Local zoning · Pleasant Hill

Pleasant Hill — Development Standards

Q: How tall can I build in MX-VHD?

Up to 85 ft maximum building height, with a 5 ft minimum front and corner side setbacks and 5 ft rear setback; min site landscaping 15% (§ 18.20.030). Stepbacks apply if adjoining single-family zones and the building exceeds 35 ft (§ 18.20.040.C.3).

Q: Are there special setbacks on Scenic Routes?

Yes. The Scenic Route setback is 25 ft measured from the street to the closest wall/projection; no new structures, grading, or fill are allowed in that area (§ 18.90.030). Confirm your route designation.

Q: What if my building over 35 feet adjoins single-family zoning?

You must either step back 1 foot for every foot over 35 ft , or add that amount to required side/rear setbacks (up to +10 ft ) (§ 18.15.040.E for residential; § 18.20.040.C.3 for mixed-use).

Q: How much open space do multi-family projects need?

Provide at least 200 sq ft of usable open space per unit , with no common open space dimension under 10 ft , and meet objective design standards (§ 18.15.040.G).

Q: Can storefront windows be covered by signage or displays?

Not more than 30% of any storefront window/door pane may be blocked or made opaque, unless approved; some exceptions apply (§ 18.25.040.G).

Q: What relief is available if I can’t meet a setback or coverage?

A Minor Exception can reduce setbacks up to 20% (with minimums like 16 ft front, 3 ft side, 5 ft rear), increase lot coverage up to +10% of the standard, or increase FAR up to +10% ; larger deviations require a Variance (§ 18.130.020).

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

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Quick answer

In Pleasant Hill, single-family districts generally require 15–25 ft front setbacks, 5–15 ft side setbacks (aggregate 15–35 ft), a 15 ft rear setback, and cap height at 35 ft (§ 18.15.030). Mixed-use heights range to 85 ft in MX‑VHD, with corridor-based commercial minimums of 25%/15%/10% of total GFA (§ 18.20.030; § 18.20.040.B). HPUD hillside sites are limited to 35 ft height and must keep grading ≤30%/15% and impervious ≤15%/8% by slope band (§ 18.35.040).

Last reviewed: July 25, 2026 · AI-generated analysis · General information, not legal advice · details

Compiled from Pleasant Hill's adopted code with AI research tools and grounded in the sources cited below. Verify with Pleasant Hill planning staff before relying on it.

Overview

Pleasant Hill’s development standards live in Title 18 (Zoning Ordinance) and control where buildings sit on a lot, how tall they can be, how much of a site they can cover, and related site rules. The city applies base-district standards and adds district-specific requirements for residential, mixed-use, commercial/industrial, parks/recreation, open space, and hillside areas. Many projects will also need to meet citywide rules on parking, landscaping and screening, scenic-route and creek setbacks, and—in some cases—objective design and design review.

Buildings over 35 feet that adjoin a single-family zone must step back 1 foot horizontally for every foot above 35 feet, or increase side/rear setbacks by that same amount (max +10 feet) to soften massing at the edge (§ 18.15.040.E; § 18.20.040.C.3).

Citywide anchors you’ll see repeated

The Zoning Map applies base and any overlay districts (§ 18.05.050); see Pleasant Hill Zoning.
Scenic Route setbacks are generally 25 ft and prohibit new structures, grading, or fill in the setback area (§ 18.90.030; tables cited below also show 25 ft).
Creek setbacks apply where relevant (see Chapter 18.70; referenced throughout the district tables).
Off-street parking is required per Table 18.80-A; limited exemptions apply near transit (§ 18.80.030).
Nonconforming structures are governed by Chapter 18.200; see Nonconforming Uses.
Minor Exceptions can adjust certain numeric standards by up to 10–20% in narrow cases (§ 18.130.020); larger relief requires a Variance (see Variances and Exceptions).

Residential Districts — Development Standards (§ 18.15.030; § 18.15.040)

Table 18.15-B governs the single-family districts (R-20, R-15, R-10, R-10A, R-7, R-6) and multi-family districts (MFVL, MFL, MFM, MFH, MFVH) and references additional rules in § 18.15.040.

