Local zoning · El Segundo

El Segundo — Development Standards

Development Standards under the El Segundo local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes the development standards (setbacks, height, lot coverage, density, FAR and related rules) contained in the El Segundo Zoning Code (Title 15 of the El Segundo Municipal Code). It is organized district‑by‑district so you can see the controlling dimensional rules and where they live in the code. For process items like permits, building inspections or Title 24 compliance, consult the appropriate procedural or building‑code pages; this page covers only what the local zoning ordinance requires. For the city’s zoning map and permitted land uses see the El Segundo Zoning and El Segundo Land Use pages linked below.

Note: this synthesis interprets and cites the ordinance text; always verify parcel‑specific limits with the Community Development Director. Verify with the jurisdiction for ambiguous or site‑specific interpretations.

How to use the links below

  • First mention of practical topics in the text are hyperlinked to the local menu pages: zoning, land use, parking, design review, overlays, ADUs and the California building code where the ordinance cross‑references those matters.

Key internal links used above:

All bolded district names and numeric standards below are taken from the El Segundo zoning code; each rule lists the controlling section (§) and the ordinance excerpt location. File citations to the uploaded code are woven into the explanatory text.

District-by-district development standards

Notes on citations below: every rule lists the ordinance section (§) where it is stated; the underlying ordinance text used for this summary appears in the uploaded El Segundo Zoning Code (Title 15). Each paragraph cites the local § and the file reference where that § appears.

R-1 (Single‑Family Residential) — § 15-4B-3

Purpose & typical uses: single‑family dwellings and accessory uses as listed in Article 15‑4A; intended to implement the General Plan single‑family designation. § 15-4B-1, § 15-4B-2.

Key dimensional standards (sitewide summary):

  • Height: 32 ft maximum for pitched roofs (two stories); 26 ft for flat roofs (two stories). § 15-4B-3(B).
  • Minimum lot area: 5,000 sq ft. § 15-4B-3(C).
  • Front setback: 22 ft minimum; limited encroachments (porches, verandas, decks) allowed per the subsection. § 15-4B-3(D).
  • Side setbacks: Minimum of 10% of lot width, but never less than 3 ft (and maximums on certain rules apply as stated in the section). § 15-4B-3(D).
  • Rear setback: Typically 4–5 ft depending on configuration and accessory‑structure rules (see § for detached accessory buildings). § 15-4B-3(D, G, I).
  • FAR (floor area ratio): Overall maximum 0.60 FAR; maximum second‑floor FAR 0.25. The code defines floor area inclusions/exclusions and specific measurement rules. § 15-4B-3(G).
  • Lot width: Minimum 50 ft, except where the smaller‑lot standards apply (lots ≤ 25 ft covered in § 15‑4B‑3‑1). § 15-4B-3(E).
  • Lot coverage: Ranges and special rules for accessory buildings, decks and porches are in the section; certain detached accessory items are excluded for FAR calculations. § 15-4B-3(G).

Where it applies: city neighborhoods designated Single‑Family in the General Plan. See the zoning map; parcel‑level application must be verified with the Community Development Department. Not found in retrieved materials: a parcel list of R‑1 locations in the city (use the zoning map). Verify with the jurisdiction.

Practical guidance: the 0.60 FAR cap and the 22 ft front setback are the two most frequent constraints for remodels/additions; detached ADUs must still meet the 4 ft side/rear setback for detached ADUs per the ADU article (see § 15‑4E). § 15‑4E‑3(B)(2).

R-2 (Two‑Family Residential) — § 15-4C-3

Purpose & typical uses: two‑unit residential and similar residential uses; Article 15‑4A lists permitted uses. § 15-4C-1, 15-4C-2.

Key dimensional standards:

  • Development standards follow § 15-4C-3; many R‑2 rules incorporate the R‑1 standards where applicable but with R‑2‑specific limits. § 15-4C-3.
  • Height limits, setbacks, lot area and parking rules for R‑2 are stated in § 15-4C-3 (see that section for the full matrix).

Where it applies: Two‑family areas designated on the General Plan/zoning map. Parcel verification required. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Practical guidance: R‑2 projects must confirm whether the R‑1 cross‑references apply (the code explicitly ties some R‑2 permissions to R‑1 development standards) — see § 15‑4C‑3(A)(2).

