Local zoning · Hercules

Hercules — Development Standards

Development Standards under the Hercules local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes the Hercules municipal zoning standards that control setbacks, heights, lot coverage, density (du/acre), and floor-area ratio (FAR). It is drawn directly from the Hercules Zoning Ordinance (Title 13) and interprets the district-by-district development limits and the rules that commonly modify them (planned development plans, design review, and variances). For procedural rules such as design review applications see the city's design review guidance; for parking rates see the city's parking chapter.

Key citations are embedded below so you can verify the rules in the ordinance text.

How this page is organized

  • District-by-district breakdowns (one subsection per zoning district that sets development standards).
  • A one-table quick reference of the most decision-relevant numeric standards.
  • Practical checklist and risk items you should verify with the Community Development Department.

Note: links to related topics are provided inline where first mentioned — use them for details on parking, design review, overlays, ADUs, and the state building code.

Quick note on where standards live

Property development standards (setbacks, heights, site coverage, FAR, density) are set per zoning district and explained in Division II of Title 13; the general rule that "property development standards are set forth in each zoning district" is in § 13-5.400 . Design review is called out separately and applies to many projects; see § 13-42.200 for when design review is required .

When the ordinance refers to parking requirements it defers to Chapter 13-32 (see the footnote in many district tables) — check the city's parking standards for counts and layout specifics via the Hercules Parking page.

  • First mentions (inline): Hercules Zoning, Hercules Parking, Hercules Design Review, Hercules Overlay Districts, Hercules ADUs, California Building Standards Code, Hercules Land Use.

District-by-district breakdowns

Notes on format below: each district subsection gives the ordinance purpose, typical permitted uses (short), the key numeric development standards you will rely on in plan prep (setbacks, maximum height, lot coverage, FAR or density where used), and where that zoning typically applies. All numbers are pulled from the district property development tables and the sections that introduce them — I cite the controlling section after each numeric list.

Where the ordinance allows a Planned Development Plan (PDP) or other discretionary process to change a numeric standard, I flag that and tell you where that authority is stated.

Residential districts (RS-E, RS-L, RM-L, RM-M, RM-H)

  • Purpose and uses: The residential districts cover single-family estates to high-density multifamily developments; specific purposes are in § 13-6.100 .
  • Typical permitted uses: single-family homes, duplexes/duets and multifamily per Table 13-6.1; Accessory Dwelling Units are allowed in all residential districts (Table 13-6.1 references § 13-35.320) .
  • Key dimensional standards (typical / maximum by district):
    • RS-E: maximum site coverage 20%, maximum height 35 ft (single-family housing max 35 ft), typical large-lot single-family densities (1–2 du/ac) — see § 13-6.500 and Table 13-6.1 .
    • RS-L: maximum site coverage 50%, height 35 ft, medium-low densities; front/side/rear setback minima and accessory structure rules in Chapter 13-35 apply (see § 13-6.500, § 13-35.210) .
    • RM-L / RM-M / RM-H (multifamily): site coverage 60% (RM-L/M/M-H where shown), building heights range 45 ft (RM-L) up to 90 ft (RM-H) for the highest-density areas; usable open-space standards per unit are set in Chapter 13-30 (see Table 13-6.x and § 13-30.800) .
  • FAR: the ordinance notes FAR is generally not applied to residential development in certain tables (see Table footnotes) — verify district-specific language; the residential table is in § 13-6.500 .
  • Where it applies: residential zoning map designations across the city; see § 13-5.200 for the district list and mapping .

(Design-review note: most new and expanded residential projects other than minor additions are subject to design review under § 13-42.200 .)

Historic Town Center — HTC

  • Purpose and uses: preserve historic character, support offices and retail on Railroad Avenue, allow compatible multifamily where appropriate — § 13-12.100 .
  • Typical uses: retail, professional offices, limited multifamily; accessory uses as noted in Table 13-12.1/13-12.2 .
  • Key dimensional standards (Table 13-12.2 / summary):
    • FAR range 0.15–0.40 (typical 0.20), density up to 17 du/acre (caps noted), building height 35 ft, max site coverage 40%, setbacks: front 10 ft; side 5 ft; rear 20 ft (minimums; PDP may allow lesser setbacks) — see § 13-12.200 and Table 13-12.2 .
  • Where it applies: the historic town center area; design review and PDP rules are commonly applied to projects in this district § 13-12.200 .