Key cross-cutting residential rules

Garages: any garage door or driveway facing a property line must be set back ≥20 ft from that property line or from a private vehicular access easement (§ 18.15.040.C).
Buildings >35 ft adjacent to single-family zones must use stepbacks or added side/rear setbacks (1:1 above 35 ft, up to +10 ft) (§ 18.15.040.E).
Multi-family usable open space: 200 sq ft/unit minimum; no common open space dimension under 10 ft (§ 18.15.040.G).
Scenic Route setback: 25 ft (§ 18.15.030 Table 18.15-B; Chapter 18.90).
Creek setbacks apply where present (Chapter 18.70; cited in Table 18.15-B).

R-20

Purpose/uses: Single-family residential (shown as a Single-Family column in Table 18.15-B) (§ 18.15.030).
Key standards: Front 25 ft, Side 15 ft, Aggregate side 35 ft, Rear 15 ft, Height 35 ft, Lot coverage 25%, FAR 40% (§ 18.15.030).
Where it applies: As mapped on the Zoning Map (§ 18.05.050). Verify with the jurisdiction.

R-15

Purpose/uses: Single-family (§ 18.15.030 Table 18.15-B).
Key standards: Front 20 ft, Side 10 ft, Aggregate side 25 ft, Rear 15 ft, Height 35 ft, Lot coverage 25%, FAR 40% (§ 18.15.030).
Where: As mapped (§ 18.05.050).

R-10

Purpose/uses: Single-family (§ 18.15.030).
Key standards: Front 20 ft, Side 5 ft, Aggregate side 15 ft, Rear 15 ft, Height 35 ft, Lot coverage 30%, FAR 40% (§ 18.15.030).
Where: As mapped (§ 18.05.050).

R-10A

Purpose/uses: Single-family; avg lot size 10,000 sq ft, minimum lot size 7,000 sq ft (footnote) (§ 18.15.030).
Key standards: Front 20 ft, Side 5 ft, Aggregate side 15 ft, Rear 15 ft, Height 35 ft, Lot coverage 35%, FAR 40% (§ 18.15.030).
Where: As mapped (§ 18.05.050).

R-7

Purpose/uses: Single-family (§ 18.15.030).
Key standards: Front 15 ft, Side 5 ft, Aggregate side 15 ft, Rear 15 ft, Height 35 ft, Lot coverage 35%, FAR 40% (§ 18.15.030).
Where: As mapped (§ 18.05.050).

R-6

Purpose/uses: Single-family (§ 18.15.030).
Key standards: Front 15 ft, Side 5 ft, Aggregate side 15 ft, Rear 15 ft, Height 35 ft, Lot coverage 35%, FAR 40% (§ 18.15.030).
Where: As mapped (§ 18.05.050).

RMD — Residential Mixed-Density

Purpose/uses: Standards set through a site-wide master plan before development (§ 18.15.030.C).
Key standards: Established in the approved master plan (table entries are asterisked to this effect) (§ 18.15.030.C).
Where: Sites zoned RMD on the Zoning Map (§ 18.05.050). Verify with the jurisdiction.

MFVL — Multi-Family Very Low Density

Purpose/uses: Multi-family residential (§ 18.15.030).
Key standards: Front 15 ft, Side 10 ft, Aggregate side 20 ft, Rear 15 ft, Height 35 ft, Lot coverage 50%, Site landscaping 35% (§ 18.15.030).
Where: As mapped (§ 18.05.050).

MFL — Multi-Family Low Density

Purpose/uses: Multi-family (§ 18.15.030).
Key standards: Front 15 ft, Side 10 ft, Aggregate side 20 ft, Rear 15 ft, Height 35 ft, Lot coverage 50%, Site landscaping 35% (§ 18.15.030).
Where: As mapped (§ 18.05.050).

MFM — Multi-Family Medium Density

Purpose/uses: Multi-family (§ 18.15.030).
Key standards: Front 15 ft, Side 10 ft, Aggregate side 20 ft, Rear 15 ft, Height 40 ft, Lot coverage 50%, Site landscaping 30% (§ 18.15.030).
Where: As mapped (§ 18.05.050).

