Redlands — Development Standards

Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes the development standards (setbacks, heights, lot coverage, density/FAR, and related dimensional rules) that apply under the City of Redlands Land Use Zoning Ordinance (Title 18). It is Redlands‑specific: each district below cites the exact controlling code section(s) and interprets how the standards operate in practice for typical residential and commercial projects. Verify parcel‑specific questions with the City; where the ordinance text is not explicit I note "Not found in retrieved materials."

(Links: the city's zoning menu is Redlands Zoning and the general city planning overview is Redlands — Zoning & Planning overview. This page also references local rules for parking, design review, overlay districts, ADUs, and the California Building Standards Code where the code explicitly defers to building/fire rules.)

District-by-district development standards

Notes on format: each subsection names the district in bold, gives the purpose, typical permitted uses (where the zoning chapter identifies them), then lists the key objective dimensional standards (lot area/dimensions, density, maximum coverage, height, and critical setback rules) with the controlling code citation for each requirement.

A-1-20 (Agricultural)

• Purpose: protect agricultural land and prevent incompatible encroachment. See § 18.21.010 .
• Typical permitted uses: agricultural production, orchards, some single‑family residences; see the zone’s permitted uses chapter § 18.21.030 .
• Key dimensional standards:
  • Minimum lot area: 20 acres — § 18.21.060 .
  • Minimum lot width: 660 ft; depth: 1,200 ft — § 18.21.070 .
  • Maximum coverage: 10% — § 18.21.090 .
  • Height limits: zone contains its own height rules (see § 18.21.100) — § 18.21.100 .
• Where it applies: large agricultural parcels around the city; consult the Zoning Map in § 18.04 and chapter headers for parcel applicability .

R-E (Residential Estate)

• Purpose: large‑lot single‑family residential uses; see § 18.36.010 .
• Typical permitted uses: single‑family dwellings and estate‑scale accessory uses (see § 18.36.020) .
• Key dimensional standards:
  • Minimum lot area: 14,000 sq ft — § 18.36.040 .
  • Minimum width: 100 ft; depth: 120 ft — § 18.36.050 .
  • Maximum coverage: 25% — § 18.36.070 .
  • Height: 2.5 stories or 35 ft — § 18.36.080 .
  • Front yard: 25 ft minimum — § 18.36.090 .

R-1 / R-1-D / R-S / R-A / R-A-A / R-R / R-R-A (Single‑family districts and SB9-eligible single‑family districts)

• Purpose & permitted uses: single‑family residential districts permitting detached dwellings; check the specific subsection for the district name in Title 18 (e.g., R‑1 chapter headings). See the Redlands zoning menu for district maps Redlands Zoning.
• Key notes and SB 9/two‑unit overlay: Redlands adopted a local two‑unit (SB 9 style) article that applies to lots in single‑family districts listed above; the definitions and allowed two‑unit projects are codified at § 18.156.1310–1320 et seq. . Relevant controls:
  • Two‑unit projects permitted in specified single‑family zones (see § 18.156.1310–1330 for eligibility and development standards) .
  • Setbacks and unit size flexibilities: two‑unit developments must conform to objective setbacks of the underlying zone but Redlands allows exceptions to avoid precluding two 800‑sq‑ft units; minimum side/rear setbacks may be reduced to 4 ft where needed and 0 ft interior side may be allowed for shared walls between newly created adjacent lots (zero‑lot‑line shared wall), subject to conditions § 18.156.1330(F)(5) .
  • Height: units must follow the underlying zone’s height limits § 18.156.1330(F)(2) .
  • Parking: each new primary dwelling unit generally requires 1 off‑street parking space unless transit/car‑share proximity exceptions apply § 18.156.1330(F)(6) .
  • Application rules & owner eligibility for two‑unit projects are in § 18.156.1320 (application requirements) .

(For the historic preservation exceptions and occupancy history restrictions for a two‑unit project see § 18.156.1330(C–E)) .