Commercial Public Mixed-Use — CP

  • Purpose and uses: a mixed commercial/public district intended for civic, transit-supporting retail and offices (see § 13-11.100 and Table 13-11.1) .
  • Key dimensional standards (Table 13-11.2):
    • FAR range 0.10–1.00 (typical 0.30), building height up to 50 ft, setbacks generally 20 ft front, 20 ft rear, 20 ft side; site coverage and landscaping minimums vary and PDP options exist — see Table 13-11.2 and § 13-11.500 .
  • Where it applies: commercial/public corridors and transit-supporting areas; parking and signage referred to Chapter 13-32 and Chapter 13-34 (see table footnotes) .

New Town Center — NTC

  • Purpose and uses: transit-oriented, higher-density mixed-use center with pedestrian focus (§ 13-18.100) .
  • Key dimensional/performance standards:
    • NTC is performance- and design-driven: density, heights and setbacks are established in Table 13-18.1 and by specific performance standards in § 13-18.300 (connectivity, open space, parking design, block lengths, and architectural theme) — expect discretionary design and PDP reviews; see § 13-18.200–300 .
  • Where it applies: central Hercules core around Sycamore / San Pablo and SR-4 (Central Hercules Plan areas) .

Planned Commercial–Residential — PC-R

  • Purpose and uses: mixed residential/commercial projects (Table 13-15.1) with flexibility for higher densities where planned development approval exists .
  • Key dimensional standards (Table 13-15.2):
    • FAR range 0.20–4.0 with typical 2.0, density up to 40 du/ac (and project-specific exceptions such as Town Centrale noted in footnotes), setbacks: front 10 ft; rear 10 ft; side 0 ft (where attached/mixed), building height tiers 40/50/65 ft depending on configuration and PDP approval — see § 13-15.300–500 and Table 13-15.2 .
  • Where it applies: sites planned for integrated commercial/residential development; many standards rely on PDP approval to reach upper limits.

Planned Commercial–Industrial — PC-I

  • Purpose and uses: commercial/industrial uses visible from regional highways with site design controls; Table 13-14.2 gives property standards .
  • Key standards:
    • FAR range 0.25–0.50 (typical 0.30), building height 35 ft, setbacks: front 20 ft; rear 20 ft; side 10 ft; max site coverage 50%; parking and signage refer to Chapters 13-32 and 13-34 respectively .
  • Where it applies: I-80/SR-4 frontage industrial/commercial parcels.

Industrial — I

  • Purpose and uses: heavier industrial uses and industrial services (see Table 13-9.1) with distinct industrial setbacks and buffer requirements .
  • Key standards (Table 13-9.2):
    • FAR range 0.30–0.50, building height 35 ft, setbacks: front 25 ft; rear 20 ft; side 20 ft (with far greater setbacks when adjacent to residential — e.g., footnote sets minimum setbacks of 50 ft front / 100 ft side / 100 ft rear where adjacent to residences) — see § 13-9.500 and Table 13-9.2 .

Industrial–Residential Mixed Use — I-R

  • Purpose and uses: light industrial and live-work/artist studio types plus limited residential densities for compatible redevelopment (§ 13-13.100 and Table 13-13.1/13.2) .
  • Key standards (Table 13-13.2):
    • FAR 0.50 (note: footnote states FAR does not apply to residential development), density 25 du/ac, setbacks: front 10 ft; rear 20 ft; side 5 ft; max site coverage 50%, building height 40 ft .

Waterfront Commercial — WC

  • Purpose and uses: waterfront retail, marina support and visitor uses; intended to preserve shoreline access and scenic views (§ 13-17.100) .
  • Key standards (Table 13-17.2):
    • FAR range 0.15–0.30, typical 0.20; building height 25 ft, setbacks: front 10 ft; side 10 ft; rear 20 ft, max site coverage 30%, landscaping min 20% — see § 13-17.200/500 and Table 13-17.2 .

Public / Quasi-Public — P/QP (P/QP‑C, P/QP‑P, P/QP‑S, P/QP‑O)

  • Purpose and uses: parks, schools, municipal uses — Table 13-10.2 contains property development regulations for the public/quasi-public districts with FAR ranges and heights for each subcategory (e.g., P/QP-C typical FAR 0.40; building heights 20–35 ft depending on sub-district) — see § 13-10.500 and Table 13-10.2 .

