Moraga · Zoning · R-12
Moraga R-12 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Moraga's R-12 zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft (3 stories) tall and the front setback is 15 ft, with the conditions listed below (Moraga code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft (Developments fronting or abutting a major scenic corridor also follow the stepback rules of Section 8.200.050.)
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories (Lots with more than 1 dwelling unit; lots with 1 unit are limited to 2 stories)
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft (Lots with more than 1 unit or compact single-family; porch may be nine feet; driveway portion needs 20 ft; scenic corridor sites follow Section 8.200.050)
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft (Any lot except compact single-family housing; major scenic corridor sites follow Section 8.200.050 rules.)
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft (Except developments fronting or abutting a major scenic corridor, which follow the setback and stepback rules of Section 8.200.050.)
- Maximum lot coverage: 60%
- Maximum density: 12 dwelling units per acre (the code sets a range: at least 10, at most 12 units per acre)
R-12 (Twelve Dwelling Unit Per Acre Multifamily Residential District) is a zoning district in Moraga. Every value below was read from the Moraga 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-12
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: Developments fronting or abutting a major scenic corridor also follow the stepback rules of Section 8.200.050. § 8.33.050 · code textTable row “Maximum building height”, column “More than 1 dwelling unit per lot”: 35 feet (see A5) |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories Applies: Lots with more than 1 dwelling unit; lots with 1 unit are limited to 2 stories § 8.33.050 · code textTable row “Maximum stories”, column “More than 1 dwelling unit per lot”: 3 |
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft Applies: Lots with more than 1 unit or compact single-family; porch may be nine feet; driveway portion needs 20 ft; scenic corridor sites follow Section 8.200.050 § 8.33.050 · code textTable row “Minimum front yard setback”, column “More than 1 dwelling unit per lot”: 15 feet (see A1, A2 & A5) |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft Applies: Any lot except compact single-family housing; major scenic corridor sites follow Section 8.200.050 rules. § 8.33.050 · code textTable row “Minimum side yard setback”, column “More than 1 dwelling unit per lot”: 10 feet; 20 feet average for three-story structures (see A5) |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft Applies: Except developments fronting or abutting a major scenic corridor, which follow the setback and stepback rules of Section 8.200.050. § 8.33.050 · code textTable row “Minimum rear yard setback”, column “More than 1 dwelling unit per lot”: 15 feet (see A5) |
| Maximum lot coverage | 60% § 8.33.050 · code textTable row “Maximum lot coverage”, column “More than 1 dwelling unit per lot”: 60 percent |
| Maximum density | 12 dwelling units per acre Applies: the code sets a range: at least 10, at most 12 units per acre § 8.33.040 · code textA. To the extent consistent with state law, the developer/property owner may choose to develop property in this district at a minimum of ten dwelling units per acre, and at no more than twelve (12) dwelling units per acre except as provided in subsection B of this section. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-12:
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft — 1 dwelling unit per lot, not compact single-family housing § 8.33.050
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft — Compact single-family housing, 1 dwelling unit per lot § 8.33.050
- Minimum side setback: 20 ft average — More than 1 dwelling unit per lot, three-story structures § 8.33.050
- Minimum lot size: 3,600 square feet — Compact single-family housing, 1 dwelling unit per lot; lots may not exceed 4,500 sq ft § 8.33.050
- Minimum lot size: 10,000 square feet — 1 dwelling unit per lot § 8.33.050
- Minimum lot size: 6,500 square feet — More than 1 dwelling unit per lot § 8.33.050
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot size, FAR limit for R-12 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Moraga Municipal Code.
Other Moraga zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Moraga's R-12 zone?
35 ft (developments fronting or abutting a major scenic corridor also follow the stepback rules of Section 8.200.050) — Moraga Municipal Code § 8.33.050.
What is the maximum number of stories in Moraga's R-12 zone?
3 stories (lots with more than 1 dwelling unit; lots with 1 unit are limited to 2 stories) — Moraga Municipal Code § 8.33.050.
What is the minimum front setback in Moraga's R-12 zone?
15 ft (lots with more than 1 unit or compact single-family; porch may be nine feet; driveway portion needs 20 ft; scenic corridor sites follow Section 8.200.050) — Moraga Municipal Code § 8.33.050.
What is the minimum side setback in Moraga's R-12 zone?
10 ft (any lot except compact single-family housing; major scenic corridor sites follow Section 8.200.050 rules) — Moraga Municipal Code § 8.33.050.
What is the minimum rear setback in Moraga's R-12 zone?
15 ft (except developments fronting or abutting a major scenic corridor, which follow the setback and stepback rules of Section 8.200.050) — Moraga Municipal Code § 8.33.050.
General information, not legal advice.
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