Local zoning · Perris

Perris — Development Standards

Development Standards under the Perris local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

Ask a question free See coverage

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes the Perris municipal zoning development standards (setbacks, heights, lot coverage, density, FAR) as written in the city’s zoning ordinance. For quick orientation, see the Perris zoning & planning overview. The analysis below is Perris-specific and cites the controlling code sections; where the municipal text does not state a rule or a chapter title, I note that as an information gap. Verify parcel-level interpretations with the city prior to design submission.

How to read this page

  • Bolded terms are the code district names and the most decision‑relevant numeric standards (setbacks, heights, lot coverage, FAR).
  • Each numeric statement is grounded to the municipal code with the § citation and the retrieved file citation.
  • Links below point to Perris menu pages for related topics: parking, design review, overlays, ADUs, and the state building code (these are linked at the first natural mention).

District-by-district standards (actual Perris districts and code citations)

Note: The Perris ordinance text in the retrieval is organized under Chapter/Section numbers beginning with 19.xx. The subsections below use the district names that appear in those chapters and quote the numeric standards the ordinance actually provides.

R-8,400 (single-family residential)

  • Purpose & permitted uses: single detached homes and related residential accessory uses (permitted uses listed in the chapter). See the development criteria for single-family residential.
  • Key dimensional standards (typical single-family lot): Minimum lot area: 8,400 sq ft; Lot width: 65 ft (interior), 70 ft (corner); Lot depth: 100 ft. Lot coverage: one-story 60%, two-story 40%. Max height: 35 ft. Front setback (primary building): 20 ft; Garage setback: 20 ft side‑entry / 25 ft front‑entry; Side yard: 5 ft per story; Street side yard: 10 ft (one-story) / 15 ft (two-story); Rear yard: 25 ft. See § 19.23.080 and design criteria § 19.23.090 .

Practical note: the residential design guidelines and the landscaping/screening rules in Chapter 19.02 also apply and will affect lot layout and wall/fence design; see the city’s landscaping/screening page for more. Link: Perris Landscaping and Screening.

R-7,200 (single-family residential)

  • Purpose & permitted uses: detached single-family at roughly 4–6 du/acre (purpose appears in the chapter).
  • Key dimensional standards: Minimum lot area: 7,200 sq ft (chapter title); typical standards in § 19.24.080: Lot width: 60 ft (min); Lot depth: 100 ft (90 ft in cul‑de‑sac); Lot coverage: one‑story 60%, two‑story 40%; Max height: 30–35 ft (some R‑7,200 subsections show 35 ft measured to top of roof pitch for certain R‑7,200 sections; verify specific subsection). Front setback (primary building): 20 ft; Garage: 20/25 ft; Side yard: 5 ft per story; Street side: 10 ft (one story) / 15 ft (two story); Rear yard: 20 ft. See § 19.24.080 and § 19.24.090 .

Practical note: lot frontage minimums vary by tract (e.g., 65 ft interior / 70 ft corner / 50 ft cul‑de‑sac)—use the lot‑frontage rules in § 19.24.080 when planning subdivision layouts. § 19.24.080 .

R-6,000 (single-family residential)

  • Purpose & permitted uses: higher‑density single‑family lots (see the chapter).
  • Key standards (development criteria): Minimum lot area: 6,000 sq ft; Lot width: 60 ft (interior) (65 ft corner); Lot depth: 100 ft (90 ft on cul‑de‑sac); Lot coverage: single‑story 60%, two‑story 40%; Max height: 30 ft; Front setback (primary): 20 ft; Garage: 20/25 ft; Side yard: 5 ft per story; Rear: 20 ft. Building separation minimum 10 ft between buildings on same lot. See § 19.25.080 and § 19.25.090 .

Practical note: in R‑6,000 two‑story homes must respect the 5‑ft per‑story side‑yard rule and the additional cumulative setbacks for second stories on corner lots; check § 19.25.080 for corner/second‑story rules. § 19.25.080 .

R-20,000 (single-family residential, 20,000 sq ft minimum)

  • Purpose: The R-20,000 zone is expressly to preserve a rural single‑family/agricultural character (see § 19.21.010). See § 19.21.010 .
  • Development standards: The ordinance text for the R‑20,000 development standards (specific setbacks, lot coverage, heights) is not fully present in the retrieved materials for the standard section number for that chapter. Not found in retrieved materials for a definitive § 19.21.080 standards block. Verify R‑20,000 numeric standards with the city.

