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Orinda · Zoning · RVL

Orinda RVL zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

In Orinda's RVL zone, buildings can be up to 27 ft (2 ½ stories) tall, the front setback is 25 ft and the minimum lot size is 5 acres (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: 50 ft
  • Minimum rear setback: 25 ft
  • Minimum lot size: 5 acres

RVL 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 RVL

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 text
Table row “Maximum Building Height (feet)”, column “RVL”: 27
Maximum number of stories
2 ½ stories
§ 17.4.2 · code text
Table row “Maximum Building Height (stories)”, column “RVL”: 2 ½
Minimum front setback
25 ft
§ 17.4.2 · code text
Table row “• Front Yard 1”, column “RVL”: 25
Minimum side setback
50 ft
§ 17.4.2 · code text
Table row “• Side Yard”, column “RVL”: 50
Minimum rear setback
25 ft
§ 17.4.2 · code text
Table row “• Rear Yard”, column “RVL”: 25
Minimum lot size
5 acres
§ 17.4.2 · code text
Table row “Prescribed Lot Area (square feet, or as noted)”, column “RVL”: 5 acres

Not on this page

We did not find a general lot coverage, FAR, density limit for RVL 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

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Orinda's RVL zone?

27 ft — Orinda Municipal Code § 17.4.2.

What is the maximum number of stories in Orinda's RVL zone?

2 ½ stories — Orinda Municipal Code § 17.4.2.

What is the minimum front setback in Orinda's RVL zone?

25 ft — Orinda Municipal Code § 17.4.2.

What is the minimum side setback in Orinda's RVL zone?

50 ft — Orinda Municipal Code § 17.4.2.

What is the minimum rear setback in Orinda's RVL zone?

25 ft — Orinda Municipal Code § 17.4.2.

General information, not legal advice.

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