Cupertino · Zoning · R-4
Cupertino R-4 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Cupertino's R-4 zone, generally buildings can be up to 70 ft tall and the front setback is 12 ft, with the conditions listed below (Cupertino code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 70 ft
- Minimum front setback: 12 ft (All other properties)
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 30 ft
R-4 (Multiple-Family Residential) is a zoning district in Cupertino. Every value below was read from the Cupertino 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-4
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 | 70 ft § 19.38.070 · code textTable row “B. Maximum Height”, column “First Floor”: Not to exceed 70 feet |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 12 ft Applies: All other properties § 19.38.070 · code textTable row “1. Front-yard”, column “First Floor”: If located on property abutting an arterial or major collector, 35 feet from face of curb. All other properties: 12 feet from property line. |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft § 19.38.070 · code textTable row “i. Interior side”, column “First Floor”: 10 feet |
| Minimum rear setback | 30 ft § 19.38.070 · code textTable row “3. Rear-yard”, column “First Floor”: 30 feet |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-4:
- Minimum front setback: 35 ft — Property abutting an arterial or major collector; measured from face of curb § 19.38.070
- Minimum front setback: 18 ft — Upper floors on all other properties § 19.38.070
- Minimum front setback: 35 ft — Floors 2 and 3 on property abutting an arterial or major collector; measured from face of curb § 19.38.070
- Minimum front setback: 18 ft — Floors 4 and above on property abutting an arterial or major collector; measured from property line § 19.38.070
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft additional — Floors more than one story higher than any adjacent primary residential structure § 19.38.070
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft additional — Floors 4 and above § 19.38.070
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot size, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for R-4 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Cupertino Municipal Code.
Other Cupertino zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Cupertino's R-4 zone?
70 ft — Cupertino Municipal Code § 19.38.070.
What is the minimum front setback in Cupertino's R-4 zone?
12 ft (all other properties) — Cupertino Municipal Code § 19.38.070.
What is the minimum side setback in Cupertino's R-4 zone?
10 ft — Cupertino Municipal Code § 19.38.070.
What is the minimum rear setback in Cupertino's R-4 zone?
30 ft — Cupertino Municipal Code § 19.38.070.
General information, not legal advice.
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