Orinda · Zoning · RL-20
Orinda RL-20 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Orinda's RL-20 zone, buildings can be up to 27 ft (2 ½ stories) tall, the front setback is 25 ft and the minimum lot size is 20,000 sq ft (Orinda code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 27 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 2 ½ stories
- Minimum front setback: 25 ft
- Minimum side setback: 15 ft (per side; both side yards together must be at least 35 ft, except on parts of the lot over 50 ft from the front line)
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft
- Minimum lot size: 20,000 sq ft
RL-20 is a zoning district in Orinda. Every value below was read from the Orinda 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 RL-20
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 | 27 ft § 17.4.2 · code textTable row “Maximum Building Height (feet)”, column “RL-20”: 27 |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 ½ stories § 17.4.2 · code textTable row “Maximum Building Height (stories)”, column “RL-20”: 2 ½ |
| Minimum front setback | 25 ft § 17.4.2 · code textTable row “• Front Yard 1”, column “RL-20”: 25 |
| Minimum side setback | 15 ft Applies: per side; both side yards together must be at least 35 ft, except on parts of the lot over 50 ft from the front line § 17.4.2 · code textTable row “• Side Yard”, column “RL-20”: 15 |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft § 17.4.2 · code textTable row “• Rear Yard”, column “RL-20”: 15 |
| Minimum lot size | 20,000 sq ft § 17.4.2 · code textTable row “Prescribed Lot Area (square feet, or as noted)”, column “RL-20”: 20,000 |
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot coverage, FAR, density limit for RL-20 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Orinda Municipal Code.
Other Orinda zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Orinda's RL-20 zone?
27 ft — Orinda Municipal Code § 17.4.2.
What is the maximum number of stories in Orinda's RL-20 zone?
2 ½ stories — Orinda Municipal Code § 17.4.2.
What is the minimum front setback in Orinda's RL-20 zone?
25 ft — Orinda Municipal Code § 17.4.2.
What is the minimum side setback in Orinda's RL-20 zone?
15 ft (per side; both side yards together must be at least 35 ft, except on parts of the lot over 50 ft from the front line) — Orinda Municipal Code § 17.4.2.
What is the minimum rear setback in Orinda's RL-20 zone?
15 ft — Orinda Municipal Code § 17.4.2.
General information, not legal advice.
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