Decision-relevant numeric quick-reference table

District Front setback Side setback Rear setback Max height FAR / density (typical) Max site coverage Code Reference
RS-E (see district table) (min side per table) (see table) 35 ft residential: FAR generally not applied 20% § 13-6.500
RS-L (see table) (see table) (see table) 35 ft — 50% § 13-6.500
RM-M / RM-H (varies) (varies) (varies) 45–90 ft density up to 30–55 du/ac 60% § 13-6.500
HTC 10 ft 5 ft 20 ft 35 ft FAR 0.15–0.40 (typical 0.20) 40% § 13-12.200
CP 20 ft 20 ft 20 ft 50 ft FAR 0.10–1.00 (PDP) § 13-11.500
PC-R 10 ft 0 ft (attached) 10 ft 40/50/65 ft (PDP allowed) FAR 0.20–4.0 (typical 2.0) (PDP) § 13-15.500
PC-I 20 ft 10 ft 20 ft 35 ft FAR 0.25–0.50 50% § 13-14.500
I 25 ft (50 ft when adjacent to residences per footnote) 20 ft (100 ft adjacent to residences) 20 ft (100 ft adjacent to residences) 35 ft FAR 0.30–0.50 50% § 13-9.500
WC 10 ft 10 ft 20 ft 25 ft FAR 0.15–0.30 30% § 13-17.500

Footnotes in the ordinance commonly state that “lesser setbacks or altered lot dimensions may be accepted as part of an approved planned development plan.” Always check the table footnotes in the district-specific table you are using (e.g., Tables 13-6.x, 13-11.x, 13-15.x) and the related section text in that chapter for exceptions and PDP authority (see § 13-5.400 and district table footnotes) .

Practical guidance / synthesis

  • Planned Development Plans (PDPs) are the primary local tool to alter numeric development standards in Hercules. Multiple district tables and footnotes explicitly say lesser setbacks, reduced lot sizes, modified heights or lot coverage may be accepted under an approved PDP; see the relevant district table and § 13-48 references in table footnotes (see many district tables; e.g., HTC, PC-R, PC-I) .
  • FAR is actively used in commercial/mixed-use and industrial districts (CP, PC-R, PC-I, I, WC) but the code frequently notes that FAR “does not apply to residential development” — if you are designing primarily residential use, rely on the residential table densities and building heights rather than FAR in many cases (see Table 13-6.1 and the footnotes) .
  • Setbacks: the ordinance consistently lists front/side/rear setbacks in each district table. Where a proposed project is adjacent to residences the industrial district tables impose much larger setbacks as buffer requirements (for example, I district footnotes require 50 ft front and 100 ft side/rear when adjacent to residential) — verify adjacency conditions early § 13-9.500 .
  • Accessory structures and ADUs: accessory structure setbacks and exemptions are in Chapter 13-35; ADUs are specifically allowed across residential districts (see Table 13-6.1 referencing § 13-35.320) and statewide ADU law may also limit local controls — check the Hercules ADUs page and California ADU law; see § 13-35.320 and state guidance for conflicts .
  • Design review is a common gate for exterior changes: most new and expanded projects are subject to design review (see § 13-42.200) — coordinate design review submittals early; see the Hercules Design Review page for submittal expectations .

Inline resources (first mentions above):

  • Hercules Zoning & planning overview (/us/california/hercules)
  • Hercules Zoning (/us/california/hercules/zoning)
  • Hercules Land Use (/us/california/hercules/land-use)
  • Hercules Parking (/us/california/hercules/parking)
  • Hercules Design Review (/us/california/hercules/design-review)
  • Hercules Overlay Districts (/us/california/hercules/overlay-districts)
  • Hercules ADUs (/us/california/hercules/adu)
  • California Building Standards Code (/us/california/building-codes)
  • Hercules Landscaping and Screening (/us/california/hercules/landscaping-and-screening)

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy before plan approval)