R-2 (Two‑family / medium‑density residential)

• Purpose: medium‑density residential development. See chapter header § 18.52. .
• Typical permitted uses: duplexes, small multi‑unit walk‑ups; consult § 18.52.020 for the full list .
• Key dimensional standards:
  • Minimum lot area: 8,000 sq ft — § 18.52.080 .
  • Minimum width: 80 ft; depth: 100 ft — § 18.52.090 .
  • Maximum density: 1 unit per 2,900 sq ft; minimum density: 1 unit per 4,150 sq ft (subject to other standards) — § 18.52.100 .
  • Maximum coverage: 45% — § 18.52.110 .
  • Height: 2.5 stories or 35 ft — § 18.52.120 .
  • Front yard setback: 25–40 ft depending on configuration § 18.52.130 .
  • Side yards: 5 ft (one‑story) / 10 ft (two‑story) — § 18.52.140 .

R-2-2000 (Lower‑density two‑family)

• Key dimensional standards (chapter 18.56):
  • Minimum lot area: 12,000 sq ft — § 18.56.110 .
  • Maximum coverage: 45% — § 18.56.140 .
  • Height: up to 3 stories (see § 18.56.150) — § 18.56.150 .
  • Front yard: 25–40 ft (1–2 story); 35–50 ft (3+ story) — § 18.56.160 .

R-3 (Multi‑family residential)

• Purpose: higher‑density multi‑family development. See the R‑3 chapter § 18.60 .
• Key dimensional standards:
  • Minimum lot area (per lot): 10,000 sq ft; minimum width 80 ft; depth 120 ft — § 18.60.090 .
  • Density: maximum 1,450 sq ft of lot area per dwelling unit (equivalent methodology) and minimum 2,075 sq ft per unit; see § 18.60.100 (density is expressed as lot area per unit) .
  • Maximum coverage: 60% — § 18.60.110 .
  • Height: up to 4 stories (see exceptions in § 18.152.030) — § 18.60.120 .
  • Front yard: 15 ft (1–2 story); 20 ft (3 story); 25 ft (4 story); max front setback 40 ft — § 18.60.130 .
  • Side and rear yard rules escalate with stories — see § 18.60.140–150 .

PRD (Planned Residential Development)

• Purpose: flexibility for unified residential projects; PRD provisions can supersede some base zone standards when approved by the Planning Commission (see § 18.144.030 and purpose § 18.144.010) .
• Key standards (project‑level):
  • Maximum coverage for PRD projects: 30% of total project area — § 18.144.130 .
  • Density and heights: densities follow the underlying zone unless otherwise approved; height provisions of the underlying zone apply unless modified § 18.144.120–140 .
  • Yards, open space, private outdoor living area, and grading controls are specifically spelled out in § 18.144.150–280 and are part of the Commission review package .

C-4 (Regional Commercial)

• Key dimensional standards (chapter 18.96):
  • No general height limit in C‑4 but floor area cannot exceed 4 sq ft of building per 1 sq ft of lot area (FAR = 4.0) — § 18.96.120 .
  • Maximum coverage: 50% (exceptions when structured parking provided) — § 18.96.160 .
  • Yard provisions follow C‑3 rules (see § 18.96.130 referencing C‑3) — § 18.96.130 .

C‑M (Commercial‑Manufacturing)

• Key dimensional standards (chapter 18.100):
  • Minimum lot area: 20,000 sq ft; min width 100 ft; depth 150 ft — § 18.100.100–110 .
  • No absolute height limit, but total floor area to lot area ratio limited to 2.0 (FAR = 2.0) — § 18.100.120 .
  • Maximum coverage: 50% — § 18.100.160 .

I‑P (Industrial Park)

• Key dimensional standards (chapter 18.112):
  • Front yard: 25 ft; side/rear yards: none generally except where abutting residential — § 18.112.120 .
  • Maximum coverage: 50% — § 18.112.140 .
  • Where I‑P abuts residential or park, a 6 ft masonry wall and ten‑foot landscaped front strip are required — § 18.112.120–130 .