MFH — Multi-Family High Density

Purpose/uses: Multi-family (§ 18.15.030).
Key standards: Front 10 ft, Side 5 ft, Aggregate side 10 ft, Rear 15 ft, Height 50 ft, Lot coverage 60%, Site landscaping 25% (§ 18.15.030).
Where: As mapped (§ 18.05.050).

MFVH — Multi-Family Very High Density

Purpose: Intensive multi-family (40.1–73 du/ac) including apartments/condominiums (§ 18.15.010).
Key standards: Front 10 ft, Side 5 ft, Aggregate side 10 ft, Rear 15 ft, Height 75 ft, Lot coverage 70%, Site landscaping 15% (§ 18.15.030).
Where: As mapped (§ 18.05.050).

Accessory structures in residential districts

Floor area caps vary by zone (e.g., ≤500–600 sq ft per structure; cumulative ≤600–800 sq ft) (§ 18.15.060.A).
Height: 12 ft flat, 14 ft pitched; no roof decks; shed roofs must slope away from property lines (§ 18.15.060.B).
Side/rear setbacks: ≥3 ft up to 8 ft high; then +1 ft setback per 1 ft of height above 8 ft (not to exceed the base side-yard requirement) (§ 18.15.060.C).
Special front/corner rules for small arbors; creek setbacks still apply (§ 18.15.060.F–G).

ADUs

Accessory dwelling units have their own chapter and are not limited by base residential density; ADU setbacks are measured to the furthest projection and apply citywide (§ 18.15.050.D.12; § 18.15.050.C). See the dedicated ADUs page.

Mixed-Use Districts — Development Standards (§ 18.20.030; § 18.20.040)

Applies to MX-NB, MX, MX-HD, MX-VHD. These districts blend residential with commercial. Additional adjacency and corridor-specific rules are crucial.

Lot area/width: 7,500 sq ft min; 75 ft width (all) (§ 18.20.030).
Front setbacks: 15 ft (MX-NB), 15 ft (MX), 10 ft (MX-HD), 5 ft (MX-VHD) (§ 18.20.030).
Side/rear: MX-NB has 5 ft sides; MX-HD/VHD have 5 ft rears; others “—” (none) (§ 18.20.030).
Height (max): 35 ft (MX-NB), 50 ft (MX), 60 ft (MX-HD), 85 ft (MX-VHD) (§ 18.20.030).
Commercial FAR (max, commercial portion): 0.75 (MX-NB/MX/MX-HD), 0.85 (MX-VHD) (§ 18.20.030).
Min site landscaping: 25% (MX-NB), 15% (others) (§ 18.20.030).
Scenic Route setback: 25 ft (§ 18.20.030; Chapter 18.90).
Corridor-based commercial share of total GFA on non-housing-opportunity sites: 25% (e.g., Contra Costa Blvd, Golf Club Dr, Monument Blvd, Downtown Specific Plan Area), 15% (Gregory Ln, Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill Rd), 10% (remaining areas) (§ 18.20.040.B; Table 18.20-C).
Adjoining single-family districts: stepbacks or extra setbacks above 35 ft height (1:1, max +10 ft) (§ 18.20.040.C.3).
Decorative hardscape may count toward landscaping up to 50% with commission approval (§ 18.20.040.D.2).
Office buildings >50,000 sq ft must provide showers, lockers, changing rooms (§ 18.20.040.E).
Setbacks measured from vehicular easements (§ 18.20.040.I).

Commercial, Office, and Industrial — Development Standards (§ 18.25.030; § 18.25.040)

Applies to NB, RB, PAO, C, LI. The purpose of each is summarized in § 18.25.010.

Lot area (min): 7,500 (NB/RB/C), 10,000 (PAO), 20,000 (LI) (§ 18.25.030, Table 18.25-B).
Lot width (min): 75 ft (NB/RB), 100 ft (PAO/LI), 50 ft (C) (§ 18.25.030).
Front setbacks: 25 ft (NB/RB), 20 ft (PAO/LI), 10 ft (C) (§ 18.25.030).
Side/rear: PAO requires 5 ft side and 20 ft rear; others often “—” (none) (§ 18.25.030).
Corner side: 25 ft (NB/RB), 20 ft (PAO/LI), 10 ft (C) (§ 18.25.030).
Height (max): 35 ft (all) (§ 18.25.030).
Commercial FAR (max, commercial portion): 0.35 (NB/PAO/C), 0.40 (RB/LI) (§ 18.25.030).
Min site landscaping: 25% (NB/RB), 30% (PAO), 20% (C/LI) (§ 18.25.030).
Scenic Route setback: 25 ft (§ 18.25.030; Chapter 18.90).
Additional standards: storefront window visibility (not more than 30% pane coverage unless approved), NPDES storm drain compliance, setbacks measured from vehicular easements (§ 18.25.040).

