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Local zoning · Contra Costa County

Contra Costa County — Development Standards

Development Standards under the Contra Costa County local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

Quick answer

In unincorporated Contra Costa County, many residential lots have a front setback of 20 ft in R‑6 (§ 84-4.1004) or 25 ft in M‑29 (§ 84-26.1004), while the HE‑C combining district uses 10/5/15 ft setbacks with heights up to 65 ft and coverage to 70% (§ 84-92.604). ADUs need 4 ft side/rear setbacks and typically max 1,000–1,200 sq ft (§ 82-24.012). SB 9 two‑unit projects require 4 ft side/rear setbacks, a 16 ft yard‑area height cap, and lot coverage tiers (§ 88-36.012).

Last reviewed: July 25, 2026 · AI-generated analysis · General information, not legal advice · details

Compiled from Contra Costa County's adopted code with AI research tools and grounded in the sources cited below. Verify with Contra Costa County planning staff before relying on it.

Overview

This page synthesizes the development standards that apply in the unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County under the County’s zoning ordinance (Division 84 of the Ordinance Code). Standards control what you can build and how big, tall, and where on the lot buildings can go, often varying by zoning district and any combining/overlay designations. When the ordinance is silent here, treat it as an information gap and verify with the County.

Development standards in unincorporated Contra Costa County are district-specific and include measurable limits like yard setbacks, height, lot coverage, parking, and—in hillside areas—slope and grading controls (§ 814-2.802; § 88-11.822).


Countywide framework that affects all development

  • Districts apply only to the County’s unincorporated areas and are established by the zoning map and Division 84 standards (§ 84-2.004).
  • “Development standard” is defined by the County by reference to state density bonus law (§ 822-2.206(i)).
  • In hillside areas, grading and slopes are tightly controlled to maintain stability, mitigate erosion, and avoid visual impacts (§ 88-11.822; § 814-2.1002; § 814-2.206; § 814-2.808).
  • Land under agricultural preserve/land conservation contracts must comply with uniform standards limiting use to commercial agriculture and compatible uses (§ 810-2.402; § 810-2.414; § 810-4.402; § 810-4.406).

See also: Contra Costa County zoning & planning overview, Contra Costa County Zoning, and Contra Costa County Land Use.


Residential districts (base standards that most homeowners meet first)

R-6 Single-Family Residential

  • Purpose/uses: Not found in source materials.
  • Key dimensional standard:
    • Front setback: 20 ft; on corner lots, principal frontage 20 ft, secondary frontage 15 ft (§ 84-4.1004).
  • Other setbacks/height/coverage: Not found in source materials.
  • Where it applies: Unincorporated areas mapped R-6 (§ 84-2.004).

D-1 Two-Family Residential

  • Purpose/uses:
    • Permitted uses include all R-6 uses plus a detached two‑family dwelling (duplex) (§ 84-22.402).
  • Lot dimensions:
    • Minimum lot area: 8,000 sq ft (§ 84-22.602).
    • Lot width and depth: Follow R-10 width and R-6 depth standards (numeric values not provided here) (§ 84-22.604; § 84-22.606).
  • Yards and height:
    • Front setback follows R‑6 (see above) (§ 84-22.1004).
    • Side yard follows R‑10; rear yard follows R‑6; building height follows R‑6 (numeric values not provided here) (§ 84-22.1002; § 84-22.1006; § 84-22.802).
  • Parking:
    • At least 2 covered spaces per dwelling unit; each space min 9 ft × 19 ft (§ 84-22.1202).
  • Where it applies: Unincorporated areas mapped D-1 (§ 84-2.004).

M-29 Multiple Family Residential

  • Purpose: Promote multifamily development compatible with nearby single-family zoning (§ 84-26.204).
  • Key dimensional standard:
    • Front setback: 25 ft (§ 84-26.1004).
  • Other setbacks/height/coverage: Not found in source materials.
  • Where it applies: Unincorporated areas mapped M-29 (§ 84-2.004).

