Lincoln · Zoning · R-1
Lincoln R-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Lincoln's R-1 zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 6,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Lincoln code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft (principal buildings and structures)
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 60%
R-1 (R-1 Single-Family Residential District) is a zoning district in Lincoln. Every value below was read from the Lincoln 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 Applies: principal buildings and structures § 18.12.030 · code textThe maximum height for principal buildings and structures in the R-1 district shall be 35 feet. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 18.12.070 · code textThere shall be a front yard of not less than 20 feet in depth. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 18.12.070 · code textThere shall be a side yard of not less than five feet. |
| Minimum lot size | 6,000 sq ft § 18.12.040 · code text(2) Interior lot: 6,000 square feet. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 60% § 18.12.050 · code textThe maximum lot coverage by all structures and buildings in the R-1 district shall not exceed 60 percent of the lot area. |
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.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit
- Church or place of worship — 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 side setback: 10 ft — side street yard on corner lots § 18.12.070
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — other than accessory buildings; when structures are not adjacent to an alley § 18.12.070
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft — other than accessory buildings; when adjacent to an alley § 18.12.070
- Minimum rear setback: None required — Accessory building of 255 sq ft or less, next to an alley; each foot of setback allows 5 more sq ft, up to 15. § 18.12.070
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft — accessory buildings of 255 square feet in area or less, when not adjacent to an alley § 18.12.070
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, rear setback, FAR, density limit for R-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Lincoln Municipal Code.
Other Lincoln zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Lincoln's R-1 zone?
35 ft (principal buildings and structures) — Lincoln Municipal Code § 18.12.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Lincoln's R-1 zone?
20 ft — Lincoln Municipal Code § 18.12.070.
What is the minimum side setback in Lincoln's R-1 zone?
5 ft — Lincoln Municipal Code § 18.12.070.
What is the minimum lot size in Lincoln's R-1 zone?
6,000 sq ft — Lincoln Municipal Code § 18.12.040.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Lincoln's R-1 zone?
60% — Lincoln Municipal Code § 18.12.050.
General information, not legal advice.
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