Parks & Recreation and Open Space

REC — Parks and Recreation (§ 18.45.030)

Setbacks: Front 20 ft, Side 5 ft, Corner side 15 ft, Rear 15 ft, Aggregate side 15 ft.
Height (max): 35 ft. Lot coverage (max): 30%. Scenic Route: 25 ft. Creek setbacks apply (Chapter 18.70).
Projects must meet Table 18.45-A or obtain entitlements (e.g., Development Plan, Architectural Review, Minor Exception, Variance, Use Permit) (§ 18.45.030.C).

OS — Open Space (§ 18.50.030)

No fixed density standard. Setbacks, lot coverage, and height are set case-by-case by the Zoning Administrator, consistent with the OS purpose (§ 18.50.030.C).
CEQA applies to all OS development (§ 18.50.030.B). Creek, tree removal, and water-efficient landscaping chapters apply (§ 18.50.030.D).

Hillside Planned Unit Development (HPUD) — Development Standards (§ 18.35.040; § 18.35.050)

Density tied to slope. Table 18.35-B shows allowed dwellings per net acre by average slope (e.g., 2.904 du/ac at 15% slope down to 0.200 du/ac at ≥43% slope). Fractional slope rounds up; unit counts do not round up (§ 18.35.040.A).
Small lots: A legal HPUD lot ≥15% slope and <15,000 sq ft may develop one single-family dwelling and an ADU, if all other standards are met (§ 18.35.040.A).
Grading cap: ≤30% of gross site area on 15–29.9% slopes; ≤15% on >29.9% slopes (§ 18.35.040.B.1).
Impervious coverage: ≤15% (15–29.9% slopes); ≤8% (≥30% slopes) (§ 18.35.040.B.2).
Noncompliance reduces allowable density until both grading and impervious limits are met (§ 18.35.040.B.3).
Height (max): 35 ft (§ 18.35.040.D). Setbacks follow the residential district that matches the project’s General Plan classification unless modified by § 18.35.050 (§ 18.35.040.E).
Environmental mitigation: planning commission may reduce unit count (not below minimum density) to protect hills/ridgelines, vegetation, scenic corridors, drainage/circulation, with findings under Gov Code 65589.5 (§ 18.35.040.C).
Design cues: protect ridge views, landscape to blend with terrain, encourage clustering, and limit roadway scarring (§ 18.35.050).

Planned Unit Development/Precise Plan Districts (PUD/PPD) — Standards (§ 18.30.040)

Minimum area: 4 acres; may approve smaller (≥2 acres with special site characteristics; ≥1 acre in nonresidential GP areas with findings) (§ 18.30.040.A).
Residential density must meet GP minimums; may not exceed GP maximums without a density bonus (§ 18.30.040.B; § 18.15.110).
PUD/PPD projects must meet Chapter 18.85 performance standards and any development standards adopted in the specific PUD/PPD plan (§ 18.30.040.C–D).

