Hayward · Zoning · RL
Hayward RL zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Hayward's RL zone, generally buildings can be up to 30 ft (2 stories) tall and the front setback is 15 ft, with the conditions listed below (Hayward code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 30 ft (detached residential unit(s))
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories (detached residential unit(s))
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft (may be reduced to 10 ft for one-story portions if the required rear yard area is not reduced by more than 20 percent)
RL is a zoning district in Hayward. Every value below was read from the Hayward 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 RL
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 | 30 ft Applies: detached residential unit(s) § 10-1.203 · code textTable row “Detached Residential Unit(s)”, column “RL”: 30 (2-stories) |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories Applies: detached residential unit(s) § 10-1.203 · code textTable row “Detached Residential Unit(s)”, column “RL”: 30 (2-stories) |
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft § 10-1.203 · code textTable row “Front Yard”, column “RL”: 15 20 (attached garage) |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 10-1.203 · code textTable row “Side Yard”, column “RL”: 5 |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft Applies: may be reduced to 10 ft for one-story portions if the required rear yard area is not reduced by more than 20 percent § 10-1.203 · code textTable row “Rear Yard”, column “RL”: 20 Reduction to 10 feet is permitted for one-story portions of the primary structure(s), provided the required rear yard area is not reduced by more than 20 percent |
Uses in RL
Uses the code's use tables allow in RL, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Church or place of worship — Needs an administrative use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RL:
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft — attached garage § 10-1.203
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — one-story portions of the primary structure(s), provided the required rear yard area is not reduced by more than 20 percent § 10-1.203
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot size, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for RL in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Hayward Municipal Code.
Other Hayward zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Hayward's RL zone?
30 ft (detached residential unit(s)) — Hayward Municipal Code § 10-1.203.
What is the maximum number of stories in Hayward's RL zone?
2 stories (detached residential unit(s)) — Hayward Municipal Code § 10-1.203.
What is the minimum front setback in Hayward's RL zone?
15 ft — Hayward Municipal Code § 10-1.203.
What is the minimum side setback in Hayward's RL zone?
5 ft — Hayward Municipal Code § 10-1.203.
What is the minimum rear setback in Hayward's RL zone?
20 ft (may be reduced to 10 ft for one-story portions if the required rear yard area is not reduced by more than 20 percent) — Hayward Municipal Code § 10-1.203.
General information, not legal advice.
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