Local zoning · Redondo Beach

Redondo Beach — Development Standards

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

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes the development standards in the City of Redondo Beach zoning ordinance as reflected in the municipal code excerpts retrieved (standards for setbacks, height, density, floor area ratio (FAR), and lot-area-per-unit). The local standards are organized by zone (for example R-1, RMD, RH-3, MU-2, MU-3, C-1, C-2, and several P zones) and are set out in titled code sections such as § 10-2.503 and § 10-5.914; specific limits for height, stories, FAR, and setbacks are provided in those sections and cited below. For questions that trigger parking or design triggers, also check the city's parking and design review rules: see the Redondo Beach Parking rules and Redondo Beach Design Review. Note: the retrieved materials use code numbering starting with § 10‑ (e.g., § 10-2.503), not “Title 17”; “Title 17” was Not found in retrieved materials.

The remainder of this page is organized zone-by-zone (district-by-district), followed by a compact standards table, a practical applicant checklist, a risks table, a plain-English homeowner summary, and a source list. Where the code text did not include a value (for example, explicit lot coverage percent), I note that as Not found in retrieved materials. Every quoted numeric standard is tied to the controlling municipal code section below.

R-1 (single-family residential)

Purpose & typical uses

  • R-1 is the single-family residential zone that generally allows one dwelling unit per lot (single-family), accessory uses, and the site design incentives listed in the code. See the development standards for the R-1 zone at § 10-2.503.

Key dimensional standards (code references)

  • Building height: 30 ft, maximum 2 stories — § 10-2.503.
  • Floor Area Ratio (FAR): base 0.65; FAR bonuses available up to an additional 0.15 (maximum combined 0.80) for specified design elements (porches, rear garages, second-story side setbacks, etc.) — § 10-2.503.
  • Front/side/rear setbacks: the code prescribes averaged and minimum setbacks (front setback averaging and second-story setback rules apply) — see § 10-2.503 for the R‑1 setback regime (front setback averaging, second-story offsets, and side setback exceptions for narrow lots).
  • Lot coverage: Not found in retrieved materials for R‑1. Verify with the jurisdiction.

Where it applies

  • Neighborhoods zoned R-1; consult the official zoning map and the city zoning overview at Redondo Beach Zoning.

Practical notes

  • Many common design features are specifically rewarded with FAR bonuses (porches, rear garages, second-story setbacks). Read § 10-2.503 carefully to plan for bonus eligibility.

RMD (medium-density multi-family)

Purpose & typical uses

  • RMD targets medium-density multi-family housing; typical uses include duplexes, small multi-family developments and associated accessory uses. See § 10-2.516 / § 10-5.516.

Key dimensional standards

  • Lot-area-per-unit / density: lots < 5,000 sq ft = one dwelling unit; lots ≥ 5,000 sq ft = 1 unit per 1,870 sq ft; maximum density 23.3 du/acre (with one unit allowed on any legal lot) — § 10-5.516.
  • Building height: 30 ft, max 2 stories — § 10-2.516 / § 10-5.516.
  • Setbacks: front setback average 18 ft (no point less than 12 ft); side setback 5 ft with frontage-based increases (see code table that increases side setback for wider frontages); rear setback averages 15 ft (no point less than 10 ft) — § 10-2.516 / § 10-5.516.
  • FAR / lot coverage: Not found as a single uniform percent in the retrieved RMD materials (verify with § references if needed).

Where it applies

  • Medium-density residential neighborhoods shown RMD on the city zoning map; check with Planning for site-specific applicability.

RH-1 / RH-2 / RH-3 (high-density multi-family)

Purpose & typical uses

  • The RH series regulates higher-density multi-family housing. Check the specific RH tier for exact density rules (RH‑3 is the highest density shown). See § 10-2.518 (RH-2) and § 10-5.519 / § 10-5.517 (RH zones).

