Local zoning · Calabasas

Calabasas — Development Standards

Q: What can I build on an R‑1 (RS) lot in Calabasas?

Calabasas uses the RS (Residential Single‑Family) district for single‑family homes; typical allowed uses are detached single‑family dwellings and related accessory uses. The quantitative limits (setbacks, height, site coverage) are in the Residential District table ( § 17.13.020 ); for example, typical front setback 20 ft , side 10 ft , rear 20 ft , and a 35 ft height cap are shown as general standards — always confirm the specific suffix on your parcel’s zoning symbol.

Q: What are Calabasas setback requirements?

Setbacks are set in each district’s development standards table (e.g., Residential Table in § 17.13.020 and Commercial Table in § 17.14.020 ) and measured per the city’s measurement rules in § 17.20.180 ; the code also lists permitted projections (eaves, bay windows, chimneys) and special rules for decks and site features. Always use the table for your district and read the measurement/encroachment notes in § 17.20.180 .

Q: Do I need design review in Calabasas?

Some projects do; site plan review (a discretionary review) is required for new developments that meet thresholds in § 17.62.020 (e.g., new residential developments or commercial projects over 5,000 sq ft), and overlays like the Calabasas Highlands require site plan review for all development within the overlay ( § 17.18.025 ). Small ADU/ministerial design review provisions exist separately — check § 17.84.050 for ministerial ADU standards.

Q: How is building height measured in Calabasas?

Height is measured according to the city’s measurement rules in § 17.20.140 ; note that overlays or specific zones can have their own numeric heights (for example -CH lists 27 ft pitched roof and 24 ft parapet roof as applicable limits). Where the city requires finished‑grade modifications for drainage, the height baseline may be the finished grade as authorized by the public works director — confirm with the City.

Q: What is the FAR allowed in CMU or commercial zones?

Commercial and mixed‑use districts list FAR ranges in Table 2‑6 (Commercial District General Development Standards). For instance CMU ranges are shown in the table (e.g., 0.6–1.0 depending on suffix) and the code allows numeric FAR suffixes (e.g., CMU‑0.95 ) that fix the maximum FAR for a site. See § 17.14.020(B) and the CMU table.

Q: What are the Calabasas rules for ADU setbacks and height?

Calabasas adopted ministerial ADU standards (see the ADU chapter and § 17.84.050 ): typical minimum side and rear setbacks for ADUs are 4 ft , detached ADU height is capped at 1 story/16 ft for detached ADUs (with exceptions consistent with state ADU law), and there are parking exceptions listed in the ADU rules. Always cross‑check local ADU provisions with state ADU law.

Q: If my lot is in the Calabasas Highlands overlay, what special standards apply?

Development in the -CH overlay must follow the Calabasas Highlands standards (Table 2‑9): maximum FAR .45 , maximum house size 3,500 sq ft , front setback 20 ft (10 ft for garage/carport in limited circumstances), side 10 ft , rear 15 ft , and height rules (e.g., 27 ft pitched roof). Site plan review and additional technical submittals (geology, hydrology, biology, grading plan) are required per § 17.18.025 .

Q: Can overlays increase height or density for affordable housing?

Yes — the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) provides stated site development limits for qualifying affordable housing projects (including maximum density, FAR, and height allowances) that supersede underlying district standards for qualifying projects; see § 17.22.025 and Table 3‑8 in that chapter for the exact AHO numeric limits and processing rules. Verify whether your project meets the AHO qualification criteria.

Q: Where do I find parking requirements to see how lot coverage interacts with parking?

Off‑street parking and loading requirements and design standards are in Chapter 17.28 (referenced in each district table). For typical projects calculate lot coverage and FAR per district tables, then design parking per Chapter 17.28 — consult the parking page for quick cross‑reference.

Q: Do projections (eaves, chimneys, solar panels) count against setbacks?

Small projections are specifically addressed: the code allows certain projections (eaves, bay windows, chimneys, trellises) to encroach to specified limits and contains measurement notes in the district tables (see the notes to Table 2‑5) and § 17.20.180 . Always verify the precise projection allowance for the district and whether the feature exceeds exempt heights (e.g., decks under 18 inches may be exempt). ---

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

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Last reviewed: July 1, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes what the Calabasas Land Use & Development Code (Title 17) actually requires for development standards — setbacks, height, lot coverage, density, and FAR — by zoning district and overlay. It focuses strictly on the numeric and procedural standards in the code (not Title 24 construction rules or state housing law interpretation). Where the code refers to related rules (landscaping, parking, design review, ADUs), this page links to those Calabasas menu pages for easy cross‑reference: see parking, design review, overlay districts, ADUs, California Building Standards Code, and landscaping and screening. All requirements below are tied to the municipal code sections cited.