  • Confirm the parcel zoning designation (see § 13-5.200) and pull the correct district table (Table 13-6.x, 13-11.x, 13-15.x, etc.) .
  • Ensure proposed building heights, lot coverage, setbacks, and FAR/density meet the district table values or secure a PDP/variance if relying on exceptions (§ 13-5.400, § 13-48, § 13-51.300) .
  • Confirm whether the project triggers design review and submit required design materials as per § 13-42.200 .
  • Provide parking calculations per Chapter 13-32 (district tables defer to Chapter 13-32) and show on site plan where parking affects setbacks or site coverage .
  • If proposing ADUs, confirm compliance with § 13-35.320 and state ADU law; verify that lot coverage, open space, or FAR standards will not be used to unlawfully preclude an ADU (state ADU constraints apply) .
  • If adjacent to residential, check special buffer/setback footnotes that raise minimum setbacks for industrial or commercial uses (I district footnotes) .
  • Verify any nonconforming status & restrictions if the property or building is nonconforming (see Chapter 13-47) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
PDP flexibility vs. standard tables Many numeric standards can be relaxed by a Planned Development Plan; relying on typical table numbers can understate what will be allowed Confirm whether the parcel is within a PDP or subject to a PDP negotiation; read the table footnotes and consult Chapter 13-48
FAR applicability to residential Several district tables state FAR "does not apply to residential development." Misapplying FAR can produce wrong max floor area Verify the district table footnotes and the district chapter (e.g., Table 13-6.1 and its notes)
Adjacent residential buffer requirements for industrial sites Industrial tables require much larger setbacks near residences (50–100 ft) — these significantly affect buildable area Check adjacency determination (zoning and actual uses) and the industrial table footnotes (§ 13-9.500)
Conflicts with state ADU rules Local lot coverage, open space or FAR limits cannot be applied in a way that unlawfully precludes a qualifying ADU under state law Cross-check local ADU section § 13-35.320 with California ADU law and the state's ADU guidance (verify with planning staff)
Nonconforming structure limits on expansion Nonconforming structures cannot be enlarged to increase the discrepancy with current standards (Chapter 13-47) — that limits renovation plans Confirm nonconforming status and applicable Chapter 13-47 rules with staff; see § 13-47.200–310

If in doubt, "Verify with the jurisdiction" — many district specifics and PDP allowances are parcel- or project-specific.

Plain-English Summary

Hercules sets numeric development limits (setbacks, heights, lot coverage, FAR or density) in district tables in Title 13; commercial and mixed-use districts use FAR ranges, while residential districts emphasize density and height limits. Many tables allow adjustments through a Planned Development Plan or design review, so verify district table footnotes, check whether your site is inside a PDP, and submit design-review materials early. See the cited sections for the exact numbers and exceptions.

Source References

  • Hercules Zoning Ordinance — general property standards and district tables: § 13-5.400 .
  • Residential district tables and rules: § 13-6.100 – § 13-6.500 (Table 13-6.1/13-6.2) .
  • Design review requirements: § 13-42.200 .
  • Historic Town Center (HTC) table and standards: § 13-12.100 / § 13-12.200 (Table 13-12.2) .
  • PC-R (Planned Commercial–Residential) property standards (Table 13-15.2): § 13-15.500 .
  • PC-I property standards (Table 13-14.2): § 13-14.500 .
  • Industrial district tables and buffers (Table 13-9.2): § 13-9.500 .
  • Waterfront Commercial (WC) table (Table 13-17.2): § 13-17.500 .
  • I-R district tables: § 13-13.500 (Tables 13-13.1/13.2) .
  • Planned Development and variance authority (PDP & Variances): Chapter 13-48 / § 13-51.300 (variances including setbacks, FAR, height) .
  • Accessory structures and ADUs: Chapter 13-35 (Accessory uses and § 13-35.210; § 13-35.320 for ADUs) .
  • State ADU guidance (for where local rules are limited by state law): California ADU handbook and state law reference (see California ADU law page) .
  • Hercules Zoning & planning overview: /us/california/hercules
  • Hercules Zoning: /us/california/hercules/zoning
  • Hercules Land Use: /us/california/hercules/land-use
  • Hercules Parking: /us/california/hercules/parking
  • Hercules Design Review: /us/california/hercules/design-review
  • Hercules Overlay Districts: /us/california/hercules/overlay-districts
  • Hercules ADUs: /us/california/hercules/adu
  • California Building Standards Code (Title 24): /us/california/building-codes

Information Gaps / Items not found in retrieved materials

  • Precise numerical front/side/rear setback minima for each subcategory of RS-L (the residential table shows coverage and heights but some front/side numerical minima are given in related subsections or PDP footnotes). Verify the particular row in Table 13-6.2 and local zoning map for parcel-specific minima — the ordinance text references those tables but parcel-specific map designations determine exact minimum lot sizes and setbacks; see § 13-6.500 .
  • Exact chapter-numbered text for Chapter 13-48 (PDP procedural steps) was mentioned in footnotes but the complete PDP procedures and application submittal checklist are not reproduced in the retrieved table snippets. Consult Chapter 13-48 directly at the city or contact planning staff. Not found in retrieved materials: full PDP application checklist.
  • The parking chapter (13-32) was referenced in table footnotes but the parking-count matrix and dimensional layout rules are not included in the table snippets shown; check Chapter 13-32 for stall counts, compact stall allowances and EV/ADA requirements. Not found in retrieved materials: full Chapter 13-32 content in this search result set.