R-3 (Multi‑Family Residential) — § 15-4D- (multiple subsections)

Purpose & typical uses: multiple‑family dwellings, accessory uses listed in Article 15‑4A. § 15‑4D‑1–7 contain standards for multi‑family development.

Key dimensional standards:

  • Height: District height limits and exceptions are in the R‑3 article; a typical cap appears in the R‑3 standards (see § 15‑4D‑3). See the code for exact pitched/flat‑roof heights and allowed grade differentials. § 15-4D-3.
  • Setbacks: Front/side/rear setbacks are enumerated in the article; encroachments for porches/decks and modulation rules are specified (see § 15‑4D subsections). § 15-4D-3–7.
  • FAR / Lot coverage / Open space: R‑3 contains open space and density controls (including private and common open space tables). Example: multi‑unit open space minimums and modulation rules are in the R‑3 standards. § 15-4D.

Where it applies: multi‑family areas on the zoning map; consult the code for conversions, condo rules and detached accessory building limits. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Practical guidance: the R‑3 article contains the most detailed modulation, separation and open‑space tables; multi‑family projects should read those subsections carefully to calculate buildable massing and common open space. § 15‑4D (multiple subsections).

C‑RS (Commercial–Residential) — § 15‑5B‑3

Purpose & typical uses: neighborhood commercial with residential allowed above street level; permitted uses cross‑refer to Article 15‑5A. § 15‑5B‑1–3.

Key dimensional standards:

  • Lot area: 5,000 sq ft minimum for C‑RS parcels. § 15‑5B‑3(B).
  • Height: 45 ft maximum. § 15‑5B‑3(C).
  • Setbacks: Often none required for front/side/rear unless adjacent to residential zoning; when adjacent to a residential zone certain setbacks (e.g., 10 ft) apply. § 15‑5B‑3(D).
  • FAR / Building area: Total net floor area limited to 1.0 FAR (non‑residential floor area). § 15‑5B‑3(F).

Where it applies: neighborhood commercial corridors; confirm location on the zoning map. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Practical guidance: where C‑RS abuts residential parcels, plan for landscape buffers and side/rear setbacks. See the city’s landscape/screening requirements and the El Segundo Landscaping and Screening menu for related standards.

C‑2 (Neighborhood Commercial) — § 15‑5C‑3

Purpose & typical uses: commercial uses serving neighborhood needs; permitted uses listed in Article 15‑5A. § 15‑5C‑1–3.

Key dimensional standards:

  • See § 15‑5C‑3 for height, setbacks, lot area and FAR; standards vary by specific C‑2 subsection (e.g., frontage and residential‑above‑street‑level rules). § 15‑5C‑3.

Where it applies: neighborhood commercial areas identified on the zoning map. Verify with the jurisdiction.

MU‑N and MU‑S (Mixed‑Use North / South) — § 15‑5F/ and related subsections

Purpose & typical uses: urban mixed‑use zones combining commercial and residential, often with pedestrian/transit orientation. § 15‑5 (multiple articles).

Key dimensional standards (example from MU‑N / MU‑S subsections):

  • Height: MU‑N example lists up to 175 ft in specified locations but only where minimum lot area and TDM/trip‑reduction conditions are met (see specific zone article). § 15‑5F‑3(C).
  • Setbacks: MU zones include minimum front yard (20 ft in some subareas), side/rear yard rules, and special rules for future right‑of‑way lines. § 15‑5F‑3(D).
  • FAR: Example MU‑N limit of FAR 1.3 (with transfer of development rights opportunities east of PCH). § 15‑5F‑3(F).

Where it applies: along mixed‑use corridors (see zoning map). Many MU provisions tie to transfers of development rights or specific TDR/TDM programs — confirm project location and eligibility. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Practical guidance: MU zones frequently require coordination with the City’s Transportation Demand Management (TDM) program and may allow additional FAR or height with TDRs; see § 15‑5F and the city’s TDM chapter.

O‑S (Open Space) — § 15‑8‑5

Purpose & typical uses: parks, public open space, limited structures. § 15‑8‑1 – 15‑8‑5.

Key dimensional standards:

  • Lot area: no minimum. § 15‑8‑5(B).
  • Height: 32 ft (pitched) or 26 ft (flat) typical caps for structures; grade differential allowances apply. § 15‑8‑5(C).
  • Lot coverage: Buildings shall not exceed 40% of the lot area in the O‑S zone. § 15‑8‑5(H).