Citywide rules that apply to most districts (quick anchors)

Setback measurement, encroachments, and permitted projections are governed by § 17.20.180 .
Height measurement and exceptions are governed by § 17.20.140 .
Landscaping requirements for required setback areas come from Chapter 17.26 (see landscaping and screening) and the general landscaping rules in § 17.26.040 .
Off‑street parking and loading are contained in Chapter 17.28 (see parking) and are referenced in each district table .
Site plan review and discretionary review triggers are in § 17.62.020 (site plan review) .

Note: all district tables below quote the numeric standards that appear in the code tables within Title 17 (Chapter headings and tables are cited for verification).

District-by-district breakdown

Below are the principal zoning districts that control development standards in Calabasas. For each district I list the purpose (what the code says it intends), typical permitted uses (high level), the most decision-relevant dimensional standards (setbacks, height, coverage, FAR/density), and where the district is applied or how to confirm a parcel’s district.

Important: many zoning map symbols carry numeric suffixes (for minimum lot size or maximum FAR/density); always check the map legend and the zoning symbol on a parcel (e.g., RS‑8, CMU‑1.0) to get the exact lot/density/FAR applicable to that parcel — the code allows suffixes to override the general table standards. See § 17.13.020 and Table 2‑5 for residential suffix rules.

RS — Residential, Single‑Family

Purpose & typical uses: Detached single‑family homes (estates, suburban lots). § 17.13.010 .
Key dimensional standards (general table; suffixes may alter minimum lot area): front setback 20 ft; side setback 10 ft; rear setback 20 ft; height limit 35 ft; site coverage: 50% of net site area (for lots less than 1/3 acre) or 35% for larger lots per the Residential Table. See § 17.13.020 (Table 2‑5). .
Where it applies / confirmation: check the zoning map for RS or a suffix (e.g., RS‑8) and the Residential District table in § 17.13.020. .

RM — Residential, Multifamily

Purpose & typical uses: Apartments, townhomes, duplexes and other multifamily types. § 17.13.010 .
Key dimensional standards (Table 2‑5/Chapter 17.13): minimum and maximum densities are set by the RM designation or suffix (e.g., RM‑12D means 12 du/ac). FAR and site coverage differ by RM subcategory; consult Table 2‑5 and any zone suffix. Setbacks and height follow the Residential District table; height commonly 35 ft unless a development plan authorizes higher with findings. See § 17.13.020. .
Where it applies / confirmation: check the zoning map and the RM table in § 17.13.020 for the exact allowable density/FAR. .

RR — Rural Residential

Purpose & typical uses: Low‑intensity single‑family in rural settings. § 17.13.010 .
Key dimensional standards: larger minimum lot sizes; front setback often 30 ft in many cases per the Residential table; typical height limit shown as 27 ft in some contexts (consult table and site‑specific suffix). See § 17.13.020. .
Where it applies: rural areas; check zoning map and Table 2‑5. .

RC — Rural Community

Purpose & typical uses: Older semi‑rural neighborhoods with a community character. § 17.13.010 .
Key dimensional standards: similar to RR; lot sizes, setbacks, coverage determined in Table 2‑5; confirm by parcel. § 17.13.020. .

RMH — Residential, Mobile Home

Purpose & typical uses: Existing mobile home park(s). § 17.13.010 .
Key standards: mobile home park rules, densities (e.g., 8 mobile homes per acre), and special lot area rules in Table 2‑5. See § 17.13.020. .

Commercial districts (summary)

The code defines several commercial districts; the development standards (FAR, site coverage, setbacks, height) are in the Commercial District General Development Standards table.

CL (Commercial Limited): limited retail/service, smaller lots; FAR and site coverage caps are set in Table 2‑6. § 17.14.010 – 17.14.020 .
CR/CO/CMU/CB/CT: each has distinct FAR ranges and site coverage in Table 2‑6 (for example CMU commonly allows 0.6–1.0 FAR depending on suffix; CT (Old Town) is governed to preserve historic character). See § 17.14.020 (Table 2‑6) for numeric limits. .

If you are proposing mixed‑use residential in CMU, note the code explicitly ties FAR calculations to allowed dwelling units and allows numerical FAR suffixes (e.g., CMU‑0.95) — see § 17.14.020(B). .