Verify these items with the jurisdiction.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Hercules Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Hercules Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Hercules Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • CBC § 3 (Section 18901) High relevance
  • Hercules Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Hercules Zoning Code High relevance
  • Hercules Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Hercules Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Hercules Zoning Code (Chapter 13-32) High relevance
  • Hercules Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Hercules Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
  • Hercules Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Hercules Zoning Code (Chapter 13-) High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R-1 lot in Hercules?

Hercules uses district codes RS-E and RS-L rather than an "R-1" label; permitted uses on single-family lots are set in Table 13-6.1 (single-family homes are permitted in RS-E and RS-L) and accessory uses such as ADUs are allowed per § 13-35.320; check the specific parcel's zoning (RS-E vs RS-L) and the Table 13-6.1 entries for allowed uses and setbacks § 13-6.400–500 .

What are Hercules setback requirements?

Setbacks are established in each district's property development table (for example, residential setbacks are in Table 13-6.1/13-6.2 § 13-6.500; HTC uses front 10 ft, side 5 ft, rear 20 ft in Table 13-12.2) — always pull the table for your zoning district because footnotes and PDP authority can change minima § 13-12.200; § 13-6.500 .

How tall can I build in Hercules?

Maximum heights are specified per district table (examples: 35 ft in many residential districts, up to 90 ft in some RM-H areas, 50 ft in CP, 25 ft in WC). See the district table that applies to your parcel (e.g., § 13-6.500 for residential; § 13-11.500 for CP) .

Does Hercules use FAR or density limits?

Yes — commercial and mixed-use districts commonly use FAR ranges (for example CP 0.10–1.00, PC-R 0.20–4.0, PC-I 0.25–0.50) while residential districts emphasize density (du/acre) and height limits. Some district tables state that FAR does not apply to residential development — check the district table footnote you are using § 13-15.2; § 13-6.500 .

Do I need design review for my project in Hercules?

Most new and expanded development (except minor additions/repairs) is subject to design review; the general requirement is set out in § 13-42.200, and individual district chapters also note design review requirements for new development (for example, HTC and NTC) .

Can I get smaller setbacks or higher heights through a Planned Development Plan?

Yes. Many district tables explicitly allow lesser setbacks, altered lot sizes, or increased heights as part of an approved Planned Development Plan (PDP). Look for the PDP footnotes in the district table and consult Chapter 13-48 for the PDP procedure; also consider variance rules in § 13-51.300 that list setbacks, height, FAR and site coverage among possible variance topics .

Will industrial setbacks change if my site is next to houses?

Yes — the industrial district tables include special buffer setbacks when adjacent to existing residences (example: minimum 50 ft front and 100 ft side/rear when adjacent to residences in the I district) — see Table 13-9.2 and its footnotes § 13-9.500 .

Can lot coverage or FAR stop me from building an ADU?

State ADU law limits local rules from being used to preclude ADUs of certain minimum sizes. The Hercules code allows ADUs across residential districts (Table 13-6.1 referencing § 13-35.320), but you must check whether lot coverage or FAR limits would unlawfully deny an ADU; if in doubt, verify with planning staff and refer to state ADU law guidance .

Where do I find the parking counts that affect site coverage?

District tables defer to Chapter 13-32 for off-street parking and loading regulations (see the parking footnote in most tables). The parking chapter contains stall counts and layout standards — consult Chapter 13-32 and the Hercules Parking page for the full requirements .

What happens if my building is already nonconforming to current standards?

Nonconforming structures and uses are allowed to continue in many cases, but additions that increase the nonconformity are restricted (see Chapter 13-47, e.g., § 13-47.200–310) — verify the nonconforming status and restrictions early in project planning . ---

More in Hercules code

Ask about any Hercules property

Get a cited, plain-English answer on Hercules zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.

Start Free Trial

More Hercules zoning topics

Hercules Zoning

Hercules Land Use

Hercules Parking

Hercules Design Review

Hercules Overlay Districts

Hercules Historic Preservation

Hercules Signage

Hercules Nonconforming Uses

Hercules Variances and Exceptions

Hercules Landscaping and Screening

Hercules overview