Dana Point · Zoning · RSF 12
Dana Point RSF 12 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Dana Point's RSF 12 zone, generally buildings can be up to 28 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 3,000 sf, with the conditions listed below (Dana Point code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 28 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft (From Ultimate Public Street ROW line.)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (Interior side.)
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft (Standard lot.)
- Minimum lot size: 3,000 sf (Applies to any proposed subdivision of land; does not apply to existing lots where no subdivision is proposed nor to proposed condominiums or other common lot subdivisions.)
- Maximum lot coverage: 60% (Hillside lots, as defined in Section 9.05.110(a)(4)(A), are limited to 50%)
RSF 12 is a zoning district in Dana Point. Every value below was read from the Dana Point 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 RSF 12
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 | 28 ft See note 4 below the table in the code. § 9.09.030 · code textTable row “(f) Maximum Height:”, column “RSF 12”: 28 ft/(4) 2 stories Note 4: Subject to the measurement and design criteria in Section 9.05.110(a) . |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories See note 4 below the table in the code. § 9.09.030 · code textTable row “(f) Maximum Height:”, column “RSF 12”: 28 ft/(4) 2 stories Note 4: Subject to the measurement and design criteria in Section 9.05.110(a) . |
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft Applies: From Ultimate Public Street ROW line. See note 5 below the table in the code. § 9.09.030 · code textTable row “From Ultimate Public Street ROW line:”, column “RSF 12”: 20 ft Note 5: For existing lots less than 50 feet wide and/or less than 100 feet deep, see Section 9.05.190 for reduced front, side and rear building setbacks. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft Applies: Interior side. See note 5 below the table in the code. § 9.09.030 · code textTable row “Interior Side:”, column “RSF 12”: 5 ft Note 5: For existing lots less than 50 feet wide and/or less than 100 feet deep, see Section 9.05.190 for reduced front, side and rear building setbacks. |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft Applies: Standard lot. See note 5 below the table in the code. § 9.09.030 · code textTable row “Standard Lot:”, column “RSF 12”: 15 ft Note 5: For existing lots less than 50 feet wide and/or less than 100 feet deep, see Section 9.05.190 for reduced front, side and rear building setbacks. |
| Minimum lot size | 3,000 sf Applies: Applies to any proposed subdivision of land; does not apply to existing lots where no subdivision is proposed nor to proposed condominiums or other common lot subdivisions. § 9.09.030 · code textTable row “(a) Minimum Lot Size: (2)”, column “RSF 12”: 3,000 sf |
| Maximum lot coverage | 60% Applies: Hillside lots, as defined in Section 9.05.110(a)(4)(A), are limited to 50% See note 12 below the table in the code. § 9.09.030 · code textTable row “(d) Maximum Lot Coverage:”, column “RSF 12”: 60% (12) Note 12: The maximum lot coverage standard for hillside lots, as defined in Section 9.05.110(a)(4)(A) of this Title, within the RSF7, RSF12 and RSF22 Zoning Districts shall be no greater than 50%. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RSF 12:
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft — Flag lot, from connection with access extension. § 9.09.030
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — Adjacent to alley; subject to standards in Section 9.35.040(e) for garage setbacks. § 9.09.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general FAR, density limit for RSF 12 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Dana Point Municipal Code.
Other Dana Point zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Dana Point's RSF 12 zone?
28 ft — Dana Point Municipal Code § 9.09.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in Dana Point's RSF 12 zone?
2 stories — Dana Point Municipal Code § 9.09.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Dana Point's RSF 12 zone?
20 ft (from Ultimate Public Street ROW line) — Dana Point Municipal Code § 9.09.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Dana Point's RSF 12 zone?
5 ft (interior side) — Dana Point Municipal Code § 9.09.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Dana Point's RSF 12 zone?
15 ft (standard lot) — Dana Point Municipal Code § 9.09.030.
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a Dana Point property in RSF 12
Ask GoCodebook what you can build at a specific address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question