Special residential tools

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

  • Where allowed: On lots in listed single-family, multifamily, agricultural, certain recreation, and residential P‑1 districts (including R‑6, R‑7, R‑10, R‑12, R‑15, R‑20, R‑40, R‑65, R‑100; F‑1; P‑1 (residential uses); M‑6, M‑9, M‑12, M‑17, M‑29; A‑2, A‑3, A‑4, A‑20, A‑40, A‑80) (§ 82-24.010).
  • Size limits:
    • Detached ADU: generally up to 1,000 sq ft; up to 1,200 sq ft on lots ≥12,000 sq ft or in agricultural districts; Kensington (-K) combining: 850 sq ft (1 BR) or 1,000 sq ft (>1 BR) (§ 82-24.012(a)(1)).
    • Attached ADU: same tiered limits; plus a 50% of primary living area cap except to allow at least 850 sq ft (1 BR) or 1,000 sq ft (>1 BR) (§ 82-24.012(a)(2)).
  • Yards/height:
    • No setback for internal conversions or same‑location/same‑dimensions rebuilds (§ 82-24.012(h)(2)).
    • Else, side and rear setbacks 4 ft minimum (§ 82-24.012(h)(3)).
    • Heights for certain placements subject to state limits (§ 82-24.012(h)(4)).
  • Parking:
    • One additional off‑street space required for the ADU; may be in tandem or in setback unless specific infeasibility findings are made; no replacement parking required for garages converted for the ADU (§ 82-24.012(i)(1)–(2)).
  • Permitting: Qualifying ADUs are approved ministerially (§ 82-24.006).
  • Related: California ADU law; County Parking.

Urban Housing Developments (two units; SB 9 implementation)

  • Use/units:
    • Only residential uses; max two primary units (§ 88-36.012(a)–(b)).
  • Minimum lot size:
    • 1,200 sq ft (§ 88-36.012(c)).
  • Lot coverage:
    • 67% (lots <3,000 sq ft), ≤50% (3,000–<6,000), ≤40% (6,000–<12,000), ≤30% (≥12,000) (§ 88-36.012(d)(1)).
    • May exceed to add one new unit up to 800/1,000/1,200 sq ft (tiered by lot size) (§ 88-36.012(d)(2)).
  • Yards/height:
    • Existing units or same‑location/same‑dimensions replacements need no new setbacks (§ 88-36.012(e)(2)).
    • Otherwise, side/rear setbacks 4 ft; any portion within a yard may not exceed 16 ft height (§ 88-36.012(e)(3)–(4)).
  • Parking:
    • 1 off‑street space per unit unless within ½‑mile of a major transit stop or high‑quality transit corridor, or a car‑share pickup is within one block (§ 88-36.012(f)).
  • ADUs:
    • Allowed, except not on lots created by urban lot split where two primary units are built (§ 88-36.012(g)).
  • No demolition/alteration of: deed‑restricted affordable units, rent/price‑controlled units, or units occupied by a tenant within last 3 years (§ 88-36.012(h)).
  • Drainage/NPDES compliance required (§ 88-36.012(i)–(j)).
  • Related: Design Review (ministerial vs. discretionary review context), Parking.

Industrial and commercial districts

L‑I Light Industrial

  • Uses:
    • General light industrial uses permitted; more impactful uses allowed with a land use permit and conditions to prevent nuisance (§ 84-58.402).
    • Many uses from other districts may be allowed via land use permit (§ 84-58.404).
  • Lot area:
    • Minimum 7,500 sq ft per lot (§ 84-58.602).
  • Other dimensional standards (setbacks, height, coverage): Not found in source materials.
  • Where it applies: Unincorporated areas mapped L‑I (§ 84-2.004).

W‑3 Controlled Heavy Industrial

  • Uses:
    • Heavy industrial uses permitted under this chapter and Chapter 84‑63 (§ 84-60.202).
  • Dimensional standards (setbacks, height, coverage): Not found in source materials.
  • Where it applies: Unincorporated areas mapped W‑3 (§ 84-2.004).