Key dimensional standards (examples)

  • RH-2 / RH-3 lot area per unit: typically 1 unit per 1,452 sq ft (RH‑zones), and RH-3 caps at 30 du/net acre (subject to adjustments) — § 10-2.518 / § 10-5.519.
  • Building height: typical RH heights are 30–35 ft (varies by RH tier; RH‑3 references 35 ft with possible increases to 45 ft with density bonuses) — § 10-2.518 / § 10-5.519.
  • Setbacks: front setback averaging (e.g., 15 ft average; 12 ft minimum), side setbacks 5 ft (with frontage exceptions), and rear setback averages 15 ft (no point less than 10 ft) — § 10-2.518 / § 10-5.519.

Practical notes

  • Density bonuses (for affordable housing) can increase height and FAR in certain RH zones — read the density-bonus and affordable housing overlay rules (see AHO rules at § 10-2.1444).

MU-2 (mixed-use) and MU-3 (mixed-use)

Purpose & typical uses

  • MU-2 and MU-3 are mixed-use zones allowing commercial and residential components; MU-2 and MU-3 set different FAR, height and setback rules for mixed versus single-use projects. See § 10-5.914 (MU‑2) and § 10-5.915 (MU‑3).

Key dimensional standards

  • FAR:
    • MU-2: commercial-only FAR 0.7; mixed-use FAR 1.5 (all components combined); mixed-use must provide a minimum commercial FAR 0.3; any FAR above 0.7 must be residential — § 10-5.914(a).
    • MU-3: commercial-only FAR 1.0; mixed-use FAR 1.5; similar mixed-use commercial-minimum rules — § 10-5.915(a).
  • Residential density: MU-2: 1 unit per 1,452 sq ft; MU-3: 1 unit per 1,245 sq ft (MU‑3 caps at 35 du/acre) — § 10-5.914(b) and § 10-5.915(b).
  • Building height: MU-2 commercial-only 30 ft; mixed-use or residential uses 45 ft (mixed projects may be up to 45 ft and up to 3 stories for mixed-use) — § 10-5.914(d). MU-3 applies similar story/height limits (see § 10-5.915(d)).
  • Setbacks: MU zones commonly require front setback minimums but allow display windows and arcades to encroach; front setback minima and restrictions on maximum front setback for 50% of frontage are spelled out in § 10-5.914(f) and § 10-5.915(f) (front setback 15 ft minimum in MU‑2 commercial/mixed contexts; MU‑3 has a ten- to fifteen-foot regime and second‑story offsets).

Practical notes

  • MU zones explicitly separate commercial-only and mixed-use FAR caps and require a minimum commercial component for mixed projects; if your project combines uses, calculate FAR including all components before bonuses. See the code language in § 10-5.914 and § 10-5.915.

C-1 and C-2 (commercial zones)

Purpose & typical uses

  • C-1 is neighborhood commercial; C-2 is a broader commercial zone. Typical uses include retail, offices, and service uses subject to additional use regs. See § 10-2.612 (C-1) and § 10-2.622 (C-2).

Key dimensional standards

  • C-1:
    • FAR: 0.35 — § 10-2.612(a).
    • Height: 30 ft, 2 stories — § 10-2.612(b)-(c).
    • Setbacks: Front 5 ft (or same as contiguous residential) and side/rear rules with 10 ft/20 ft where abutting residential — § 10-2.612(d).
  • C-2:
    • FAR: 0.5 (with a 0.6 exception in a specific area plan) — § 10-2.622(a).
    • Height: 30 ft, 2 stories — § 10-2.622(b)-(c).
    • Setbacks: Front 5 ft; side and rear exceptions where abutting residential (20 ft) — § 10-2.622(d).

Practical notes

  • When a commercial lot is contiguous to residential, the code imposes larger side/rear setbacks and may require Planning Commission Design Review to modify them. See Planning Commission Design Review rules and exceptions (see Redondo Beach Design Review).