Decision-relevant standards at a glance

Topic	Core Rule	Code Reference
Single-family front setbacks	R-20: 25 ft; R-15: 20 ft; R-10/R-10A: 20 ft; R-7/R-6: 15 ft	§ 18.15.030 (Table 18.15-B)
Single-family side/aggregate	R-20: 15/35 ft; R-15: 10/25 ft; R-10/R-10A/R-7/R-6: 5/15 ft	§ 18.15.030 (Table 18.15-B)
Single-family max height	35 ft	§ 18.15.030 (Table 18.15-B)
Single-family lot coverage/FAR	R-20: 25%/0.40; R-15: 25%/0.40; R-10: 30%/0.40; R-10A: 35%/0.40; R-7/R-6: 35%/0.40	§ 18.15.030 (Table 18.15-B)
Multi-family heights	MFVL/MFL 35 ft; MFM 40 ft; MFH 50 ft; MFVH 75 ft	§ 18.15.030 (Table 18.15-B)
Multi-family site landscaping	MFVL/MFL 35%; MFM 30%; MFH 25%; MFVH 15%	§ 18.15.030 (Table 18.15-B)
MF usable open space	200 sq ft per dwelling unit (objective design standards apply)	§ 18.15.040.G
Mixed-use heights	MX-NB 35 ft; MX 50 ft; MX-HD 60 ft; MX-VHD 85 ft	§ 18.20.030 (Table 18.20-B)
Mixed-use commercial share	25%/15%/10% GFA by corridor category	§ 18.20.040.B (Table 18.20-C)
Commercial/industrial FAR (commercial)	0.35 (NB/PAO/C); 0.40 (RB/LI)	§ 18.25.030 (Table 18.25-B)
Scenic Route setback	25 ft; no structures/grading/fill within designated setback	§ 18.90.030; tables cited
HPUD grading/impervious caps	Grading 30%/15%; Impervious 15%/8% (by slope band)	§ 18.35.040.B
HPUD height	35 ft	§ 18.35.040.D
Adjacency stepbacks >35 ft	1:1 stepback or setbacks +1 ft/ft over 35 ft (max +10 ft)	§ 18.15.040.E; § 18.20.040.C.3
Minor Exceptions	Up to 20% setback reduction (floors: min 16 ft front, 3 ft side, 5 ft rear); +10% lot coverage; +10% FAR	§ 18.130.020

District-by-district notes — Commercial/Industrial purposes (context)

NB — Neighborhood Business: neighborhood-serving shops and services; scaled to adjacent neighborhoods (§ 18.25.010.B.1). Standards in Table 18.25-B (§ 18.25.030).
RB — Retail Business: city/regional-serving retail and services, including shopping centers (§ 18.25.010.B.2). Table 18.25-B applies (§ 18.25.030).
PAO — Professional & Administrative Office: business/medical/professional offices compatible with surroundings (§ 18.25.010.B.3). Table 18.25-B applies.
C — General Commercial: higher-intensity service commercial, including auto uses (§ 18.25.010.B.4). Table 18.25-B applies.
LI — Light Industrial: R&D, warehousing, assembly/light manufacturing in landscaped settings (§ 18.25.010.B.5). Table 18.25-B applies.

Use permissions within these districts are controlled by Table 18.25-A (§ 18.25.020). For projects involving signs, see Signage.

Overlays, historic, and special contexts

Overlay districts can supplement or supersede base standards where conflicts exist (§ 18.05.050.C); see Overlay Districts.
Scenic Routes: ensure the 25 ft setback is respected (§ 18.90.030).
If your property is within a historic or cultural resources overlay, additional rules may apply; see Historic Preservation.

