medium relevance
  • Bradbury Zoning Code (CHAPTER 85.) Medium relevance
  • Bradbury Zoning Code (title and) Medium relevance
  • Bradbury Zoning Code (title to) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R-7,500 lot in Bradbury?

A one-family house with typical accessory uses is permitted. The lot must be at least 7,500 sf and 60 ft wide (45 ft frontage). Setbacks are 20/10/10 ft at one story, with larger second-story stepbacks; height is 28 ft (principal dwelling may be two stories). Two-story homes are limited to 35% lot coverage and 0.50 FAR.

What are the standard setbacks in the A-1, A-2, and A-5 estate zones?

All three have 50 ft front and 25 ft side/rear setbacks, plus a 50 ft minimum from private streets serving more than two parcels. Lot size and width increase with each zone (A-1 one acre; A-2 two acres; A-5 five acres). Heights are 28 ft by-right (A-5 has a path to 35 ft with findings).

How do hillside rules change my project?

If your lot is at least 2 acres and averages at least 10% slope, hillside rules apply: 100 ft minimum setbacks to all lot lines for dwellings, a 28 ft general height cap, impervious coverage limited to 50% of allowable gradable area, and required natural open space (50–85%) based on slope.

Can I exceed 28 feet in A-5?

Possibly, up to 35 ft, but only if the Planning Commission makes specific findings (size, no more than two stories, minimum 5:12 roof pitch, articulated upper roof, no roof equipment, and no adverse view/privacy impacts). Plan massing carefully before filing.

How do SB 9 urban lot splits affect setbacks?

For SB 9 lot splits, side and rear setbacks may be reduced to 4 ft; the front setback remains the same as the underlying single-family district. The City cannot apply standards that preclude two units or reduce unit size below 800 sf.

What are the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO/AHCCO) standards?

AHO allows 20–25 du/ac citywide where mapped; AHCCO (at 600 Winston Ave) allows 20–35 du/ac. Setbacks include 20 ft to public streets and 10 ft to private streets; other setbacks are 5 ft (one story) or 10 ft (two stories/basements). Height is 28 ft/2 stories and parking is 1 space per 3 units.

Do I need design review in Bradbury?

Yes—most new development and many additions go through architectural/neighborhood compatibility review. Minor review is by staff; significant review is by the Planning Commission in a noticed hearing. Check early to align your plans with the City’s design standards.

Are there special limits on yard paving/landscape hardscape?

Yes. Hardscape in yards abutting rights-of-way is capped by zone (e.g., R-7,500: 40%; R-20,000: 35%; A-1: 30%; A-2: 25%; A-5: 15%). Coordinate civil and landscape design to stay under the cap.

Can I add onto a house that doesn’t meet current setbacks?

Often yes—additions may be allowed if they follow the setback rules that existed when the structure was built and don’t increase the nonconformity. See your district’s nonconforming provisions and the City’s guidance on nonconforming uses.

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