Portola · Zoning · HDR
Portola HDR zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Portola's HDR zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 2,205 sq ft (Portola code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (Interior lot)
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Minimum lot size: 2,205 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
- Maximum density: 8 to 15 units per gross acre (As provided by the General Plan; the code sets a range: at least 8, at most 15)
HDR is a zoning district in Portola. Every value below was read from the Portola 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 HDR
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 | 35 ft § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Height Limit”, column “HDR”: 35 ft. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Front Setback”, column “HDR”: 20 ft. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft Applies: Interior lot See note 1 below the table in the code. § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Side Setback”, column “HDR”: 10 ft. if adjacent to the edge of a publicly or privately maintained street, right-of-way, and/or sidewalk (1), 5 ft. for an interior lot Note 1: The measurement is to be taken from the back of a publicly or privately maintained street or sidewalk. However, it should be noted that in certain cases, the city's right-of-way may extend further than the edge of the street or sidewalk. In these cases, the city maintains its property rights over such right-of-way and all rights and privileges included therein. The property owner is required to ve |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Rear Setback”, column “HDR”: 10 ft. |
| Minimum lot size | 2,205 sq ft § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Min. lot size”, column “HDR”: 2,205 s.f. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Site Coverage”, column “HDR”: Maximum of 50% |
| Maximum density | 8 to 15 units per gross acre Applies: As provided by the General Plan; the code sets a range: at least 8, at most 15 § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Max. density per lot”, column “HDR”: As provided by General Plan From 8 to 15 units per gross acre |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in HDR:
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Adjacent to the edge of a publicly or privately maintained street, right-of-way, or sidewalk § 17.16.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR limit for HDR in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Portola Municipal Code.
Other Portola zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Portola's HDR zone?
35 ft — Portola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Portola's HDR zone?
20 ft — Portola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Portola's HDR zone?
5 ft (interior lot) — Portola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Portola's HDR zone?
10 ft — Portola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Portola's HDR zone?
2,205 sq ft — Portola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a Portola property in HDR
Ask GoCodebook what you can build at a specific address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question