Oakland · Zoning · HBX-3
Oakland HBX-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Oakland's HBX-3 zone, buildings can be up to 55 ft tall and the minimum lot size is 2,500 sq ft (Oakland code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 55 ft
- Minimum lot size: 2,500 sq ft
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 2.5 (3.0 may be allowed with a Conditional Use Permit)
- Maximum density: 700 sq ft per unit (Regular Dwelling Unit)
HBX-3 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-3
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 | 55 ft § 17.65.100 · code textTable row “Maximum height”, column “HBX-3”: 55 ft. |
|---|---|
| Minimum lot size | 2,500 sq ft § 17.65.060 · code textTable row “Minimum lot area”, column “HBX-3”: 2,500 sf. |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 2.5 Applies: 3.0 may be allowed with a Conditional Use Permit § 17.65.080 · code textTable row “Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR)”, column “HBX-3”: 2.5 permitted; 3.0 may be allowed upon the granting of a Conditional Use Permit. |
| Maximum density | 700 sq ft per unit Applies: Regular Dwelling Unit § 17.65.070 · code textTable row “Regular Dwelling Unit”, column “HBX-3”: 700 sf. of lot area per unit |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in HBX-3:
- 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 — may be allowed upon the granting of a Conditional Use Permit § 17.65.080
- Maximum density: 350 sq ft per unit — Rooming Unit § 17.65.070
- Maximum density: 350 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-3 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 HBX-3 zone?
55 ft — Oakland Municipal Code § 17.65.100.
What is the minimum lot size in Oakland's HBX-3 zone?
2,500 sq ft — Oakland Municipal Code § 17.65.060.
What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Oakland's HBX-3 zone?
2.5 (3.0 may be allowed with a Conditional Use Permit) — Oakland Municipal Code § 17.65.080.
What is the maximum density in Oakland's HBX-3 zone?
700 sq ft per unit (regular Dwelling Unit) — Oakland Municipal Code § 17.65.070.
General information, not legal advice.
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