Local zoning · Del Rey Oaks

Del Rey Oaks — Development Standards

Development Standards under the Del Rey Oaks local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes development standards that appear in the Del Rey Oaks zoning ordinance (Title 17). It pulls the decision‑critical numeric rules (setbacks, heights, lot coverage, density/FAR, distances between buildings) and shows where they apply by district. Use this as a code‑grounded reference; for parcel‑specific interpretation or permits, Verify with the jurisdiction. Key related topics: parking, design review, overlays, ADUs, and the state building code are linked in context below.

When I quote a numeric rule I show the controlling code citation (the § number) and the ordinance extract I used; the underlying code text is the authoritative source.

How I use links on this page

District-by-district standards

Notes up front:

  • The ordinance designates the basic districts as R-1, R-2, D, and C (including C-1) and several overlays (e.g., AH‑OZ / AF‑OZ Affordable Housing Overlay and the Visitor Commercial Overlay). § 17.04.020 establishes the district classes.
  • Always confirm a parcel’s zoning on the official zoning map (rules for boundaries are in § 17.04.040).

R-1 — Single‑family residential

  • Purpose / typical uses: single‑family dwellings and accessory uses (see § 17.04.020).
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Front setback: 20 ft — § 17.08.050.
    • Side setbacks: 10% of lot width but not less than 6 ft (special rules reduce to 5 ft for narrow pre‑existing parcels) — § 17.08.060.
    • Rear yard: 20% of lot depth, maximum 20 ft — § 17.08.070.
    • Maximum building footprint / FAR: the code contains a lot‑size to footprint and FAR table used to compute allowable building area (F.A.R. examples by lot size are shown in the table under the R‑1 provisions) — see § 17.08 (F.A.R. / table).
    • Minimum dwelling size/garage rules/auxiliary housing: minimum dwelling area, garage size and auxiliary housing (pre‑ADU rules) appear in the R‑1 rules — § 17.08.080‑17.08.100.

Practical note: R‑1 numeric setbacks and the F.A.R. table are the basic constraints for single‑family projects; if your lot is nonstandard (narrow, irregular) use the boundary rules in § 17.04.040 to confirm setback measurement.

R-2 — Multiple‑family residential

  • Purpose / typical uses: two‑family dwellings, multiple dwellings, dwelling groups, hotels and similar; R‑2 also includes uses allowed in R‑1 unless a use permit is required — § 17.12.020.
  • Key dimensional standards:
    • Maximum height: Three stories, not to exceed 35 ft (but if surrounded by R‑1 the lower R‑1 height applies) — § 17.12.030.
    • Lot coverage: up to 60% — § 17.12.050.
    • Front/side/rear yards: same front yard as R‑1; side yards same as R‑1 with required 2 ft increase per story over two; rear yard 15 ft — §§ 17.12.060, 17.12.070, 17.12.080.
    • Distance between buildings on same lot (dwelling‑group rules): various minimum separations (8–15 ft) and court requirements — § 17.12.090.

Practical note: multi‑family design must address massing articulation and distance between buildings; those design details are enforced via the local design review process (see § 17.16 and the design review chapter) — see § 17.16.040 and the D‑zone standards for examples.

D — Garden‑type apartment / design‑control (D district)

  • Purpose / typical uses: planned multiple‑family developments with controlled density and design controls — § 17.16.010‑.020.
  • Key standards (property development standards are detailed in § 17.16.040):
    • Minimum lot area: 14,000 s.f.; min lot width 80 ft; depth 100 ft — § 17.16.040(D)(1).
    • Area per dwelling unit: min 1,500 s.f./unit — § 17.16.040(D)(2).
    • Usable open space: 400 s.f./unit minimum — § 17.16.040(D)(3).
    • Yards: Front 20 ft; Side 7 ft (increase 2 ft per story over one); Rear 15 ft — § 17.16.040(D)(4).
    • Maximum building coverage: 50% — § 17.16.040(6).
    • Building height: no more than 3.5 stories or 35 ft for principal buildings; accessory buildings 1 story / 15 ft — § 17.16.040(5).
    • Off‑street parking standards (unit‑based numeric parking ratios and garage requirement for one space per unit to be in a garage or carport) — § 17.16.040(C).