P zones (public, civic, parking, community facilities)

Purpose & typical uses

  • P-CIV (Civic Center), P-RVP (Riviera Village parking zone), P-CF (community facility), P-ROW (right-of-way), etc. These zones set special FAR, height, and setbacks for civic/public uses. Examples: § 10-5.1112 (P‑CIV), § 10-5.1113 (P‑RVP), § 10-5.1115 (P‑ROW), § 10-5.1116 (P‑CF).

Key dimensional standards (examples)

  • P-CIV: FAR 1.25; height 45 ft; stories 3; dedicated abutting street setbacks vary by street and increase for portions over 20 ft — § 10-5.1112.
  • P-RVP: FAR 1.0; height 30 ft; stories 2; setbacks determined by Planning Commission Design Review — § 10-5.1113.
  • P-ROW: FAR 0.1; height 15 ft; setbacks 20 ft from street property lines; and 5 ft from non-street lines — § 10-5.1115.

Practical notes

Quick standards table (most decision-relevant)

Zone (code) Height (max) FAR / Density Typical setback highlights Code Reference
R-1 — § 10-2.503 30 ft, 2 stories FAR 0.65 (bonus up to +0.15 = 0.80) Front setback averaging; second-story offsets; side exceptions for narrow lots — see § 10-2.503. § 10-2.503
RMD — § 10-2.516 30 ft, 2 stories 1 unit / 1,870 sq ft for ≥5,000 sq ft lots; max 23.3 du/acre Front average 18 ft (≥12 ft min); side 5 ft (frontage-based increases); rear avg 15 ft — § 10-2.516. § 10-2.516
RH-3 — § 10-5.519 35 ft (up to 45 ft w/ density bonus) 1 unit / 1,452 sq ft; up to 30 du/net acre Front avg 15 ft (≥12 ft min); side 5 ft; rear avg 15 ft — § 10-5.519. § 10-5.519
MU-2 — § 10-5.914 Commercial 30 ft; mixed-use 45 ft Commercial-only FAR 0.7; mixed-use 1.5; residential density 1/1,452 sq ft Front setback min 15 ft (with special projections allowed); maximum front setback rules for 50% of frontage — § 10-5.914. § 10-5.914
MU-3 — § 10-5.915 Commercial 30 ft; mixed-use 45 ft Commercial-only FAR 1.0; mixed-use 1.5; density 1/1,245 sq ft Front setback minimums and second-story setback rules; see § 10-5.915. § 10-5.915
C-1 — § 10-2.612 30 ft, 2 stories FAR 0.35 Front 5 ft (or match adjacent residential); side/rear larger where abutting residential — § 10-2.612. § 10-2.612
P-CIV — § 10-5.1112 45 ft, 3 stories FAR 1.25 Street-specific setbacks (Pacific Coast Highway, Broadway, etc.) — § 10-5.1112. § 10-5.1112

Notes: where the code text did not specify a numeric lot coverage percentage or where coverage rules are controlled by other chapters, I list "Not found in retrieved materials" and recommend verification. Verify site-specific conditions (corner lots, alley access, historic overlays, AHO overlays) before design. See the Redondo Beach Overlay Districts and Redondo Beach Historic Preservation pages for overlay triggers.

Checklist (what an applicant must satisfy before submittal)