R‑B Retail Business (selected performance standards via permit)

  • Many shop and service uses require a land use permit; performance standards include:
    • No smoke, perceptible odors, dust, corrosive/toxic fumes, perceptible heat/glare/vibration; noise not to exceed 70 dB at property boundaries; all operations indoors; screen open storage with ≥6 ft solid walls/fences/plantings (§ 84-52.404).
  • Dimensional standards (setbacks, height, coverage): Not found in source materials.

C (Commercial) districts — development plan requirement

  • No development is lawful until a development plan is submitted and approved per Article 84‑50.16 (§ 84-54.1602).
  • Coordinate early with Design Review.

Agricultural and open‑area districts

A‑2 Agricultural

  • Front yard: 25 ft; corner lots: principal frontage 25 ft, other frontage 20 ft (§ 84-38.1004).

  • Other setbacks/height/coverage: Not found in source materials.

  • Where it applies: Unincorporated areas mapped A‑2 (§ 84-2.004).

  • Note: Some districts cap lot coverage at 25% of lot area (§ 84-46.609). District name not confirmed here; verify applicability.


Combining and overlay districts

HE‑C Housing Element Combining District

Development standards depend on the density category assigned to the underlying parcel (§ 84-92.604; § 84-92.602). Core dimensional standards are consistent across categories.

  • Minimum setbacks: Front 10 ft, Side 5 ft, Rear 15 ft (§ 84-92.604).
  • Maximum height and lot coverage vary by category (§ 84-92.604):
HE‑C Category Density range (units/acre) Setbacks (F/S/R) Max height Max lot coverage Code Reference
Residential Low ≤1; 3–7 10/5/15 ft 35 ft 50% § 84-92.604
Residential Medium 7–17; 17–30 10/5/15 ft 45 ft 50% § 84-92.604
Mixed‑Use Medium 10–30; 17–27; 17–35; 22–35; 22–40 10/5/15 ft 50 ft 50% § 84-92.604
Residential High 30–60 10/5/15 ft 65 ft 70% § 84-92.604
Mixed‑Use High 30–75; 75–125 10/5/15 ft 65 ft 70% § 84-92.604
  • Where it applies: Parcels in unincorporated areas with HE‑C mapping and a density assignment under § 84‑92.602.
  • Related: Overlay Districts.

SD‑1 Residential Slope Density / Hillside Development

  • Density: Computed by average slope per a table in § 814‑2.612 (not provided here) (§ 814-2.602).
  • Grading limits: Parcels with average slope >26% and/or significant ridgelines/hilltops require specific authorization; projects must meet objectives and avoid substantial visual impact (§ 814-2.1002; § 814-2.206).
  • Slope stability: Final slopes must not exceed critical gradients and must support revegetation and future use safety (§ 88-11.822).
  • Streets: Hillside street design favors contour‑parallel alignments and split carriageways with balanced cut/fill (§ 814-2.808).
  • Related: Overlay Districts, Landscaping and Screening.

Cross-cutting development standards table (selected highlights)

Topic Standard (unincorporated areas) Code Reference
R‑6 front setback 20 ft; corners: 20/15 ft § 84-4.1004
D‑1 minimum lot area 8,000 sq ft § 84-22.602
D‑1 off‑street parking 2 covered spaces per dwelling unit (min 9×19 ft) § 84-22.1202
M‑29 front setback 25 ft § 84-26.1004
A‑2 front/corner setbacks 25 ft; corners 25/20 ft § 84-38.1004
HE‑C setbacks 10/5/15 ft (F/S/R) across categories § 84-92.604
HE‑C heights 35–65 ft, by category § 84-92.604
HE‑C lot coverage 50–70%, by category § 84-92.604
ADU side/rear setbacks 4 ft (no setback for internal conversions) § 82-24.012(h)(2)–(3)
ADU sizes (detached) Up to 1,000–1,200 sq ft by lot size/district; Kensington limits apply § 82-24.012(a)(1)
Urban Housing lot coverage 67% / 50% / 40% / 30% by lot size tiers § 88-36.012(d)
Urban Housing side/rear setbacks 4 ft; height within any yard max 16 ft § 88-36.012(e)
L‑I minimum lot area 7,500 sq ft § 84-58.602
Commercial districts Development plan approval required before development is lawful § 84-54.1602

Related topics you’ll likely consult alongside these standards: Parking, Design Review, Overlay Districts, Nonconforming Uses, and the California Building Standards Code for construction standards (separate from zoning).


