Oakland · Zoning · D-WS-2
Oakland D-WS-2 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Oakland's D-WS-2 zone, generally buildings can be up to 65 ft. tall and the front setback is 10 ft., with the conditions listed below (Oakland code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 65 ft.
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft. (Wood Street)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft.
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.4 (Nonresidential uses)
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 850 sf. of lot area
D-WS-2 is a zoning district in Oakland. Every value below was read from the Oakland 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 D-WS-2
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 | 65 ft. § 17.101A.030 · code textTable row “Max. Height”, column “D-WS-2”: 65 ft. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft. Applies: Wood Street § 17.101A.030 · code textTable row “Wood Street”, column “D-WS-2”: 10 ft. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft. § 17.101A.030 · code textTable row “Min. Interior Setbacks”, column “D-WS-2”: 5 ft. |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 1.4 Applies: Nonresidential uses § 17.101A.030 · code textTable row “Max. FAR for Nonresidential Uses”, column “D-WS-2”: 1.4 |
| Maximum density | 1 unit per 850 sf. of lot area § 17.101A.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Permitted Density for Regular Dwelling Units”, column “D-WS-2”: 1 unit per 850 sf. of lot area |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in D-WS-2:
- Minimum front setback: 0 ft. — 12th Street § 17.101A.030
- Minimum front setback: 0 ft. — Frontage Road § 17.101A.030
- Minimum front setback: 0 ft. — 14th Street § 17.101A.030
- Minimum front setback: 0 ft. — Public Access Areas § 17.101A.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, rear setback, lot size, lot coverage limit for D-WS-2 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Oakland Municipal Code.
Other Oakland zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Oakland's D-WS-2 zone?
65 ft. — Oakland Municipal Code § 17.101A.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Oakland's D-WS-2 zone?
10 ft. (wood Street) — Oakland Municipal Code § 17.101A.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Oakland's D-WS-2 zone?
5 ft. — Oakland Municipal Code § 17.101A.030.
What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Oakland's D-WS-2 zone?
1.4 (nonresidential uses) — Oakland Municipal Code § 17.101A.030.
What is the maximum density in Oakland's D-WS-2 zone?
1 unit per 850 sf. of lot area — Oakland Municipal Code § 17.101A.030.
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about an Oakland property in D-WS-2
Ask GoCodebook what you can build at a specific address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question