Quick standards comparison (decision‑relevant table)

Notes: the code sometimes expresses density as “square feet of lot area per dwelling unit” rather than units/acre; check the specific zone chapter when calculating unit yield (examples: § 18.60.100, § 18.52.100) .

How the code treats setbacks, ADUs, and two‑unit conversions

• Setbacks generally follow the underlying district yard rules (front/side/rear) as codified in each zone chapter (e.g., § 18.52.130–150 for R‑2; § 18.60.130–150 for R‑3) .
• For ADUs, Redlands has an ADU article that requires ADUs to comply with local objective development standards but must allow at least an 800 sq ft ADU with 4 ft side/rear setbacks consistent with state ADU law; see Redlands ADU policy § 18.156.460 and state law guidance in the state ADU handbook (state provisions summarized in the city’s ADU article) . Link to the local ADU information: Redlands ADUs.
• Two‑unit projects (local SB 9 implementation) are in § 18.156.1310–1330; they specify owner‑applicant rules, applicability to single‑family zones (explicit list), parking waivers tied to transit proximity, and deed restriction requirements for SB 9 lot‑split projects § 18.156.1320–1330 .

(For parking rules see the City's parking chapter 18.164 and the short‑distance parking exceptions for SB 9/two‑unit projects in § 18.156.1330(F)(6); see the local parking guidance at Redlands Parking ) .

Checklist

• Confirm zoning district for the parcel on the Redlands zoning map (Redlands Zoning).
• Identify the controlling district chapter(s) and read the exact yard/height/coverage §§ cited above (e.g., § 18.52.080–150 for R‑2) .
• For multi‑unit or PRD projects, prepare a Commission/Planning application consistent with PRD rules § 18.144.030–320 .
• If proposing an ADU, confirm local ADU rules and minimum ADU allowances (see § 18.156.460) and State ADU limitations — link: Redlands ADUs and California ADU law .
• If pursuing a two‑unit or SB 9 lot split, comply with § 18.156.1310–1330 (owner eligibility, deed restriction, parking exceptions) and provide required sworn statements/evidence where specified .
• Check overlay or historic district constraints (see Redlands Overlay Districts and Redlands Historic Preservation); if in a historic district, additional review or different standards may apply § 18.156.1330(D) .
• Verify whether project is in a Fire Hazard Severity Zone — wildfire/fuel modification rules and California Building Code Chapter 7A obligations are often referenced in project standards § 18.156.1330(G); coordinate with Fire and Building departments .
• Account for off‑site improvements, dedications, and right‑of‑way setbacks measured from planned ROW (see § 18.188.060–070) .
• Prepare study submittals required by zone (slope analysis for hillside, grading plans per § 18.138, traffic for certain use types) .

Risks & Ambiguities

Plain‑English Summary

Redlands’ Title 18 spells out district‑specific setbacks, height caps, lot coverage, and density rules (expressed either as lot area per unit or as FAR) that you must follow; special local rules for two‑unit (SB 9 style) projects and ADUs add specific exceptions (e.g., reduced side/rear setbacks down to 4 ft and shared‑wall options) but still require compliance with the underlying zone’s height and many objective standards — see the controlling code sections cited above and verify parcel specifics with Planning § 18.156.1310–1330, § 18.156.460 .

