Rancho Palos Verdes · Zoning · OR
Rancho Palos Verdes OR zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Rancho Palos Verdes's OR zone, generally buildings can be up to 16 ft (1 story) tall and the minimum lot size is 1 acre, with the conditions listed below (Rancho Palos Verdes code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 16 ft (Institutional buildings.)
- Maximum number of stories: 1 story (Institutional buildings.)
- Minimum lot size: 1 acre (the planning commission may permit a smaller lot if it provides open area for public or neighbors' use)
- Maximum lot coverage: 10%
OR (Open Space Recreation) is a zoning district in Rancho Palos Verdes. Every value below was read from the Rancho Palos Verdes 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 OR
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 | 16 ft Applies: Institutional buildings. § 17.34.050 · code textInstitutional buildings erected in the city shall have a building height not greater than 16 feet and shall not exceed one story, except with the approval of a conditional use permit by the planning commission, pursuant to chapter 17.60 (Conditional Use Permits). |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 1 story Applies: Institutional buildings. § 17.34.050 · code textInstitutional buildings erected in the city shall have a building height not greater than 16 feet and shall not exceed one story, except with the approval of a conditional use permit by the planning commission, pursuant to chapter 17.60 (Conditional Use Permits). |
| Minimum lot size | 1 acre Applies: the planning commission may permit a smaller lot if it provides open area for public or neighbors' use § 17.34.050 · code textNo lot shall be created with an area of less than one acre, except that the planning commission may permit a smaller lot or may rezone a smaller lot to the open space recreation district upon finding that such smaller lot will provide for an open area which is to be used by the general public or a group of property owners. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 10% § 17.34.050 · code textLot area covered by buildings or structures shall not exceed ten percent of the total lot area. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in OR:
- Maximum building height: More than 16 ft — Institutional buildings with approval of a conditional use permit by the planning commission. § 17.34.050
- Minimum lot size: Less than 1 acre — Planning commission may permit or rezone a smaller lot upon the stated finding. § 17.34.050
Not on this page
We did not find a general front setback, side setback, rear setback, FAR, density limit for OR in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code.
Other Rancho Palos Verdes zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Rancho Palos Verdes's OR zone?
16 ft (institutional buildings) — Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code § 17.34.050.
What is the maximum number of stories in Rancho Palos Verdes's OR zone?
1 story (institutional buildings) — Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code § 17.34.050.
What is the minimum lot size in Rancho Palos Verdes's OR zone?
1 acre (the planning commission may permit a smaller lot if it provides open area for public or neighbors' use) — Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code § 17.34.050.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Rancho Palos Verdes's OR zone?
10% — Rancho Palos Verdes Municipal Code § 17.34.050.
General information, not legal advice.
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