Checklist

Confirm your base zoning and any overlays on the Zoning Map (§ 18.05.050).
Apply all base-district parcel dimensions, setbacks, height, lot coverage, FAR, and landscaping from the applicable table (§ 18.15.030; § 18.20.030; § 18.25.030; § 18.45.030; § 18.50.030).
If on a Scenic Route, hold a 25 ft setback clear of structures, grading, and fill (§ 18.90.030).
If near a creek, apply creek setbacks (Chapter 18.70, as referenced in district tables).
For residential adjacency and any building >35 ft, provide required stepbacks or added side/rear setbacks (§ 18.15.040.E; § 18.20.040.C.3).
For garages facing a property line/easement, provide a ≥20 ft setback (§ 18.15.040.C).
For multi-family, provide 200 sq ft/unit of usable open space (§ 18.15.040.G).
For mixed-use (non-housing-opportunity sites), meet the corridor-based minimum commercial percentage (§ 18.20.040.B).
For commercial storefronts, keep windows/doors at ≤30% opacity unless approved (§ 18.25.040.G).
For HPUD sites, calculate slope-based density, respect grading/impervious caps, and limit height to 35 ft (§ 18.35.040).
Confirm [parking] counts and any available reductions/exemptions (§ 18.80.030).
If standards can’t be met, assess a Minor Exception (e.g., ≤20% setback reduction) or Variance (§ 18.130.020; Chapter 18.165).
If in OS or RMD, coordinate early since standards are set by the Zoning Administrator or a master plan (§ 18.50.030.C; § 18.15.030.C).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Scenic Route designation	The 25 ft setback and “no grading/fill” rule only apply on designated routes	Whether your frontage is designated under Chapter 18.90 (§ 18.90.030)
Creek setback width	District tables defer to Chapter 18.70	Site-specific creek setback line and any exceptions (Chapter 18.70)
RMD standards	Most metrics are set in a master plan	The approved master plan for your RMD site (§ 18.15.030.C)
OS district standards	Set case-by-case by Zoning Administrator	The written ZA determination for setbacks/height/coverage (§ 18.50.030.C)
Mixed-use commercial %	Varies by corridor; exemption for Housing Opportunity Sites	Which corridor category applies; whether your site is a Housing Opportunity Site (§ 18.20.040.A–B)
>35 ft adjacency stepbacks	Impacts building envelope and yield	Whether your lot adjoins single-family zoning; pick stepback vs. added setback (§ 18.15.040.E; § 18.20.040.C.3)
HPUD slope/density math	Rounding rules can alter unit counts; grading/impervious caps can downshift density	Average percent slope, rounding, and whether performance caps force a density reduction (§ 18.35.040.A–B)
Storefront visibility	Overly covered windows can trigger corrections	Window treatment extent and approvals (§ 18.25.040.G)

Plain-English Summary

Pleasant Hill sets clear lot sizes, setbacks, height limits, and coverage/FAR by zoning district, with single-family lots generally needing 15–25 ft front yards and max 35 ft heights, and multi-family and mixed-use districts allowing taller buildings with tighter setbacks. Mixed-use projects must meet a corridor-specific minimum share of commercial space, and anything over 35 ft next to single-family lots must step back. Hillside (HPUD) sites get density from slope, with tight grading and impervious caps.

Source References

§ 18.05.050 (Establishment of Zoning Districts) — https://ecode360.com/PL4591
§ 18.15.010 (Residential purposes excerpt: MFVH; HPUD) — https://ecode360.com/PL4591
§ 18.15.030 (Development Standards – Residential Zoning Districts) — https://ecode360.com/PL4591
§ 18.15.040 (Additional Development Standards) — https://ecode360.com/PL4591
§ 18.15.050 (Accessory Dwelling Units) — https://ecode360.com/PL4591
§ 18.15.060 (Accessory Structures and Uses: Residential) — https://ecode360.com/PL4591
§ 18.15.110 (Density Bonus) — https://ecode360.com/PL4591
§ 18.20.030 (Development Standards – Mixed-Use Zoning Districts) — https://ecode360.com/PL4591
§ 18.20.040 (Additional Development Standards – Mixed-Use) — https://ecode360.com/PL4591
§ 18.25.010 (Purpose – Commercial/Office/Industrial) — https://ecode360.com/PL4591
§ 18.25.020 (Land Use Regulations – Commercial/Office/Industrial) — https://ecode360.com/PL4591
§ 18.25.030 (Development Standards – Commercial/Office/Industrial) — https://ecode360.com/PL4591
§ 18.25.040 (Additional Development Standards – Commercial/Office/Industrial) — https://ecode360.com/PL4591
§ 18.35.040 (Development Standards – HPUD) — https://ecode360.com/PL4591
§ 18.35.050 (Design Standards – HPUD) — https://ecode360.com/PL4591
§ 18.30.040 (Development Standards – PUD/PPD) — https://ecode360.com/PL4591
§ 18.45.030 (Development Standards – Parks & Recreation) — https://ecode360.com/PL4591
§ 18.50.030 (Development Standards – Open Space) — https://ecode360.com/PL4591
§ 18.80.030 (Number of Parking Spaces Required) — https://ecode360.com/PL4591
§ 18.90.030 (Scenic Route Setback Requirements) — https://ecode360.com/PL4591
§ 18.130.020 (Minor Exceptions) — https://ecode360.com/PL4591
§ 18.215.020; § 18.215.040; § 18.215.160 (Definitions) — https://ecode360.com/PL4591