Checklist

  • Confirm your parcel is in the unincorporated area and identify its base zoning and any combining/overlay districts (§ 84-2.004; § 84-92.602).
  • Map the applicable yard setbacks, height, lot coverage, and lot area standards for your district (see table and district sections).
  • If proposing an ADU, confirm allowed size, setbacks, access, and parking, and whether ministerial approval applies (§ 82-24.006; § 82-24.010; § 82-24.012).
  • If proposing a two‑unit Urban Housing Development, check the 1,200 sq ft minimum lot size, coverage tiers, yard/height caps, and parking exceptions (§ 88-36.012).
  • In commercial districts, prepare and submit a development plan as required (§ 84-54.1602).
  • For hillside or steep parcels, ensure grading and slope design comply with SD‑1 and slope stability requirements (§ 814-2.1002; § 88-11.822).
  • In industrial or R‑B districts with outdoor storage or potential emissions/noise, meet performance standards and screening (§ 84-52.404).
  • If under an agricultural preserve/land conservation contract, verify allowed uses and standards (§ 810-2.402; § 810-4.402; § 810-4.406; § 810-2.414).
  • Cross‑check Parking minimums that apply to your use and district.
  • If a standard cannot be confirmed here, escalate to County staff or consider relief via Variances and Exceptions.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Missing side/rear/height values for R‑6 and M‑29 Controls building envelope beyond front setbacks Numeric side/rear setbacks and height limits for R‑6 and M‑29 (Not found in source materials)
HE‑C density assignment Drives height/coverage expectations and minimums Parcel’s specific HE‑C density category under § 84‑92.602
SD‑1 slope‑based density table Governs unit yield on hillside sites Actual density factors in § 814‑2.612 (Not found in source materials)
Industrial district setbacks/height Affects site planning for L‑I/W‑3 projects Yard and height standards in L‑I and W‑3 (Not found in source materials)
R‑B performance thresholds in mixed‑use settings Noise, screening, and emissions can constrain design Whether conditions in § 84‑52.404 trigger added enclosure/screening
Urban Housing parking exceptions Transit proximity can remove stalls Whether the site is within ½‑mile of qualifying transit or near car share (§ 88-36.012(f))
ADU height limits by state law Dictates ADU massing near property lines Applicable Government Code height limits referenced in § 82‑24.012(h)(4)
Commercial plan approval scope Determines submittals and timeline The Article 84‑50.16 process that § 84‑54.1602 references

Plain-English Summary

In unincorporated Contra Costa County, your buildable envelope is set by your zoning district’s setbacks, height, and lot coverage—with extra rules for hillside and HE‑C overlay areas. Many residential lots face a 20–25 ft front setback, while HE‑C sites use 10/5/15 ft yards and allow 35–65 ft heights depending on density. ADUs have 4 ft side/rear setbacks and ministerial pathways, and SB 9 two‑unit projects follow uniform 4 ft side/rear setbacks, yard‑area 16 ft height caps, and tiered lot coverage.


Source References

  • § 84-2.004 (Districts established)
  • § 84-4.1004 (R‑6 front setback)
  • § 84-22.202; § 84-22.402; § 84-22.602; § 84-22.604; § 84-22.606; § 84-22.802; § 84-22.1002; § 84-22.1004; § 84-22.1006; § 84-22.1202; § 84-22.1402 (D‑1 district standards)
  • § 84-26.202; § 84-26.204; § 84-26.1004 (M‑29 standards and purpose)
  • § 82-24.004; § 82-24.006; § 82-24.010; § 82-24.012 (ADU definitions, permitting, location, development standards)
  • § 88-36.012 (Urban Housing Development standards)
  • § 84-92.602; § 84-92.604 (HE‑C development standards)
  • § 814-2.206; § 814-2.602; § 814-2.802; § 814-2.808; § 814-2.1002 (Hillside/SD‑1 objectives, density, grading, streets)
  • § 88-11.822 (Final slope gradient)
  • § 84-58.202; § 84-58.402; § 84-58.404; § 84-58.602 (L‑I standards)
  • § 84-60.202 (W‑3 general provisions)
  • § 84-52.404 (R‑B uses requiring land use permit; performance standards)
  • § 84-54.1602 (Commercial districts—development plan required)
  • § 84-38.1004 (A‑2 front/corner setbacks)
  • § 84-46.609 (Lot coverage—selected district)
  • § 810-2.202; § 810-2.402; § 810-2.414; § 810-4.402; § 810-4.406 (Agricultural preserves and land conservation contracts)
  • § 822-2.206 (Definitions—development standard and related housing terms)