Special purpose districts

PD (Planned Development), HM (Hillside/Mountainous), OS (Open Space), PF, REC — their standards are in Table 2‑7; many PD/HM rules are determined through development plan or subdivision review; HM typically has more restrictive height and setbacks (e.g., HM height limit 25 ft in the special purpose table). See Table 2‑7 and § 17.16. .

Overlay districts that modify base standards

Overlay zones can add specific dimensional caps or require site plan review in addition to the base zone. Two of the most relevant:

Calabasas Highlands (-CH) overlay: applied to older mountainous neighborhoods; imposes an explicit maximum FAR = .45, a maximum unit size of 3,500 sq ft per lot, setbacks of 20 ft front (10 ft for garage/carport), 10 ft sides, 15 ft rear, and a special height scheme (e.g., 27 ft pivot/24 ft parapet; downhill building walls 15 ft) — see § 17.18.025 and Table 2‑9 for the full list. Site plan review is required for all development in -CH; there are additional submittal and technical report requirements (topography, grading, biology, geology). . Link: see the city’s overlay districts page for context. .
Development Plan (-DP) overlay: when applied, a development plan may modify minimum lot area, setbacks, site coverage, FAR, height limits, landscaping, or parking for a property; it is applied by rezoning and reviewed under the development plan process. See § 17.18.030. .

Other overlays referenced in the code include the CAR (Commercial Auto Retailer) overlay for West Calabasas Road (specific automotive use allowances and site standards) § 17.18.035 and the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) which provides more permissive site development limits for qualifying affordable housing projects (see § 17.22.025 and its tables). .

Representative numeric comparison table (decision‑relevant summary)

District	Typical front setback	Side setback (each)	Rear setback	Height limit (typical)	Site coverage / FAR	Code Reference
RS	20 ft	10 ft	20 ft	35 ft (max)	50% (<1/3 ac) / 35% (≥1/3 ac)	§ 17.13.020
RM	see table / suffix	see table / suffix	see table	35 ft typical; may vary	Density per suffix; FAR per Table 2‑5	§ 17.13.020
RR	often 30 ft (check table)	10 ft	20 ft	27 ft (in some cases)	larger lots (rural); see Table 2‑5	§ 17.13.020
CT (Old Town)	None or reduced via project review	Determined through review	None allowed in some blocks	Historic area standards; see CT table	FAR up to 1.0 (CMU examples)	§ 17.14.020
-CH (Calabasas Highlands)	20 ft (primary); 10 ft garage	10 ft	15 ft	27 ft pitched / 24 ft parapet / downhill walls 15 ft	FAR .45; max 3,500 sq ft	§ 17.18.025 (Table 2‑9)

(Use this table as a high‑level guide only — parcel‑level suffixes, overlays, and the measurement rules in § 17.20.140 and § 17.20.180 can change how these numbers apply. See cited sections.)

How the code treats FAR, density, and measurement (practical notes)

FAR calculations are explicitly tied to maximum allowable dwelling units in some commercial/mixed‑use zones (e.g., CMU) and the code allows numeric FAR suffixes (e.g., CMU‑0.95). Calculate FAR per the district rules and any suffix or overlay. § 17.14.020(B).
Density for residential districts is often shown as units per net acre or via a numeric suffix on the zoning symbol; check § 17.13.020 and the zoning map symbol for parcel‑specific density.
Setback measurement rules and allowable projections (eaves, chimneys, decks under certain heights) are found in § 17.20.180 and the projection/encroachment notes in the district tables (notes to Table 2‑5 / 2‑6). Always confirm permitted projection amounts and the measurement reference point.
Height is measured per § 17.20.140; the code includes exceptions for modifications to grade required by the public works director and special height rules in overlays like -CH. § 17.20.140 and the Calabasas Highlands table apply.

Checklist — what an applicant must verify and provide (short)

