Hayward · Zoning · RO
Hayward RO zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Hayward's RO zone, generally buildings can be up to 40 ft tall, the front setback is 10 ft and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Hayward code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 40 ft (main building)
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
RO 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 RO
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 Applies: main building § 10-1.803 · code textTable row “Building”, column “RO”: 40 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft § 10-1.803 · code textTable row “Front Yard”, column “RO”: 10 |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 10-1.803 · code textTable row “Side Yard”, column “RO”: 5 |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft § 10-1.803 · code textTable row “Rear Yard”, column “RO”: 20 |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft § 10-1.803 · code textTable row “Minimum Lot Size (sf)”, column “RO”: 5,000 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 10-1.803 · code textTable row “Maximum Lot Coverage (%)”, column “RO”: 50 |
Uses in RO
Uses the code's use tables allow in RO, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Bed and breakfast — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
- Church or place of worship — Needs an administrative use permit
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR, density limit for RO 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 RO zone?
40 ft (main building) — Hayward Municipal Code § 10-1.803.
What is the minimum front setback in Hayward's RO zone?
10 ft — Hayward Municipal Code § 10-1.803.
What is the minimum side setback in Hayward's RO zone?
5 ft — Hayward Municipal Code § 10-1.803.
What is the minimum rear setback in Hayward's RO zone?
20 ft — Hayward Municipal Code § 10-1.803.
What is the minimum lot size in Hayward's RO zone?
5,000 sq ft — Hayward Municipal Code § 10-1.803.
General information, not legal advice.
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