Business/Industrial: BP, LI, GI

  • Districts named BP (Business Park), LI (Light Industrial), and GI (General Industrial) have an explicit development criteria table. Key shared features from the table in the code: Minimum lot sizes typically 20,000 sq ft (BP) and 15,000 sq ft (LI & GI); Minimum lot frontage 100 ft (BP) and 75 ft (LI, GI) with exceptions for cul‑de‑sacs; FAR maximum: 0.75 across these zones; Maximum lot coverage: 50%; Maximum structure height: 50 ft (with a process to increase height to 100 ft if setbacks are increased as required). Front/street setbacks vary by street classification (local/collector 5–10 ft; arterials 10–20 ft; expressway/freeway larger). See § 19.44.030 (development criteria table) .

Practical note: the code allows height increases up to 100 ft if front/street and interior setbacks are increased proportionally (front/street yards increased 1 ft for each 1 ft of height increase beyond base; interior yards increased 1 ft for each 2 ft of height increase) — see the table note in § 19.44.030 .

Commercial / Other Nonresidential Chapters (examples)

  • Several commercial or mixed nonresidential chapters contain their own development criteria in the ordinance:
    • Sec. 19.36.080 (development criteria for a commercial chapter) shows minimum lot size 20,000 sq ft, FAR 0.5, max lot coverage 50%, max height 35 ft, and the same front/setback matrix tied to street classification. See § 19.36.080 .
    • Sec. 19.38.080 (another commercial/mixed-use chapter) includes minimum lot size one acre, FAR 0.75, max lot coverage 50%, max height 45 ft, and similar frontage/setback rules. See § 19.38.080 .

Because chapter titles for some of these chapters are not reproduced in the retrieved excerpt, treat the numeric rules as tied to the chapter/section cited above and verify the chapter name when working on a parcel. See the city’s Perris Zoning page for full chapter navigation. Link: Perris Zoning.

Mixed‑Use / MU (mixed‑use residential/commercial)

  • Development standards for Mixed‑Use projects are stated in Sec. 19.89.050: Minimum density: 15 du/acre, Maximum density: 30 du/acre (unless a density bonus applies), Lot coverage: no maximum, Max height: 55 ft, Minimum setbacks: Front 15 ft / Side 5 ft / Street side 10 ft / Rear 10–20 ft depending on building height, Building separation: 15 ft. See § 19.89.050 .

Practical note: Mixed‑use project parking and design will be evaluated under project review and may require a development plan review; refer to the city’s development plan review and design review rules. Link: Perris Design Review and Perris Parking.

Quick standards comparison (decision‑relevant excerpts)

District Min lot area Max height Typical max lot coverage Front setback (typical) Code Reference
R-8,400 8,400 sq ft 35 ft 60% (1‑story) / 40% (2‑story) 20 ft § 19.23.080
R-7,200 7,200 sq ft 35 ft (varies) 60% / 40% 20 ft § 19.24.080
R-6,000 6,000 sq ft 30 ft 60% / 40% 20 ft § 19.25.080
R-20,000 20,000 sq ft (zone title) Not found in retrieved materials Not found in retrieved materials Not found in retrieved materials § 19.21.010 (purpose)
BP / LI / GI 20,000 / 15,000 / 15,000 sq ft 50 ft (up to 100 ft with conditions) 50% Street‑type matrix (5–20 ft typical) § 19.44.030
Mixed‑Use (MU) No minimum lot size (project level) 55 ft No max Front 15 ft / Side 5 ft / Street side 10 ft § 19.89.050

How ADUs interact with development standards

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are allowed in zones that permit single‑family or mixed‑use housing and are subject to the underlying zone's development standards except where the ADU chapter provides modifications (for example, no minimum lot area required for ADUs, detached ADU height caps – typically 16–18 ft, and side/rear yard minimums of 4 ft or the underlying zone, whichever is less). See § 19.81.030–19.81.060 for the ADU rules. See Perris ADUs for administrative guidance and the California ADU law; building permits still must meet the California Building Standards Code. §§ 19.81.030–19.81.060 Link: Perris ADUs. Link: California Building Standards Code.

Important ADU items to note from the code: ADU height limits differ by type (detached vs attached), ADU setbacks may be reduced (to 4 ft) from the underlying zone, and ADU ministerial approval is allowed if the ADU meets the chapter standards. §§ 19.81.040–19.81.060 .

Administrative flexibility and exceptions

  • Minor Adjustments: The Director may authorize minor adjustments up to 25% for setbacks/landscaping, parking reductions, height/coverage increases, fence heights, and freestanding sign height increases. See the minor adjustment criteria in § 19.54.020 (minor adjustments list). § 19.54.020 .
  • Variances / Conditional Use: For deviations beyond minor adjustments, the code requires a variance or conditional use permit per Chapters 19.61 and 19.54 (see chapter matrix for review authority). § 19.54.030 .
  • Height Increases in Industrial/Other Zones: Height may be increased up to 100 ft where additional setbacks and screening are provided, typically via conditional use review; see § 19.44.030 and § 19.48.080. §§ 19.44.030 and 19.48.080 .

