Dublin · Zoning · R-1
Dublin R-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Dublin's R-1 zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 feet tall, the front setback is 20 ft on average; at least 18 ft to a garage and the minimum lot size is 4,000 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (Dublin code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 feet (east of Dougherty Road; west of it the limit is 25 ft, or 35 ft with Site Development Review approval)
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft on average; at least 18 ft to a garage
- Minimum side setback: At least 5 ft, plus 1 ft for each full 10 ft by which lot width exceeds the minimum lot width, up to a maximum of 10 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 20 feet
- Minimum lot size: 4,000 sq. ft. (Interior lot)
- Maximum density: 1 du (maximum per lot)
R-1 is a zoning district in Dublin. Every value below was read from the Dublin 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-1
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 | 35 feet Applies: east of Dougherty Road; west of it the limit is 25 ft, or 35 ft with Site Development Review approval § 8.36.020 · code textEast of Dougherty Road 35 feet and 2 stories. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft on average; at least 18 ft to a garage See note 1 below the table in the code. § 8.36.020 · code textTable row “Front”, column “R-1”: 20 ft. avg. 18 ft. minimum to garage (1) Note 1: Living spaces may encroach to 15 ft. from Front Lot Line with Site Development Review on lots up to 6,000 square feet in size. |
| Minimum side setback | At least 5 ft, plus 1 ft for each full 10 ft by which lot width exceeds the minimum lot width, up to a maximum of 10 ft § 8.36.020 · code textSide Yard setbacks in the R-1 zoning district shall be a minimum of 5 feet plus one foot for each full 10 feet by which lot width exceeds minimum lot width up to a maximum of 10 feet. |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 feet See note 5 below the table in the code. § 8.36.020 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “R-1”: 20 feet (5) Note 5: See Chapter 8.81, SB 9 Unit Developments, regarding the standards for qualified SB 9 Unit Developments. |
| Minimum lot size | 4,000 sq. ft. Applies: Interior lot See note 5 below the table in the code. § 8.36.020 · code textTable row “Interior lot”, column “R-1”: 4,000 sq. ft. (5) Note 5: See Chapter 8.81, SB 9 Unit Developments, regarding the standards for qualified SB 9 Unit Developments. |
| Maximum density | 1 du Applies: maximum per lot See notes 4, 5 below the table in the code. § 8.36.020 · code textTable row “RESIDENTIAL USE (maximum per lot)”, column “R-1”: 1 du (4)(5) Note 4: See Chapter 8.80, Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations, regarding the allowable number of ADUs. Note 5: See Chapter 8.81, SB 9 Unit Developments, regarding the standards for qualified SB 9 Unit Developments. |
Uses in R-1
Uses the code's use tables allow in R-1, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Rooming or boarding house — Needs a conditional use permit (zoning administrator)
- Bed and breakfast — Needs a conditional use permit (planning commission)
- Child care center — Needs a zoning clearance / minor use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-1:
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq. ft. — Corner lot § 8.36.020
- Maximum lot coverage: 40% — 1 story § 8.36.020
- Maximum lot coverage: 35% — 2 stories § 8.36.020
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage, FAR limit for R-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Dublin Municipal Code.
Other Dublin zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Dublin's R-1 zone?
35 feet (east of Dougherty Road; west of it the limit is 25 ft, or 35 ft with Site Development Review approval) — Dublin Municipal Code § 8.36.020.
What is the minimum front setback in Dublin's R-1 zone?
20 ft on average; at least 18 ft to a garage — Dublin Municipal Code § 8.36.020.
What is the minimum side setback in Dublin's R-1 zone?
At least 5 ft, plus 1 ft for each full 10 ft by which lot width exceeds the minimum lot width, up to a maximum of 10 ft — Dublin Municipal Code § 8.36.020.
What is the minimum rear setback in Dublin's R-1 zone?
20 feet — Dublin Municipal Code § 8.36.020.
What is the minimum lot size in Dublin's R-1 zone?
4,000 sq. ft. (interior lot) — Dublin Municipal Code § 8.36.020.
General information, not legal advice.
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