Practical note: developments in the D zone typically require a conditional use permit and a design review submittal including topography and open‑space plans (see § 17.16.030 and § 17.16.040(E)).

C‑1 — General commercial

  • Purpose / typical uses: neighborhood and general commercial uses; permitted uses are listed in § 17.24.030; some uses require a use permit.
  • Key dimensional standards (property development standards in § 17.24.040):
    • Lot area min: 10,000 s.f.; lot width 50 ft; depth 100 ft — § 17.24.040(A)(1–2).
    • Yards: Front 35 ft; Side 10 ft; Rear 15 ft — § 17.24.040(A)(3).
    • Building height: max two stories or 30 ft for principal buildings; accessory 1 story or 15 ft — § 17.24.040(A)(4).

Practical note: commercial projects must also demonstrate off‑street parking and loading per the C‑1 parking table in § 17.24.040(B). See the parking page for parking rules and counts.

ST — Special Treatment districts

  • Purpose / typical uses: large parcels (generally 5+ acres) with site‑specific plans; specifics (site plans, coverage, yard exceptions) are established on an approved plan — § 17.28..
  • Key standards (illustrative):
    • Minimum building site area: generally 5 acres unless otherwise approved — § 17.28.060(A).
    • Height: none except as shown on approved plan — § 17.28.050.
    • Yards: may be none except as shown on approved plan; where adjoining other ownerships the code sets 10 ft side and 20 ft rear — § 17.28.080.

Practical note: ST districts are highly plan‑driven — check the approved plan or the city’s ST standards in § 17.28 and coordinate early for road/right‑of‑way dedications and design review.

Affordable Housing Overlay (AH‑OZ / AF‑OZ)

  • Purpose / typical uses: incentivize affordable housing development on designated sites. The overlay states minimum/maximum densities and relaxed standards available as incentives — see the overlay chapter and the specific overlay map designation (AH‑OZ / AF‑OZ). The ordinance references § 17.90.030 for the overlay mapping.
  • Key numeric rules for the overlay:
    • Minimum density: 20 units/acre; maximum: 25 units/acre — overlay table (AH‑OZ standards). § 17.90.030 (overlay chapter).
    • Structure height: max 35 ft / 3 stories — overlay standard. § 17.90.030 (development standards).
    • Lot coverage: 50% (maximum) — overlay standard. § 17.90.030.
    • Setbacks: consistent with R‑2 (Front 20 ft; Side 7 ft plus 2 ft per story above first; Rear 15 ft) — overlay standard referencing R‑2 rules. § 17.90.030.
    • Overlay incentives may permit up to 10% reduction in setbacks and other relaxations only through a council‑approved design permit/project plan — § 17.90.030(G) (development incentives).

Practical note: affordable projects must still undergo design review and may use density averaging and other incentives spelled out in the overlay; approvals are conditioned on affordability covenants and findings.

Visitor Commercial Overlay (Visitor Commercial Overlay Zone)

  • Purpose / typical uses: visitor accommodations (RV parks, inn/resort, park models) — see Chapter 17.32.
  • Standards are zone‑ and project‑specific; consult § 17.32.010–.030 for permitted uses and development standards.

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant numeric standards

District Max height Front setback Side setback Rear setback Max lot coverage / FAR / density Code reference
R-1 typically 20% lot depth / max 20 ft measurement constraints for rear — principal height controlled by lot/FAR table 20 ft 10% of lot width (min 6 ft) 20% depth (max 20 ft) Building footprint & F.A.R. table in § 17.08 § 17.08.050, § 17.08.060, § 17.08.070, F.A.R. table
R-2 3 stories / 35 ft same as R‑1 same as R‑1; +2 ft per story over 2 15 ft Lot coverage 60%; building‑to‑building distances rules § 17.12.030, § 17.12.050, § 17.12.070–.090
D 3.5 stories / 35 ft (principal) 20 ft 7 ft (increase 2 ft/story over one) 15 ft Lot coverage 50%; min lot 14,000 s.f.; min area/unit 1,500 s.f. § 17.16.040(D)
C‑1 2 stories / 30 ft 35 ft 10 ft 15 ft Min lot 10,000 s.f.; other commercial rules § 17.24.040(A)
ST per approved plan (default: none) per approved plan (often none) per approved plan / 10 ft adjoining other ownership per approved plan / 20 ft adj other ownership coverage per approved plan § 17.28.050–.090
AH‑OZ (Affordable) 35 ft / 3 stories Front 20 ft; Side 7 ft (add 2 ft/story); Rear 15 ft as shown 50% coverage; 20–25 u/ac Density 20–25 units/acre; building coverage 50% § 17.90.030 (AH‑OZ overlay)

