El Segundo R-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R-3 (Multi-Family Residential (R-3) Zone) is a zoning district in El Segundo. Every value below was read from the El Segundo 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-3

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	32 ft Applies: Buildings or structures with a pitched roof § 15-4D-3 · code text The height of all buildings or structures with a pitched roof shall not exceed 32 feet and two stories.
Maximum number of stories	2 stories Applies: applies to buildings with a pitched roof: 32 ft and two stories § 15-4D-3 · code text The height of all buildings or structures with a pitched roof shall not exceed 32 feet and two stories.
Minimum front setback	15 ft § 15-4D-3 · code text Front yard: Structures must maintain a minimum setback of 15 feet.
Minimum side setback	10% of lot width, min 3 ft, max 5 ft Applies: 20 ft if parking garages or covered parking spaces face a street § 15-4D-3 · code text Side yard facing a side street: 10 percent of the width of the lot, but not less than three feet and not more than five feet, except if parking garages or covered parking spaces face a street, then the setback shall be 20 feet.
Minimum rear setback	10 ft § 15-4D-3 · code text Rear Yard: A minimum of 10 feet.
Minimum lot size	7,000 sq ft § 15-4D-3 · code text A minimum of 7,000 square feet.
Maximum lot coverage	53% § 15-4D-3 · code text All buildings, including detached accessory buildings, shall not cover more than 53 percent of the area of the lot.
Maximum density	30 dwelling units per acre § 15-4D-3 · code text The maximum permitted density shall be 30 dwelling units per acre.

Uses in R-3

Uses the code's use tables allow in R-3, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

Single-family home — Allowed

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-3:

Maximum building height: 26 ft — Buildings or structures with a flat roof § 15-4D-3
Minimum front setback: 20 ft — Entry gates for vehicular access § 15-4D-3
Minimum side setback: 20 ft — Parking garages or covered parking spaces face a street § 15-4D-3

Not on this page

We did not find a general FAR limit for R-3 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the El Segundo Municipal Code.

Other El Segundo zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in El Segundo's R-3 zone?

32 ft (buildings or structures with a pitched roof) — El Segundo Municipal Code § 15-4D-3.

What is the maximum number of stories in El Segundo's R-3 zone?

2 stories (applies to buildings with a pitched roof: 32 ft and two stories) — El Segundo Municipal Code § 15-4D-3.

What is the minimum front setback in El Segundo's R-3 zone?

15 ft — El Segundo Municipal Code § 15-4D-3.

What is the minimum side setback in El Segundo's R-3 zone?

10% of lot width, min 3 ft, max 5 ft (20 ft if parking garages or covered parking spaces face a street) — El Segundo Municipal Code § 15-4D-3.

What is the minimum rear setback in El Segundo's R-3 zone?

10 ft — El Segundo Municipal Code § 15-4D-3.

General information, not legal advice.