Confirm the parcel’s base zoning symbol and any numeric suffix (e.g., RS‑8, CMU‑1.0). See § 17.13.020 and § 17.14.020.
Check overlays that apply (e.g., -CH, -DP, AHO, CAR) and read their special standards; overlays can change FAR, height, and require extra reports. See § 17.18.025, § 17.18.030, § 17.18.035, § 17.22.025.
Compute FAR, lot coverage, and building envelope using the district table numbers and measurement rules in § 17.20.140 and § 17.20.180.
Check whether the project triggers site plan review or a discretionary permit (see § 17.62.020) and prepare required submittals (grading, geology, hydrology, biology) if in overlays like -CH.
Produce a conceptual landscape plan when required and ensure setback areas are landscaped per Chapter 17.26 (see landscaping and screening).
Calculate parking needs per Chapter 17.28 (see parking); commercial and multifamily projects must follow that chapter.
For ADUs, confirm the local ADU chapter and ministerial ADU rules (setbacks, height, parking exceptions) — see § 17.84.050 and the ADU chapter (link ADUs).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Zoning suffixes and numeric overlays	A suffix (e.g., RM‑12D, CMU‑1.0) can change density, FAR, or lot area limits for a parcel	Verify the zoning symbol on the official map and consult the district table in § 17.13.020 / § 17.14.020.
Height measurement baseline	City measures height per § 17.20.140; where grade is modified by the city engineer the baseline can change	Confirm grade used by the City Engineer; refer to § 17.20.140 and any public works grading conditions.
Overlays that supersede base standards	Overlays like -CH and AHO can impose stricter or more permissive limits (e.g., FAR .45 in -CH)	Check overlay boundaries and the overlay section (e.g., § 17.18.025, § 17.22.025) for parcel‑specific requirements.
ADU local vs state rules	State ADU law constrains some local limits (minimum setbacks, 800 sq ft baseline) — Calabasas adopted ministerial ADU provisions but state law can preempt conflicting local rules	Confirm ADU thresholds in § 17.84.050 and compare to state ADU law; where conflict is possible, “Verify with the jurisdiction.”
Measurement of setbacks vs projections	Small projections (eaves, chimneys) have explicit allowances in the code notes; misunderstanding can cause noncompliance	Review § 17.20.180 and the projection notes in the district tables before final envelope calculations.

Plain‑English summary

Calabasas sets district‑by‑district numeric limits (setbacks, heights, site coverage, FAR/density) in Title 17 tables; overlays like the Calabasas Highlands (-CH) or an -DP can change those numbers or add review requirements. Always verify the parcel’s exact zoning symbol (including numeric suffix and overlays), use § 17.20.140 and § 17.20.180 for measurement rules, and expect site plan review if the lot is in an overlay or your project exceeds local ministerial thresholds.

Source References

Calabasas Development Code — Residential District General Development Standards, § 17.13.020 (Table 2‑5).
Calabasas Development Code — Commercial District General Development Standards, § 17.14.020 (Table 2‑6).
Calabasas Highlands overlay and standards, § 17.18.025 (Table 2‑9).
Development Plan overlay, § 17.18.030.
CAR overlay (Commercial Auto Retailer), § 17.18.035.
Affordable Housing Overlay site development limits, § 17.22.025.
Setback measurement, exceptions, and projections, § 17.20.180 (notes and figures).
Height measurement and exceptions, § 17.20.140.
Site plan review triggers and procedural steps, § 17.62.020.
Landscaping standards and setback landscaping requirements, Chapter 17.26 (e.g., § 17.26.040).
ADU/local small units ministerial standards (development standards/ministerial design review): see § 17.84.050 and supporting ADU provisions.

(If you want direct access to the city’s planning menu pages referenced above — zoning, overlays, parking, design review, ADUs, and building codes — use the in‑page links near the top for quick reference: Calabasas zoning & planning overview, Calabasas Zoning, Calabasas Land Use, Calabasas Parking, Calabasas Design Review, Calabasas Overlay Districts, Calabasas ADUs, California Building Standards Code, and Calabasas Landscaping and Screening.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

CPC § 17.20.150 (Section 17.20.150) High relevance
Calabasas Zoning Code (Chapter 17.26) High relevance
CBC § 17.20.180 (Chapter 17.26) High relevance
Calabasas Zoning Code (Section 17.62.020.) High relevance
CMC § 17.12.030 (Chapter 17.26) High relevance
Calabasas Zoning Code (Chapter 17.20) High relevance
Calabasas Zoning Code (chapter is) High relevance
Calabasas Zoning Code High relevance
CEC § 3 (Section 17.62.020) Medium relevance
Calabasas Zoning Code (Chapter 17.60) Medium relevance
Calabasas Zoning Code (Section 17.20.170) Medium relevance
CMC § 3 (§ 3) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Calabasas Development Code — Residential District General Development Standards, **§ 17.13.020** (Table 2‑5). (§ 17.13.020)
Calabasas Development Code — Commercial District General Development Standards, **§ 17.14.020** (Table 2‑6). (§ 17.14.020)
Calabasas Highlands overlay and standards, **§ 17.18.025** (Table 2‑9). (§ 17.18.025)
Development Plan overlay, **§ 17.18.030**. (§ 17.18.030)
CAR overlay (Commercial Auto Retailer), **§ 17.18.035**. (§ 17.18.035)
Affordable Housing Overlay site development limits, **§ 17.22.025**. (§ 17.22.025)
Setback measurement, exceptions, and projections, **§ 17.20.180** (notes and figures). (§ 17.20.180)
Height measurement and exceptions, **§ 17.20.140**. (§ 17.20.140)
Site plan review triggers and procedural steps, **§ 17.62.020**. (§ 17.62.020)
Landscaping standards and setback landscaping requirements, Chapter **17.26** (e.g., **§ 17.26.040**). (§ 17.26.040)
ADU/local small units ministerial standards (development standards/ministerial design review): see **§ 17.84.050** and supporting ADU provisions. (§ 17.84.050)
Calabasas_ZoningCode.md

Official Calabasas code library

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R‑1 (RS) lot in Calabasas?