Sources

Source passages

  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 822-2.206) Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 88-36.012) Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 84-26.1004) Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 814-2.802) Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 810-4.402) Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 88-11.822) Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 84-52.404) Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 84-54.1602) Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 82-24.010) Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 84-92.604) Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 810-4.406) Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 84-58.202) Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 82-24.004) Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 814-2.602) Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 810-2.202) Medium relevance
  • Contra Costa County Zoning Code (§ 84-4.1004) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What are the basic residential setbacks in unincorporated Contra Costa County?

They vary by district. In R‑6, the front setback is 20 ft (corners 20/15 ft) (§ 84-4.1004). In M‑29, the front setback is 25 ft (§ 84-26.1004). In the HE‑C combining district, minimum setbacks are 10/5/15 ft (front/side/rear) for all categories (§ 84-92.604). Side/rear and height limits for R‑6 and M‑29 were not provided—verify with the jurisdiction.

How big can an ADU be on my lot in the unincorporated area?

Detached ADUs are generally limited to 1,000 sq ft, but may be 1,200 sq ft on lots ≥12,000 sq ft or in agricultural districts; the Kensington (-K) combining district caps detached ADUs at 850 sq ft (1 BR) or 1,000 sq ft (>1 BR) (§ 82-24.012(a)(1)). Attached ADUs follow similar caps and a 50% of primary living area limit with guaranteed minimums (§ 82-24.012(a)(2)).

What standards apply to Urban Housing Developments (SB 9 two‑unit) in unincorporated Contra Costa County?

Only residential uses are allowed, with a max of two units per lot (§ 88-36.012(a)–(b)). Minimum lot size is 1,200 sq ft; coverage ranges from 67% down to 30% depending on lot size (§ 88-36.012(c)–(d)). New units must observe 4 ft side/rear setbacks, and portions within any yard are capped at 16 ft height (§ 88-36.012(e)). One parking space per unit is required unless specific transit/car‑share exceptions apply (§ 88-36.012(f)).

Do I need a development plan for commercial projects?

Yes. In commercial (C) districts, no development is lawful until a development plan is submitted and approved under Article 84‑50.16 (§ 84-54.1602). Coordinate early with County staff and the applicable Design Review process.

What are the HE‑C combining district height and coverage limits?

They depend on the density category assigned to your parcel. Heights range from 35 ft (Residential Low) to 65 ft (Residential/Mixed‑Use High), and maximum lot coverage ranges from 50% to 70% (§ 84-92.604). Setbacks are 10/5/15 ft (front/side/rear) across all categories (§ 84-92.604).

What parking is required for duplexes in the D‑1 district?

Every dwelling unit in D‑1 must have 2 covered spaces on the same lot; each space must be at least 9 ft by 19 ft (§ 84-22.1202). Additional districtwide parking rules may also apply; see the County’s Parking standards.

Are there special rules for grading on steep hillsides?

Yes. Parcels with an average slope >26% and/or significant ridgelines/hilltops cannot be graded without specific authorization, and any grading must meet hillside objectives and avoid substantial visual impacts (§ 814-2.1002; § 814-2.206). Final slope gradients must ensure stability, safety, and vegetation success (§ 88-11.822).

What front setbacks apply in agricultural districts?

In the A‑2 district, the front setback is 25 ft; on corner lots, the principal frontage is 25 ft and the other frontage is 20 ft (§ 84-38.1004). Check your parcel’s specific agricultural zoning and any combining districts for additional standards.

General information, not legal advice.

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