Gonzales R-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R-1 (Low Density Residential District) is a zoning district in Gonzales. Every value below was read from the Gonzales 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 ft § 12.60.040 · code text E. Maximum Height: Two (2) stories, but not exceeding thirty five feet (35') in height.
Maximum number of stories	2 stories § 12.60.040 · code text E. Maximum Height: Two (2) stories, but not exceeding thirty five feet (35') in height.
Minimum front setback	15 ft Applies: when a front porch at least 6 ft deep and 60 sq ft is provided § 12.60.040 · code text 1. Front: Fifteen feet (15') when a front porch is provided; twenty feet (20') when no porch is provided, and the minimum depth of a front porch shall be six feet (6') and a minimum of sixty (60) square feet.
Minimum side setback	5 ft § 12.60.040 · code text 2. Side: Five feet (5'). A corner lot shall have a side yard abutting a street of not less than ten feet (10') (see definition of "lot, corner" in section 12.08.020 of this title).
Minimum rear setback	20 ft § 12.60.040 · code text 3. Rear: Twenty feet (20').
Minimum lot size	6,000 sq ft Applies: does not apply in a planned unit development (PUD) § 12.60.040 · code text A. Minimum Lot Size: Six thousand (6,000) square feet, unless a PUD.
Maximum lot coverage	65% Applies: counts all buildings, parking areas and driveways § 12.60.040 · code text C. Maximum Lot Coverage: Maximum lot coverage of a lot shall not exceed sixty five percent (65%) of the total lot area. Said coverage shall specifically include all buildings, parking areas, and driveways.
Maximum density	1 to 7 units per gross acre Applies: the code sets a range: at least 1, at most 7 § 12.60.040 · code text B. Density Standard: One to seven (7) units per gross acre.

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.

Duplex — Allowed
Private school — Needs a conditional use permit

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-1:

Minimum front setback: 20 ft — when no porch is provided § 12.60.040
Minimum side setback: 10 ft — corner lot, for a side yard abutting a street § 12.60.040

Not on this page

We did not find a general FAR limit for R-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Gonzales Municipal Code.

Other Gonzales zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Gonzales's R-1 zone?

35 ft — Gonzales Municipal Code § 12.60.040.

What is the maximum number of stories in Gonzales's R-1 zone?

2 stories — Gonzales Municipal Code § 12.60.040.

What is the minimum front setback in Gonzales's R-1 zone?

15 ft (when a front porch at least 6 ft deep and 60 sq ft is provided) — Gonzales Municipal Code § 12.60.040.

What is the minimum side setback in Gonzales's R-1 zone?

5 ft — Gonzales Municipal Code § 12.60.040.

What is the minimum rear setback in Gonzales's R-1 zone?

20 ft — Gonzales Municipal Code § 12.60.040.

General information, not legal advice.