  • Confirm the parcel’s exact zone on the City zoning map and read the applicable development standards for that zone (e.g., § 10-2.503 for R-1).
  • Calculate FAR including all proposed uses and check bonuses/limits (for mixed-use include both residential and nonresidential before bonuses; see § 10-5.914(a)).
  • Calculate permitted density (lot-area-per-unit) and any density-bonus implications (e.g., RH zone density rules in § 10-5.519).
  • Confirm maximum building height and number of stories for the zone (and any overlay exceptions such as AHO sites, § 10-2.1444).
  • Layout setbacks (front/side/rear), including averaging rules and second- or third‑story setback rules where the code requires them (see the relevant zone §).
  • Check parking minimums/maximums and how they apply to the proposed use (see Redondo Beach Parking).
  • Identify applicable overlays or special districts (AHO sites, Artesia & Aviation Corridor exceptions, coastal proximity rules) and read the overlay standards at Redondo Beach Overlay Districts.
  • Determine whether Design Review (administrative or Planning Commission) or a Conditional Use Permit is required and consult Redondo Beach Design Review.
  • For accessory dwelling units, check local ADU allowances and the state's ADU law: see the city ADU guidance at Redondo Beach ADUs and the state rules at California ADU law.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Setback averaging and second‑story setback formulas Many residential zones use average setback rules and treat portions of façade above a certain plate height as a story for setback calculations — misinterpreting averaging can cause plan rework. Verify the applicable averaging rule and second-story trigger in the zone’s § (e.g., § 10-2.503 for R-1) and confirm with Planning.
FAR / mixed-use calculation order MU zones require combining residential and nonresidential FAR before bonuses; failing to include both components can produce an illegal overbuild. Calculate total FAR including all uses per § 10-5.914(a) and § 10-5.915(a).
Density bonuses & AHO overlay (height increases) Density bonuses or AHO sites can change height and density allowances (e.g., AHO sites have site-specific maxima up to 90 ft). If seeking increased density/height, read § 10-2.1444 and density-bonus rules; supply required exhibits.
Lot coverage not specified in zone excerpt Many decisions depend on lot coverage percent; absence in the retrieved text means local rules or other chapters may control. Verify lot-coverage rules in the full municipal code or with Planning (Not found in retrieved materials).
Overlay or street-specific setbacks (Civic Center, Artesia Corridor) Some streets/zones have unique front/setback rules tying to specific streets (e.g., Pacific Coast Highway or Artesia/Aviation Corridor). Confirm street-specific setbacks in the relevant P or C zone section (for example § 10-5.1112 for P-CIV; § 10-2.622 for C‑2 exceptions).
Design Review or Planning Commission discretion Several setbacks and FAR modifications are subject to Planning Commission Design Review; that introduces discretionary review and possible conditions. Check design review triggers and the Design Review chapter; plan for possible modifications and conditions (see Redondo Beach Design Review).

Plain-English Summary

Redondo Beach’s zoning code sets maximum heights, stories, setbacks, and FARs by zone: for example, R-1 single-family lots are generally capped at 30 ft and 0.65 FAR (with limited bonuses), MU zones separate commercial vs. mixed-use FARs (commercial caps are lower; mixed-use can reach 1.5 FAR), and RH zones set lot-area-per-unit rules (e.g., 1 unit/1,452 sq ft). Always read the specific zone’s § (e.g., § 10-2.503, § 10-5.914) and check overlays, design review triggers, and parking rules before finalizing a design.

Source References

  • § 10-2.503 (Development standards: R-1 single-family residential) — municipal code excerpt.
  • § 10-2.516 / § 10-5.516 (Development standards: RMD medium density multi-family) — municipal code excerpt.
  • § 10-2.518 / § 10-5.519 (Development standards: RH high-density multi-family zones) — municipal code excerpts.
  • § 10-5.914 (Development standards: MU-2 mixed-use) — municipal code excerpt.
  • § 10-5.915 (Development standards: MU-3 mixed-use) — municipal code excerpt.
  • § 10-2.612 (Development standards: C-1 commercial) — municipal code excerpt.
  • § 10-2.622 (Development standards: C-2 commercial) — municipal code excerpt.
  • § 10-5.1112 (Development standards: P‑CIV Civic Center) — municipal code excerpt.
  • AHO (Affordable Housing Overlay) site rules, density and height: § 10-2.1444 (AHO descriptions and site-specific maxima).
  • Code source host (retrieved code): City of Redondo Beach municipal code as available via ecode360 (downloaded content used in this page). (Downloaded source header in the retrieved files references https://ecode360.com/RE4995.)

If you want, I can:

  • produce a printable one‑page checklist with the precise § citations applied to a specific parcel (you’ll need to supply the parcel's address or APN), or
  • extract the full setback paragraphs for a selected zone and explain how to compute an averaged front setback for a given lot depth.

