Gardena R-4 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R-4 (High density multifamily residential zone) is a zoning district in Gardena. Every value below was read from the Gardena 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-4

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	40 ft § 18.18.020 · code text F. Building height: the maximum building height for habitable space shall not exceed forty feet.
Maximum number of stories	4 stories § 18.18.020 · code text In no event may the building exceed four stories;
Minimum front setback	15 ft Applies: no more than 50% of the front yard, including driveways, may be paved or hardscaped § 18.18.020 · code text 1. Front yard setback: a minimum of fifteen feet; no more than fifty percent, including driveways, shall be paved or otherwise covered with hardscaped materials.
Minimum lot size	5,000 sq ft § 18.18.020 · code text A. Lot area: a minimum of five thousand square feet;
Maximum density	25 units per acre Applies: lots less than one-half acre § 18.18.020 · code text 1. Twenty-five units per acre for lots less than one-half acre;

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-4:

Minimum side setback: 10 ft — building is 35 feet or less in height, including architectural projections, and property directly abuts parcels zoned R-1 or R-2 § 18.18.020
Minimum side setback: 15 ft — building exceeds 35 feet in height, including architectural projections, and property directly abuts parcels zoned R-1 or R-2 § 18.18.020
Minimum side setback: 5 ft — property does not directly abut parcels zoned R-1 or R-2 § 18.18.020
Minimum side setback: 10 ft — corner lot; street side § 18.18.020
Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — building is 35 feet or less in height, including architectural projections, and property directly abuts parcels zoned R-1 or R-2 § 18.18.020
Minimum rear setback: 15 ft — building exceeds 35 feet in height, including architectural projections, and property directly abuts parcels zoned R-1 or R-2 § 18.18.020
Maximum density: 30 units per acre — lots one-half acre or greater § 18.18.020

Not on this page

We did not find a general side setback, rear setback, lot coverage, FAR limit for R-4 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Gardena Municipal Code.

Other Gardena zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Gardena's R-4 zone?

40 ft — Gardena Municipal Code § 18.18.020.

What is the maximum number of stories in Gardena's R-4 zone?

4 stories — Gardena Municipal Code § 18.18.020.

What is the minimum front setback in Gardena's R-4 zone?

15 ft (no more than 50% of the front yard, including driveways, may be paved or hardscaped) — Gardena Municipal Code § 18.18.020.

What is the minimum lot size in Gardena's R-4 zone?

5,000 sq ft — Gardena Municipal Code § 18.18.020.

What is the maximum density in Gardena's R-4 zone?

25 units per acre (lots less than one-half acre) — Gardena Municipal Code § 18.18.020.

General information, not legal advice.