Where it applies: properties designated Open Space in the General Plan / zoning map. Verify with the jurisdiction.

P (Parking) — Chapter 15‑9

Purpose & typical uses: open air parking lots and locations designated parking on the General Plan. § 15‑9‑1 – 15‑9‑2.

Key dimensional standards (examples):

  • Lot area: minimums where applicable (e.g., MU or specific parking parcels); see § 15‑9 for details. § 15‑9‑2(B) lists minimum 10,000 sq ft for some P parcels. § 15‑9‑2(B).
  • Setbacks: specific minimum setbacks are listed in the P zone article (front 20 ft, side 10 ft in some cases, rear 5 ft or 20 ft depending on adjacent rights‑of‑way). § 15‑9‑2(D).

Practical guidance: parking lots still must follow the city's development standards and provide required landscaping (e.g., 5% of vehicular use area) and off‑street parking per the Parking chapter; see El Segundo Parking.

M‑2 (Heavy Industrial) — relevant restrictions and special rules — § 15‑21‑7 & zone articles

Purpose & typical uses: heavy industrial activities; M‑2 has its own occupancy and nonconforming use standards. § 15‑21‑7 details special M‑2 restrictions.

Key dimensional standards and special rules: height, setbacks and expansion rules differ; see the M‑2 chapter for occupancy and nonconforming use time limits and upgrade triggers. § 15‑21‑7.

Practical guidance: nonconforming M‑2 buildings face stricter vacancy/upgrade timelines (e.g., 6 months in some cases) — check § 15‑21‑7 before planning reuse of an existing industrial building.

Housing Overlay (selected neighborhoods) — § 15‑7D‑2

Purpose & typical uses: targeted overlay allowing multi‑unit housing standards in four neighborhoods subject to the overlay; sets specific built‑form rules different from base zones. § 15‑7D‑2.

Key dimensional standards:

  • Lot area: minimum 7,000 sq ft. § 15‑7D‑2(B).
  • Height: 47 ft (pitched, up to three stories) or 41 ft (flat, three stories). § 15‑7D‑2(C).
  • Front setback: typically 15 ft (special Franklin Ave exception — no front setback). § 15‑7D‑2(D)(1).
  • Density: maximum 65 dwelling units per acre. § 15‑7D‑2(G).

Practical guidance: the overlay lets you exceed base‑zone density and height only where the overlay standards and internal integration rules (units must be internally connected) are met. § 15‑7D‑2(A–C).

Quick reference table — most decision‑relevant standards

District Height Typical Front Setback FAR / Lot Coverage / Density Code Reference
R‑1 32 ft (pitched) / 26 ft (flat) 22 ft 0.60 FAR; second‑floor max 0.25 FAR; min lot 5,000 sf § 15‑4B‑3
R‑2 See zone (ties to R‑1 standards) See § 15‑4C‑3 See § 15‑4C‑3 § 15‑4C‑3
R‑3 See article Varies; encroachments allowed Open space tables; coverage/FAR in § 15‑4D § 15‑4D‑ (multi subsections)
C‑RS 45 ft Often none unless adjacent to residential 1.0 FAR (non‑residential) § 15‑5B‑3
MU‑N / MU‑S Up to 175 ft in specified places (see text) Varies by subarea Example MU‑N FAR 1.3; TDRs may apply § 15‑5F‑3
O‑S 32 / 26 ft Varies 40% lot coverage (example) § 15‑8‑5
Housing Overlay 47 ft / 41 ft (three stories) 15 ft (typical) 65 du/acre max § 15‑7D‑2
P (Parking) Varies 20 ft in some parcels Lot area minimums for certain P parcels § 15‑9‑2

(Always read the full § for exceptions such as grade plane measurement, allowed encroachments, modulation, and special frontage rules.)