(Each numeric cell above points to the clause in the code cited in the right‑hand column — consult the cited § for full language, exceptions, and definitions.)

Checklist — what an applicant must satisfy (high level)

  • Confirm parcel zoning and overlay status, using the official zoning map (boundary rules: § 17.04.040).
  • Verify allowed use in the district (R‑1, R‑2, D, C‑1, ST) and whether a use permit/conditional permit is required (see district permitted uses).
  • Confirm numeric limits: setbacks, heights, lot coverage, F.A.R. (use the R‑1 F.A.R./footprint table if applicable) — cite and apply § 17.08, § 17.12, § 17.16, § 17.24.
  • For multi‑unit or overlay projects, prepare the design review package required by § 17.56 (design review) and overlay chapters (AH‑OZ: § 17.90.030) — see design review.
  • Show parking compliance per district rules; use the parking rules (D and C‑1 have detailed numeric ratios) — § 17.16.040(C) and § 17.24.040(B).
  • If proposing ADUs, comply with the local ADU chapter (chapter 17.70) and state ADU laws (see California ADU law and the local ADU chapter — set‑backs, height, parking rules are specified) — Chapter 17.70.
  • If requesting deviations (reduced setbacks/height exceptions, sign exceptions), prepare the findings and application under variances and exceptions.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Overlay mapping and site designation Overlay rules (AH‑OZ / AF‑OZ) change permitted density and incentives — approvals and limits apply only on designated sites Confirm overlay boundaries on the official map and the specific overlay document § 17.90.030. Verify with the jurisdiction.
FAR / footprint table interpretation The R‑1 F.A.R./footprint table contains step values by lot size — rounding/measurement approach can change allowable area Use the table in § 17.08 and confirm how accessory structures (sheds under 120 s.f.) are treated (see accessory size rule). Verify with plan check.
ADU local vs. state rules State ADU law limits local rules; some local ADU allowances may be superseded by state law Check local ADU chapter (Chapter 17.70) and state rules (California ADU law); if conflict, state law governs. Verify with jurisdiction.
Distance between buildings (grouped dwellings) R‑2 / D zone dwelling‑group rules have multiple numeric minima (8–15 ft) for different configurations — misapplication can cause plan rejection Cite § 17.12.090 and § 17.16.040(7) for grouping rules; ask the planner to confirm which sub‑rule applies to your layout.
ST district “per approved plan” language ST standards defer many numeric limits to approved plans — this creates site‑specific uncertainty If parcel is ST, require a copy of the approved plan and the resolution/ordinance that adopted it; otherwise § 17.28 is the starting point.

Plain‑English Summary

Del Rey Oaks’ zoning (Title 17) sets district‑specific numeric limits: single‑family lots (R‑1) typically use a 20 ft front setback and an R‑1 F.A.R./footprint table; two‑family/multi‑family (R‑2) are limited to 3 stories/35 ft and 60% coverage with specific side/rear rules; the D zone and overlays (especially the Affordable Housing Overlay) add their own size, open‑space, and height rules and allow design incentives when affordability is provided. Always confirm the parcel’s district/overlay and the exact cited §§ before design or permit submittal.