Link: Perris Variances and Exceptions.

Checklist (applicant must satisfy)

  • Confirm the parcel’s zoning designation in the Perris Zoning map and chapter (identify the exact chapter/section). Verify overlay districts (airport APZs, specific plans). Verify with the jurisdiction. (§ lookup in the municipal map) . Link: Perris Overlay Districts.
  • Confirm base zone development standards (min lot size, lot width/depth, front/side/rear setbacks, building height, lot coverage) and cite the controlling § for the parcel (e.g., § 19.23.080, § 19.24.080, § 19.25.080, § 19.44.030, § 19.89.050) .
  • Check ADU-specific standards in Chapter 19.81 if proposing an ADU (height, 4‑ft side/rear minimum where allowed, ministerial review). § 19.81.030–19.81.060 . Link: Perris ADUs.
  • Verify parking requirements per Chapter 19.69 and include required stalls on plans; parking reductions may be processed as minor adjustments or under shared‑parking provisions. Link: Perris Parking; see § 19.54.020 for minor adjustments. .
  • Check whether the site is within any airport compatibility area (APZs) or other overlays that change lot coverage, allowed uses, or require acoustic mitigation (see overlay chapters and § 19.51.130 for specific plans). § 19.51.130 . Link: Perris Overlay Districts.
  • If proposing exceptions (height increases, reduced setbacks), prepare a justification and pursue a Minor Adjustment (≤25%) or a Variance/Conditional Use per the applicable chapter. § 19.54.020 and § 19.61 (conditional use/variance procedures) . Link: Perris Variances and Exceptions.
  • Confirm that building permit drawings comply with the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) — code compliance review is separate from zoning. Link: California Building Standards Code.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Missing chapter title for some sections in retrieved excerpts The retrieval shows numeric development rules (e.g., § 19.36.080, § 19.38.080) but not the chapter headings that name the zone Confirm the chapter title and zone name that correspond to the section number on the city website or zoning map; don’t rely on memory. § 19.36.080, § 19.38.080
R‑20,000 numeric standards not present in retrieved materials The code provides the purpose for R‑20,000 at § 19.21.010 but a definitive standards block was not found in the excerpts Verify the specific R‑20,000 setbacks, height and lot coverage in the full code or with city staff. § 19.21.010
Parcel lies in an overlay (APZ, specific plan) Overlays can change max lot coverage, add noise/height constraints, or require different setbacks Check overlay map, APZ rules in the Airport Compatibility sections and any specific‑plan exempt status. See § 19.51.130 and APZ policies.
SB 9 / ministerial urban lot split rules SB 9 rules permit duplexes/splits in certain zones but local implementation details matter If using SB 9, verify applicability (which zones, which development standards apply) under § 19.30.020. § 19.30.020
ADU vs underlying zone conflicts ADU chapter allows some reductions (e.g., 4‑ft side/rear) and height caps different from the underlying zone Follow § 19.81.060; where ADU rules conflict with underlying zone, the ADU chapter governs to the extent allowed by state law. § 19.81.060

Plain-English Summary

Perris’ zoning code spells out district‑specific development standards for its residential zones (for example R‑6,000, R‑7,200, R‑8,400), industrial/business zones (BP, LI, GI) and mixed‑use projects. Typical residential rules set 20 ft front yards, 5 ft per story side setbacks, 30–35 ft heights and 40–60% lot coverage limits depending on story count; industrial/commercial zones use FAR caps (e.g., 0.5–0.75) and larger minimum lot sizes. Always cite the parcel’s specific § (examples: § 19.25.080, § 19.24.080, § 19.23.080, § 19.44.030, § 19.89.050) and check overlays or ADU rules that may modify those numbers. §§ 19.25.080, 19.24.080, 19.23.080, 19.44.030, 19.89.050

Source References

  • Perris Municipal Code excerpts (zoning development criteria): See § 19.23.080 (R‑8,400 development criteria) .
  • Perris Municipal Code excerpts (R‑7,200): § 19.24.080 and design criteria § 19.24.090 .
  • Perris Municipal Code excerpts (R‑6,000): § 19.25.080 and § 19.25.090 .
  • R‑20,000 purpose: § 19.21.010 (purpose) — numeric standards for R‑20,000 not found in retrieved excerpts; verify with the city. § 19.21.010 .
  • Industrial/business zones development table: § 19.44.030 (BP, LI, GI development criteria table) .
  • Commercial/mixed development examples: § 19.36.080 and § 19.38.080 (development criteria for specific commercial chapters in the code) .
  • Mixed‑use development standards: § 19.89.050 (density, height, setbacks) .
  • ADU chapter: §§ 19.81.030–19.81.070 (ADU applicability, standards, ministerial review) .
  • Minor adjustments and review authority: § 19.54.020–19.54.030 (minor adjustments list and review matrix) .
  • SB 9 (urban lot splits) applicability: § 19.30.020 .
  • Accessory buildings, pools and related setbacks: Chapter 19.29 excerpts (accessory building rules) .
  • Specific plan exemptions and overlay references: § 19.51.130 (site‑specific exemptions) .

