Norwalk R-H zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R-H (Residential Horse Property Zone) is a zoning district in Norwalk. Every value below was read from the Norwalk 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-H

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 § 17.05.320 · code text No primary building or structure in an R-H zone shall exceed two stories or 30 feet in height, whichever is the lesser.
Maximum number of stories	2 stories § 17.05.320 · code text No primary building or structure in an R-H zone shall exceed two stories or 30 feet in height, whichever is the lesser.
Minimum front setback	20% of lot depth, max 20 ft § 17.05.330 · code text Every lot and every parcel in an R-H zone shall have a front yard of not less than 20% of the lot depth, but such front yard need not exceed 20 feet for the first story.
Minimum side setback	10% of lot width, but at least 5 ft Applies: interior and corner lots; first story § 17.05.340 · code text Interior lots or parcels and corner lots or parcels shall have a side yard on each side of the lot or parcel of not less than 10% of the width of the lot or parcel, provided that such side yard shall be not less than five feet in width for the first story and 10 feet in width for the second story.
Minimum rear setback	20% of lot depth, no more than 20 ft required Applies: lots and parcels less than 150 feet in depth § 17.05.350 · code text Every lot and every parcel in excess of 150 feet in depth shall have a rear yard with a depth of 90 feet, measured from the easterly edge of the Los Angeles Flood Control Channel; and lots and parcels less than 150 feet in depth shall have a rear yard with a depth not less than 20% of the depth of such lot or parcel, but such rear yard depth need not exceed 20 feet.
Maximum lot coverage	40% § 17.05.384 · code text The maximum allowable lot coverage shall not exceed 40% of the lot size.
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)	40% § 17.05.386 · code text The maximum allowable floor area ratio shall not exceed 40% of the lot size.

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-H:

Minimum front setback: 5 ft farther back than the first story — second story § 17.05.330
Minimum side setback: 10% of lot width, but at least 10 ft — interior and corner lots; second story § 17.05.340
Minimum rear setback: 90 ft — lots and parcels in excess of 150 feet in depth; measured from the easterly edge of the Los Angeles Flood Control Channel § 17.05.350

Not on this page

We did not find a general lot size, density limit for R-H in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Norwalk Municipal Code.

Other Norwalk zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Norwalk's R-H zone?

30 ft — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.05.320.

What is the maximum number of stories in Norwalk's R-H zone?

2 stories — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.05.320.

What is the minimum front setback in Norwalk's R-H zone?

20% of lot depth, max 20 ft — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.05.330.

What is the minimum side setback in Norwalk's R-H zone?

10% of lot width, but at least 5 ft (interior and corner lots; first story) — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.05.340.

What is the minimum rear setback in Norwalk's R-H zone?

20% of lot depth, no more than 20 ft required (lots and parcels less than 150 feet in depth) — Norwalk Municipal Code § 17.05.350.

General information, not legal advice.