Source References

  • Del Rey Oaks Municipal Code — Chapter headings and district establishment: § 17.04.020, § 17.04.040.
  • R‑1 development standards (front/side yards, F.A.R. table): § 17.08.050, § 17.08.060, F.A.R./footprint table under § 17.08.
  • R‑2 (multi‑family) standards: § 17.12.030, § 17.12.050, § 17.12.070–.090.
  • D‑zone property development standards and open space: § 17.16.040 (lots, yards, parking, coverage).
  • C‑1 commercial standards (lots, yards, height): § 17.24.040.
  • ST (Special Treatment) rules: § 17.28.050–.090.
  • Affordable Housing Overlay (AH‑OZ / AF‑OZ) development standards, densities and incentives: § 17.90.030 (overlay chapter) and related ordinance language.
  • ADU rules in Del Rey Oaks local code (chapter 17.70 and ADU ordinance updates): Chapter 17.70 (ADU provisions; heights, setbacks, parking exceptions).
  • Design review requirement reference (design review chapter and cross‑references for overlays): § 17.56 and overlay references.

If you need the exact snippet text for any cited §, I can extract the ordinance language and attach the code snippets for the sections you select. If anything above reads uncertain for your parcel, Verify with the jurisdiction.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • CFC § 65589.5 (Chapter and) High relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (Section 17.90.030) High relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (Section 17.16.020) High relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (section 17.36.010) High relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (Title 17) High relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (§ 11-205.1) High relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (§ 11-207.2) High relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (Chapter require) High relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (Section 17.90.030) High relevance
  • Del Rey Oaks Zoning Code (Section 66013) High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R-1 lot in Del Rey Oaks?

You can build single‑family dwellings and accessory uses allowed in R-1 districts; numeric limits include a 20 ft front yard and side yards equal to 10% of lot width (min 6 ft); check the R‑1 footprint/F.A.R. table for allowable floor area — see § 17.08.050–.060 and the R‑1 F.A.R. table in § 17.08.

What are Del Rey Oaks setback requirements for R-2 (multi‑family)?

R‑2 uses follow the R‑1 front yard standard but add multi‑family rules: front yard same as R‑1, side yards the same but increase 2 ft per story above one, rear yard 15 ft; see § 17.12.060–.080.

Do I need design review for a multi‑unit project?

Yes — multi‑unit and overlay projects commonly require design review; design review rules and approving body processes are cross‑referenced in the overlay and district chapters and implemented under the design review chapter (§ 17.56). Verify the exact submittal requirements with planning staff.

What is the maximum height for a residential building in Del Rey Oaks?

Most multi‑family and overlay standards set the cap at 35 ft (three stories); the D zone allows up to 3.5 stories / 35 ft for principal buildings — see § 17.12.030 and § 17.16.040(5).

How much of my lot can be covered by buildings (lot coverage)?

Coverage limits vary: R‑2 up to 60% (§ 17.12.050), D zone 50% (§ 17.16.040(6)), and overlay AH‑OZ lists 50% max coverage in its standards (§ 17.90.030). Always check the district or overlay that maps to your parcel.

How is Floor‑Area Ratio (FAR) handled in Del Rey Oaks?

The R‑1 chapter contains a lot‑size to building footprint and F.A.R. table showing allowable first‑floor footprint and total FAR by lot size (examples and percentages are in § 17.08). Apply the table to your lot size to derive allowable building area.

Are there special incentives or reduced setbacks for affordable housing?

Yes — the Affordable Housing Overlay (AH‑OZ/AF‑OZ) provides development incentives (density averaging, fee waivers, and limited reductions up to 10% in setbacks) when projects meet the overlay affordability and design findings — see § 17.90.030 (G).

What are the ADU setbacks and height limits?

Local ADU rules (Chapter 17.70) allow single‑story attached/detached ADUs up to 16 ft and two‑story ADU additions up to the district height (subject to architectural permit); minimum side/rear setback for most ADUs is 4 ft (some conversions require no setback) — see Chapter 17.70. Verify state ADU preemption rules as well.

If my lot is in the ST district, what standards apply?

The ST district defers most numeric limits to the approved site plan. Standard defaults: minimum building site area 5 acres, many yard/height requirements are “none except as shown on the approved plan” — check § 17.28.050–.090 and the project’s approved plan.

How are distances between buildings measured for multi‑unit projects?

The R‑2 / D rules provide specific inter‑building minimums (e.g., 15 ft front‑to‑back, 8 ft side‑to‑side, courts of 20 ft where required) depending on row/series configurations — see § 17.12.090 and the D‑zone distance rules referenced in § 17.16.040(7).

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