Dublin · Zoning · R-2
Dublin R-2 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Dublin's R-2 zone, generally buildings can be up to 25 feet (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 20 ft on average; at least 18 ft and the minimum lot size is 8,000 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (Dublin code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 25 feet (West of Dougherty Road)
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories (applies west of Dougherty Road: 25 ft and 2 stories; may be increased to 35 ft and 2 stories with Site Development Review approval)
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft on average; at least 18 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10 feet
- Minimum rear setback: 20 feet
- Minimum lot size: 8,000 sq. ft. (Interior lot)
- Maximum density: 2 du (maximum per lot)
R-2 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-2
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 | 25 feet Applies: West of Dougherty Road § 8.36.020 · code textWest of Dougherty Road 25 feet and 2 stories; may be increased to 35 feet and 2 stories pursuant to a Site Development Review approval by the Zoning Administrator. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories Applies: applies west of Dougherty Road: 25 ft and 2 stories; may be increased to 35 ft and 2 stories with Site Development Review approval § 8.36.020 · code textWest of Dougherty Road 25 feet and 2 stories; may be increased to 35 feet and 2 stories pursuant to a Site Development Review approval by the Zoning Administrator. |
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft on average; at least 18 ft § 8.36.020 · code textTable row “Front”, column “R-2”: 20 ft. avg. 18 ft. minimum |
| Minimum side setback | 10 feet § 8.36.020 · code textTable row “Side”, column “R-2”: 10 feet |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 feet § 8.36.020 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “R-2”: 20 feet |
| Minimum lot size | 8,000 sq. ft. Applies: Interior lot § 8.36.020 · code textTable row “Interior lot”, column “R-2”: 8,000 sq. ft. |
| Maximum density | 2 du Applies: maximum per lot See note 4 below the table in the code. § 8.36.020 · code textTable row “RESIDENTIAL USE (maximum per lot)”, column “R-2”: 2 du (4) Note 4: See Chapter 8.80, Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations, regarding the allowable number of ADUs. |
Uses in R-2
Uses the code's use tables allow in R-2, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Duplex — Allowed
- 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-2:
- Maximum building height: 35 feet — East of Dougherty Road § 8.36.020
- Maximum building height: 35 feet — west of Dougherty Road, only with Site Development Review approval by the Zoning Administrator (base limit there is 25 ft) § 8.36.020
- Minimum lot size: 9,000 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 lot coverage, FAR limit for R-2 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-2 zone?
25 feet (west of Dougherty Road) — Dublin Municipal Code § 8.36.020.
What is the maximum number of stories in Dublin's R-2 zone?
2 stories (applies west of Dougherty Road: 25 ft and 2 stories; may be increased to 35 ft and 2 stories with Site Development Review approval) — Dublin Municipal Code § 8.36.020.
What is the minimum front setback in Dublin's R-2 zone?
20 ft on average; at least 18 ft — Dublin Municipal Code § 8.36.020.
What is the minimum side setback in Dublin's R-2 zone?
10 feet — Dublin Municipal Code § 8.36.020.
What is the minimum rear setback in Dublin's R-2 zone?
20 feet — Dublin Municipal Code § 8.36.020.
General information, not legal advice.
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