Oakland HBX-2 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

HBX-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 HBX-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	45 ft Applies: when the lot abuts a street right-of-way that is less than 80 ft. wide § 17.65.100 · code text Table row “Maximum height”, column “HBX-2”: 45 ft. when the lot abuts a street right-of-way that is less than 80 ft. wide; 55 ft. when the lot abuts a street right-of-way that is 80 ft. wide or more.
Minimum lot size	2,500 sq ft § 17.65.060 · code text Table row “Minimum lot area”, column “HBX-2”: 2,500 sf.
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)	2.5 Applies: when the lot abuts a street right-of-way that is less than 80 ft. wide § 17.65.080 · code text Table row “Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR)”, column “HBX-2”: 2.5 when the lot abuts a street right-of-way that is less than 80 ft. wide; 3.0 other wise.
Maximum density	800 sq ft per unit Applies: Regular Dwelling Unit § 17.65.070 · code text Table row “Regular Dwelling Unit”, column “HBX-2”: 800 sf. of lot area per unit

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in HBX-2:

Maximum building height: 55 ft — when the lot abuts a street right-of-way that is 80 ft. wide or more § 17.65.100
Maximum building height: 30 ft — at the setback line associated with any rear or interior side lot line that abuts a lot in a RH, RD, or RM Residential Zone § 17.65.100
Maximum building height: 95 ft — structures on lots adjacent to, or directly across the street from, a freeway right-of-way or BART right-of-way containing above-ground tracks; within the closest 125 ft of the lot; upon granting of a Conditional Use Permit and approval pursuant to the Regular design review procedure § 17.65.100
Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — when a rear lot line abuts any portion of a lot in a Residential Zone § 17.65.110
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 3.0 — when the lot abuts a street right-of-way that is 80 ft. wide or more § 17.65.080
Maximum density: 400 sq ft per unit — Rooming Unit § 17.65.070
Maximum density: 400 sq ft per unit — Efficiency Dwelling Unit § 17.65.070

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, front setback, side setback, rear setback, lot coverage limit for HBX-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

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Oakland's HBX-2 zone?

45 ft (when the lot abuts a street right-of-way that is less than 80 ft. wide) — Oakland Municipal Code § 17.65.100.

What is the minimum lot size in Oakland's HBX-2 zone?

2,500 sq ft — Oakland Municipal Code § 17.65.060.

What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Oakland's HBX-2 zone?

2.5 (when the lot abuts a street right-of-way that is less than 80 ft. wide) — Oakland Municipal Code § 17.65.080.

What is the maximum density in Oakland's HBX-2 zone?

800 sq ft per unit (regular Dwelling Unit) — Oakland Municipal Code § 17.65.070.

General information, not legal advice.