If you need, I can pull the full text of the exact chapter that applies to your parcel (enter the parcel’s address or APN) so we can confirm the controlling § and any overlay constraints. Verify with the jurisdiction for parcel‑level interpretations.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • CBC § 19.44.020 (§ 19.44.020) High relevance
  • Perris Zoning Code (Section 19.81.060) High relevance
  • Perris Zoning Code (title may) High relevance
  • Perris Zoning Code (Chapter 19.29) High relevance
  • CFC § 4 (chapter and) High relevance
  • Perris Zoning Code (Chapter 19.29) High relevance
  • Perris Zoning Code (Chapter 19.29) High relevance
  • Perris Zoning Code (Chapter 19.61) High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R‑8,400 lot in Perris?

You can build one detached single‑family dwelling and accessory uses consistent with the R‑8,400 zone; development standards include 8,400 sq ft minimum lot area, 35 ft max height, 20 ft front yard, and lot coverage 60% (1‑story) / 40% (2‑story). Check § 19.23.080 for the precise measurements and design criteria. § 19.23.080

What are Perris setback requirements for typical single‑family homes?

Setbacks depend on the residential district but commonly are 20 ft front, 5 ft per story side, 10–15 ft street‑side, and 20–25 ft rear depending on district and lot type; see the specific zone section (e.g., § 19.25.080, § 19.24.080, § 19.23.080) for the exact numbers applicable to that zone. §§ 19.25.080, 19.24.080, 19.23.080

Do I need design review in Perris for a small commercial project?

Many projects require development plan review or design review depending on size and permit type; the development plan review matrix and authority are in § 19.54.030. You should expect design review for most discretionary commercial projects; ministerial projects may avoid discretionary review. § 19.54.030 Link: Perris Design Review.

What is Perris’ height limit in mixed‑use zones?

Mixed‑use projects typically have a maximum height of 55 ft under the mixed‑use development standards, though specific projects and density bonuses can change this; see § 19.89.050. § 19.89.050

How does Perris treat FAR and lot coverage in industrial zones?

The BP / LI / GI table caps FAR at 0.75 (and lot coverage at 50% for these zones); some commercial chapters list FAR caps of 0.5. See § 19.44.030 for the BP/LI/GI table and § 19.36.080 for another commercial example. § 19.44.030 § 19.36.080

Can I increase building height above the stated maximum?

Yes, but only through the mechanisms the code allows: industrial zones provide a path to increase height (e.g., up to 100 ft) if you proportionally increase setbacks and obtain the required discretionary approvals (conditional use permit, etc.). Minor adjustments can increase height/coverage up to 25% in limited cases; see § 19.44.030 and § 19.54.020. §§ 19.44.030, 19.54.020

What setbacks apply to an ADU in Perris?

ADUs follow the underlying zone for front setback; side and rear setbacks for ADUs may be reduced to 4 ft or follow the underlying zone, whichever is less. Detached ADU height is generally limited to 16 ft (18 ft near transit) for detached ADUs; see § 19.81.060. § 19.81.060

Are there minimum lot frontage rules I must know when subdividing?

Yes—residential chapters list minimum lot frontage by zone (examples: R‑8,400: 65 ft interior / 70 ft corner / 50 ft cul‑de‑sac; R‑7,200/ R‑6,000 have similar frontage minima). See each zone’s lot‑frontage rule in § 19.23.080, § 19.24.080, § 19.25.080. §§ 19.23.080, 19.24.080, 19.25.080

Does Perris limit residential density in mixed‑use projects?

Yes; mixed‑use chapters set minimum density 15 du/acre and maximum 30 du/acre (subject to density bonuses). See § 19.89.050 for the mixed‑use density range. § 19.89.050

How do airport overlays (APZs) affect permitted lot coverage and uses?

Airport protection overlay provisions restrict lot coverage and certain uses (APZ I/II rules and compatibility standards apply), may require sound attenuation, and limit certain hazardous uses; check the airport overlay and compatibility sections and the specific plan references (see § 19.51.130 for specific plans and overlay references). § 19.51.130 Link: Perris Overlay Districts.

More in Perris code

Ask about any Perris property

Get a cited, plain-English answer on Perris zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.

Start Free Trial

More Perris zoning topics

Perris Zoning

Perris Land Use

Perris Parking

Perris Design Review

Perris Overlay Districts

Perris Historic Preservation

Perris Signage

Perris Nonconforming Uses

Perris Variances and Exceptions

Perris Landscaping and Screening

Perris overview