Source References

• Title 18 (Zoning Regulations), City of Redlands — general title and provisions § 18.04.010–060 .
• A‑1‑20 Agricultural District: § 18.21.010–170 (lot area, coverage, height) .
• R‑E Residential Estate: § 18.36.040–120 (lot area, width, height, yards) .
• R‑2: § 18.52.080–150 (lot area, density, coverage, height, yards) .
• R‑2‑2000: § 18.56.110–160 (lot area, coverage, height, yards) .
• R‑3: § 18.60.090–150 (lot area, density, coverage, height, yards) .
• PRD Planned Residential Development: § 18.144.010–380 (PRD standards and procedures) .
• Two‑unit / SB 9 local article: § 18.156.1310–1330 (Definitions, application requirements, development standards) .
• Second units / ADUs: § 18.156.460 and related ADU provisions in Title 18; cross‑referenced State ADU guidance in the local ADU article and state ADU handbook (state law summarized in the city’s ADU provisions) .
• Commercial/Industrial chapters referenced: C‑4 § 18.96.100–210 (FAR/coverage) ; C‑M § 18.100.100–210 (FAR/coverage) ; I‑P § 18.112.120–170 (yards, landscaping, coverage) .
• Grading, slopes, and hillside controls: chapter 18.138 (HD Hillside Development District) and 18.212 (Land Development Standards) for grading/retaining walls § 18.138.060, § 18.212.010 .
• Right‑of‑way/dedication and building permit prerequisites: § 18.188.060–090 (setbacks measured from proposed ROW; prerequisites to occupancy) .

If you want, I can produce a one‑page parcel checklist tailored to a specific Redlands address — provide the parcel APN or address and I’ll pull the controlling zone chapter and list the exact §§ you must satisfy. Verify everything with the City of Redlands planning staff before filing.

Retrieved passages

• CBC § 800 (Article I) High relevance show source text
• Redlands Zoning Code (§ 66411.7) High relevance show source text
• Redlands Zoning Code (chapter 18.08) High relevance show source text
• Redlands Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance show source text
• Redlands Zoning Code (§ 20.20) High relevance show source text
• Redlands Zoning Code (chapter shall) High relevance show source text
• CFC § 1 (Title 15) High relevance show source text
• CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) High relevance show source text
• Redlands Zoning Code (chapter 18.138) High relevance show source text
• Redlands Zoning Code (§ 31.53) High relevance show source text
• CWUIC § 164 (Article I) High relevance show source text
• Redlands Zoning Code (section 18.168.220) Medium relevance show source text
• Redlands Zoning Code (title individually) Medium relevance show source text

Cited sections

• Title 18 (Zoning Regulations), City of Redlands — general title and provisions **§ 18.04.010–060** . (Title 18)
• **A‑1‑20 Agricultural District**: **§ 18.21.010–170** (lot area, coverage, height) . (§ 18.21.010)
• **R‑E Residential Estate**: **§ 18.36.040–120** (lot area, width, height, yards) . (§ 18.36.040)
• **R‑2**: **§ 18.52.080–150** (lot area, density, coverage, height, yards) . (§ 18.52.080)
• **R‑2‑2000**: **§ 18.56.110–160** (lot area, coverage, height, yards) . (§ 18.56.110)
• **R‑3**: **§ 18.60.090–150** (lot area, density, coverage, height, yards) . (§ 18.60.090)
• **PRD Planned Residential Development**: **§ 18.144.010–380** (PRD standards and procedures) . (§ 18.144.010)
• **Two‑unit / SB 9 local article**: **§ 18.156.1310–1330 (Definitions, application requirements, development standards)** . (§ 18.156.1310)
• **Second units / ADUs**: **§ 18.156.460** and related ADU provisions in Title 18; cross‑referenced State ADU guidance in the local ADU article and state ADU handbook (state law summarized in the city’s ADU provisions) . (§ 18.156.460)
• **Commercial/Industrial chapters referenced**: C‑4 **§ 18.96.100–210** (FAR/coverage) ; C‑M **§ 18.100.100–210** (FAR/coverage) ; I‑P **§ 18.112.120–170** (yards, landscaping, coverage) . (§ 18.96.100)
• Grading, slopes, and hillside controls: chapter **18.138** (HD Hillside Development District) and **18.212** (Land Development Standards) for grading/retaining walls **§ 18.138.060**, **§ 18.212.010** . (§ 18.138.060)
• Right‑of‑way/dedication and building permit prerequisites: **§ 18.188.060–090** (setbacks measured from proposed ROW; prerequisites to occupancy) . (§ 18.188.060)
• Redlands_ZoningCode.md
• 2025 California ADU handbook.md

• Official Redlands code library