Sources

Source passages

Pleasant Hill Zoning Code (§ 18.35.040) High relevance
Pleasant Hill Zoning Code (§ 18.25.030) High relevance
Pleasant Hill Zoning Code (§ 18.50.030) High relevance
Pleasant Hill Zoning Code (§ 18.45.030) High relevance
Pleasant Hill Zoning Code (§ 18.25.020) High relevance
Pleasant Hill Zoning Code (§ 18.215.160) High relevance
Pleasant Hill Zoning Code (§ 18.15.050) High relevance
Pleasant Hill Zoning Code (§ 18.15.030) High relevance
Pleasant Hill Zoning Code (§ 18.20.040) High relevance
Pleasant Hill Zoning Code (§ 18.20.030) High relevance
Pleasant Hill Zoning Code (§ 18.05.050) High relevance
Pleasant Hill Zoning Code (§ 18.130.020) High relevance
Pleasant Hill Zoning Code (§ 18.15.040) High relevance
Pleasant Hill Zoning Code (§ 18.30.040) High relevance
Pleasant Hill Zoning Code (§ 18.25.010) High relevance
Pleasant Hill Zoning Code (§ 18.15.110) Medium relevance

Cited sections

§ 18.05.050 (Establishment of Zoning Districts) — (§ 18.05.050)

Official Pleasant Hill code library

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R-1 lot in Pleasant Hill?

Not found in source materials. However, the single-family districts are R-20, R-15, R-10, R-10A, R-7, and R-6, each with specific setbacks, height, coverage, and FAR in Table 18.15-B (§ 18.15.030). Verify permitted uses with the jurisdiction.

What are standard residential setbacks and heights in Pleasant Hill?

Typical single-family standards range from front setbacks of 15–25 ft, side 5–15 ft (aggregate 15–35 ft), rear 15 ft, and height 35 ft, depending on the district (§ 18.15.030). Multi-family districts allow taller buildings (up to 75 ft in MFVH) with tighter setbacks (§ 18.15.030).

Do mixed-use projects have to include commercial space?

Yes, unless on a Housing Opportunity Site, mixed-use must dedicate a minimum % of total GFA to commercial: 25%, 15%, or 10% based on the corridor category in Table 18.20-C (§ 18.20.040.B). A Use Permit is required to reduce this (§ 18.20.040.B.3).

How tall can I build in MX-VHD?

Up to 85 ft maximum building height, with a 5 ft minimum front and corner side setbacks and 5 ft rear setback; min site landscaping 15% (§ 18.20.030). Stepbacks apply if adjoining single-family zones and the building exceeds 35 ft (§ 18.20.040.C.3).

What are the development limits on hillside (HPUD) sites?

Density follows average slope per Table 18.35-B, with grading capped at 30% of gross site area on 15–29.9% slopes (and 15% on steeper), impervious at 15%/8%, and height max 35 ft (§ 18.35.040.A–D). Noncompliance reduces allowable density (§ 18.35.040.B.3).

Are there special setbacks on Scenic Routes?

Yes. The Scenic Route setback is 25 ft measured from the street to the closest wall/projection; no new structures, grading, or fill are allowed in that area (§ 18.90.030). Confirm your route designation.

What if my building over 35 feet adjoins single-family zoning?

You must either step back 1 foot for every foot over 35 ft, or add that amount to required side/rear setbacks (up to +10 ft) (§ 18.15.040.E for residential; § 18.20.040.C.3 for mixed-use).

How much open space do multi-family projects need?

Provide at least 200 sq ft of usable open space per unit, with no common open space dimension under 10 ft, and meet objective design standards (§ 18.15.040.G).

Can storefront windows be covered by signage or displays?

Not more than 30% of any storefront window/door pane may be blocked or made opaque, unless approved; some exceptions apply (§ 18.25.040.G).

What relief is available if I can’t meet a setback or coverage?

A Minor Exception can reduce setbacks up to 20% (with minimums like 16 ft front, 3 ft side, 5 ft rear), increase lot coverage up to +10% of the standard, or increase FAR up to +10%; larger deviations require a Variance (§ 18.130.020).

General information, not legal advice.

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