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy for a typical site plan / addition)

  • Confirm the property’s zoning district and any overlay or historic district designations (verify on the zoning map). (Verify with the jurisdiction.)
  • Confirm the controlling development standards: height, front/side/rear setbacks, lot coverage, FAR/density per the district (see the § cited for the property’s zone). Example: § 15‑4B‑3 for R‑1.
  • Check whether ADU rules or two‑unit / urban lot split rules apply (see § 15‑4E and § 15‑4G). ADU minimums/setbacks differ; see ADU article.
  • Confirm required parking counts and layout per the Parking chapter and any allowable parking reductions (e.g., density bonus or transit proximity). See El Segundo Parking.
  • Confirm landscape buffers, screening and percent softscape rules (see landscaping subsections cited in each district). § 15‑4B‑4 and district landscaping subsections.
  • For multi‑family or MU projects, review modulation, separation and common open space tables in the district article (they affect massing). § 15‑4D, § 15‑5F.
  • If seeking deviations, identify appropriate variance/adjustment routes (see El Segundo Variances and Exceptions).
  • Verify whether design review or discretionary approvals are required (see El Segundo Design Review).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Overlay vs. base‑zone conflicts Overlays (Housing Overlay, MU subareas) can supersede or alter base standards; wrong baseline leads to invalid plans Confirm the applicable overlay map and read the overlay § (e.g., § 15‑7D‑2) and compare to the base zone. Verify with the Community Development Director.
FAR and what counts as floor area The code has detailed inclusions/exclusions (garages, decks, vaulted spaces) — mistakes yield incorrect FAR calculations Use the measurement rules in § 15‑4B‑3(G) and appendices cited there; when in doubt, ask planning staff for an official FAR interpretation.
Grade‑plane and roof pitch exceptions Height measurement includes grade differentials; segmented grade planes and roof pitches can change allowed height Check § 15‑2‑3 (height exceptions) and district height subsections for the maximum grade differential clauses. Verify measurements on a survey. Not found in retrieved materials: a step‑by‑step formula beyond the cited code language — verify with planning staff.
ADU conflicts with local overlay rules State ADU law restricts some local controls, but the city’s ADU article imposes local development and utility conditions Follow § 15‑4E and cross‑check state ADU law; when the ordinance is silent, state law may preempt. See California ADU law and § 15‑4E‑2/3.
Nonconforming structures and additions Remodels/additions to nonconforming buildings are restricted by the nonconforming chapter; exceeding 50% rebuild can force full compliance Check § 15‑21‑3 and § 15‑21‑5 for allowed work and triggers for full compliance. Verify with the City as to whether the existing building is legal nonconforming.

Plain‑English summary

The El Segundo zoning code (Title 15) sets different dimensional rules by zone: for example, R‑1 single‑family lots commonly face a 22‑ft front setback, 32‑ft pitched‑roof height limit, and a 0.60 FAR cap; commercial and mixed‑use zones have their own height, setback and FAR ceilings and often allow zero front setbacks where pedestrian retail is intended. Before designing, verify the parcel’s exact zone and any overlay and use the specific § (e.g., § 15‑4B‑3 for R‑1) to calculate buildable area. Always confirm parcel‑specific interpretations with planning staff.

Source References

  • El Segundo Zoning Code (Title 15), multiple sections cited above: e.g., § 15‑4B‑3 (R‑1 site standards), § 15‑4C‑3 (R‑2), § 15‑4D (R‑3), § 15‑5B‑3 (C‑RS), § 15‑5F‑3 (MU), § 15‑8‑5 (O‑S), § 15‑9‑2 (P zone), § 15‑7D‑2 (Housing Overlay), § 15‑4E (ADUs). See the uploaded El Segundo Zoning Code.
  • Specific ordinance excerpts used in this page (uploaded file): ElSegundo_ZoningCode.md (multiple § citations within the file). Example section citations used above: § 15‑4B‑3 (R‑1 site standards) ; § 15‑7D‑2 (Housing Overlay standards) ; § 15‑4E‑3 (ADU development standards) .
  • For state ADU guidance and interactions with local rules: California ADU handbook (uploaded) — used for context where the city’s ADU article references state law.

(If you want, I can extract the exact sentence text from any of the above §§ or produce a one‑page printable checklist keyed to a single parcel — tell me the parcel APN or address and I will verify which specific subsections apply. Verify with the jurisdiction.)