Calabasas uses the RS (Residential Single‑Family) district for single‑family homes; typical allowed uses are detached single‑family dwellings and related accessory uses. The quantitative limits (setbacks, height, site coverage) are in the Residential District table (§ 17.13.020); for example, typical front setback 20 ft, side 10 ft, rear 20 ft, and a 35 ft height cap are shown as general standards — always confirm the specific suffix on your parcel’s zoning symbol.

What are Calabasas setback requirements?

Setbacks are set in each district’s development standards table (e.g., Residential Table in § 17.13.020 and Commercial Table in § 17.14.020) and measured per the city’s measurement rules in § 17.20.180; the code also lists permitted projections (eaves, bay windows, chimneys) and special rules for decks and site features. Always use the table for your district and read the measurement/encroachment notes in § 17.20.180.

Do I need design review in Calabasas?

Some projects do; site plan review (a discretionary review) is required for new developments that meet thresholds in § 17.62.020 (e.g., new residential developments or commercial projects over 5,000 sq ft), and overlays like the Calabasas Highlands require site plan review for all development within the overlay (§ 17.18.025). Small ADU/ministerial design review provisions exist separately — check § 17.84.050 for ministerial ADU standards.

How is building height measured in Calabasas?

Height is measured according to the city’s measurement rules in § 17.20.140; note that overlays or specific zones can have their own numeric heights (for example -CH lists 27 ft pitched roof and 24 ft parapet roof as applicable limits). Where the city requires finished‑grade modifications for drainage, the height baseline may be the finished grade as authorized by the public works director — confirm with the City.

What is the FAR allowed in CMU or commercial zones?

Commercial and mixed‑use districts list FAR ranges in Table 2‑6 (Commercial District General Development Standards). For instance CMU ranges are shown in the table (e.g., 0.6–1.0 depending on suffix) and the code allows numeric FAR suffixes (e.g., CMU‑0.95) that fix the maximum FAR for a site. See § 17.14.020(B) and the CMU table.

What are the Calabasas rules for ADU setbacks and height?

Calabasas adopted ministerial ADU standards (see the ADU chapter and § 17.84.050): typical minimum side and rear setbacks for ADUs are 4 ft, detached ADU height is capped at 1 story/16 ft for detached ADUs (with exceptions consistent with state ADU law), and there are parking exceptions listed in the ADU rules. Always cross‑check local ADU provisions with state ADU law.

If my lot is in the Calabasas Highlands overlay, what special standards apply?

Development in the -CH overlay must follow the Calabasas Highlands standards (Table 2‑9): maximum FAR .45, maximum house size 3,500 sq ft, front setback 20 ft (10 ft for garage/carport in limited circumstances), side 10 ft, rear 15 ft, and height rules (e.g., 27 ft pitched roof). Site plan review and additional technical submittals (geology, hydrology, biology, grading plan) are required per § 17.18.025.

Can overlays increase height or density for affordable housing?

Yes — the Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO) provides stated site development limits for qualifying affordable housing projects (including maximum density, FAR, and height allowances) that supersede underlying district standards for qualifying projects; see § 17.22.025 and Table 3‑8 in that chapter for the exact AHO numeric limits and processing rules. Verify whether your project meets the AHO qualification criteria.

Where do I find parking requirements to see how lot coverage interacts with parking?

Off‑street parking and loading requirements and design standards are in Chapter 17.28 (referenced in each district table). For typical projects calculate lot coverage and FAR per district tables, then design parking per Chapter 17.28 — consult the parking page for quick cross‑reference.

Do projections (eaves, chimneys, solar panels) count against setbacks?

Small projections are specifically addressed: the code allows certain projections (eaves, bay windows, chimneys, trellises) to encroach to specified limits and contains measurement notes in the district tables (see the notes to Table 2‑5) and § 17.20.180. Always verify the precise projection allowance for the district and whether the feature exceeds exempt heights (e.g., decks under 18 inches may be exempt). ---

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