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • El Segundo Zoning Code (chapter 22) High relevance
  • El Segundo Zoning Code (chapter 15) High relevance
  • El Segundo Zoning Code (chapter 2) High relevance
  • El Segundo Zoning Code (chapter 16) High relevance
  • El Segundo Zoning Code (chapter 2) High relevance
  • CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) High relevance
  • El Segundo Zoning Code (chapter 2) High relevance
  • El Segundo Zoning Code (Section 66001) High relevance
  • El Segundo Zoning Code (Section 15-4B-3) High relevance
  • El Segundo Zoning Code (Section 15-4B-3-1) High relevance
  • El Segundo Zoning Code (Section 15-4B-3-1) High relevance
  • El Segundo Zoning Code (Article 15-4A) High relevance
  • El Segundo Zoning Code High relevance
  • El Segundo Zoning Code (chapter 14-6) High relevance
  • CBC § 15 (article 15-4E) High relevance
  • El Segundo Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R‑1 lot in El Segundo?

In the R‑1 zone you may build single‑family dwellings and accessory uses listed in Article 15‑4A; the key dimensional limits are in § 15‑4B‑3: 32 ft pitched‑roof height (two stories), 26 ft flat‑roof, 22 ft front setback, 5,000 sq ft minimum lot area and 0.60 FAR overall (second floor cap 0.25 FAR). Always verify parcel‑specific rules and overlays.

What are El Segundo setback requirements for single‑family homes?

R‑1 front setbacks are typically 22 ft minimum; side yards are measured as 10% of lot width (but never less than 3 ft) and rear setbacks are typically 4–5 ft depending on the provision; see § 15‑4B‑3(D) for permitted encroachments and exact measurement rules.

How is building height measured and what are the limits in El Segundo?

Height limits vary by zone; for example R‑1 uses 32 ft (pitched) and 26 ft (flat) and includes a maximum grade differential allowance in the measurement; exceptions and segmented grade plane rules are in § 15‑2‑3 and the district height subsections (e.g., § 15‑4B‑3(B)). Verify grade plane calculations with planning staff.

What does El Segundo count in FAR calculations?

The code defines FAR inclusions and exclusions in the district articles (R‑1 example: § 15‑4B‑3(G)). Generally, FAR counts interior floor area to the interior of perimeter walls and includes habitable attic space and most floors; some garages, small detached structures, and limited porches/decks are excluded per specified square‑foot limits. See § 15‑4B‑3(G) for details.

Can I build an ADU and what setbacks apply?

Accessory dwelling units are permitted in any zone that permits residential uses under § 15‑4E‑2, and ADU development standards are in § 15‑4E‑3. Detached ADUs must be at least 4 ft from interior side and rear lot lines (city minimum for detached ADUs); attached ADUs follow the primary dwelling setbacks. Also check state ADU law for preemption and maximum/minimum ADU sizes.

Do I need design review for changes that affect setbacks or height?

Design review requirements are set by the city’s design review procedures and by zone‑specific references; some projects are ministerial while others trigger discretionary design review. Check the El Segundo Design Review page and the district article for references to design review thresholds; verify with the Community Development Director.

What happens if my existing house is nonconforming and I want to expand?

Nonconforming structures may be maintained and, under certain limits, expanded, but there are restrictions; generally you cannot increase a nonconforming side yard or make the nonconformity worse and if more than 50% of the exterior perimeter wall height or foundation is replaced the building often must be brought into full conformance (see § 15‑21‑3 and § 15‑21‑5). Always confirm the legal nonconforming status with city planning.

Are there higher FAR or height allowances in mixed‑use zones?

Some MU subareas allow higher height/FAR (for example the MU‑N subsection references FAR 1.3 and certain parcels may reach 175 ft where specific criteria and TDR/TDM requirements are met). These allowances are zone‑ and site‑specific; see the MU zone article (e.g., § 15‑5F‑3) for exact rules and transfer‑of‑development rights provisions.

How much landscaping is required near setbacks?

Most zones require landscaping in front and street‑side setbacks; the code often requires a minimum of 50% softscape in street setbacks and specific tree planting rates (example: one 24‑inch box tree in the front yard for new primary dwellings in R‑1). See the landscaping subsections (e.g., § 15‑4B‑4, and the district landscaping subsections).

If my lot is 25 ft wide or less, are the R‑1 standards different?

Yes. The code contains a special article for lots 25 ft wide or less (see § 15‑4B‑3‑1 and § 15‑4G‑5 for two‑unit developments on narrow lots). These sections set alternate setbacks, height and accessory‑building rules tailored for very narrow parcels.

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