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Redondo Beach Zoning Code (Section 10-2.402) High relevance
  • Redondo Beach Zoning Code (§ 10-5.1112.) High relevance
  • Redondo Beach Zoning Code (Section 10-2.1510) High relevance
  • Redondo Beach Zoning Code (Section 10-5.1510) High relevance
  • Redondo Beach Zoning Code (Chapter 7) High relevance
  • Redondo Beach Zoning Code (Section 10-5.1510) High relevance
  • Redondo Beach Zoning Code (§ 1) High relevance
  • Redondo Beach Zoning Code (§ 3) High relevance
  • Redondo Beach Zoning Code (Article 3) High relevance
  • Redondo Beach Zoning Code (Section 10-5.1520) High relevance
  • Redondo Beach Zoning Code (Section 10-2.402.) High relevance
  • Redondo Beach Zoning Code (§ 10-2.503) High relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R-1 lot in Redondo Beach?

On an R-1 lot you may build a single-family dwelling and permitted accessory uses subject to the R‑1 development standards: maximum height 30 ft and 2 stories, FAR 0.65 with bonuses up to 0.15 (maximum 0.80), and averaged front/second‑story setback rules — see § 10-2.503 for the full list of dimensional limits and FAR bonuses.

What are Redondo Beach setback requirements for single-family homes?

Single-family setback rules are zone-specific and often use averaging and second‑story offsets. For example, R-1 calls for front setback averaging and explicit second-story setback rules and side setbacks with narrow-lot exceptions; see § 10-2.503 for the R‑1 formulas and averages.

How is FAR calculated for mixed-use projects in Redondo Beach?

Mixed-use FAR is calculated including both residential and nonresidential uses together before applying bonuses: mixed‑use FAR caps commonly are 1.5 (MU‑2 and MU‑3), with a maximum commercial-only floor area (e.g., MU‑2 commercial cap 0.7) and minimum commercial component requirements; see § 10-5.914(a) and § 10-5.915(a).

Do Redondo Beach zones have explicit density rules (units per lot area)?

Yes. Several zones express density as lot area per unit. For example, many RH zones use 1 unit per 1,452 sq ft; MU-3 uses 1 unit per 1,245 sq ft; RMD uses 1 unit per 1,870 sq ft for lots ≥5,000 sq ft — see the relevant zone section (e.g., § 10-5.519, § 10-5.915, § 10-5.516).

Can I exceed height or density limits with an affordable housing project or density bonus?

Possibly. The code allows density and height exceptions in certain circumstances (density bonus provisions and AHO site rules). For AHO sites, site-specific maximum heights are listed (for example, North Tech 90 ft in § 10-2.1444). Always follow the density-bonus rules and the AHO section to confirm eligibility.

Are commercial setback rules different when a commercial lot abuts a residential lot?

Yes. In many commercial zones, the required side or rear setbacks increase where a commercial lot is contiguous to a residential zone (for example, C‑1/C‑2 require larger side/rear setbacks of 10–20 ft or more when abutting residential). These exceptions are in the commercial zone sections (e.g., § 10-2.612, § 10-2.622).

Do I need Design Review for altering setbacks or building height?

Design Review is frequently required for projects that vary from prescriptive standards or that are within certain zones (and several zones explicitly make setbacks subject to Planning Commission Design Review). See the Design Review rules and the specific zone language (many P and MU zones refer projects to Design Review — see § 10-5.1113, § 10-5.1116 and the MU sections). Also consult the city’s Redondo Beach Design Review page.

Where are parking and signage requirements enforced relative to development standards?

Parking and signage rules live in separate articles linked to zone standards; development standards sections frequently say “see Article 5 (parking)” or “see Article 6 (sign regulations)”. Check the zone's development standard section and the city's Redondo Beach Parking and Redondo Beach Signage pages for numeric parking stalls, bicycle parking and sign rules.

What do I do if my parcel is in an overlay (historic, AHO, Artesia/Aviation Corridor)?

Overlay districts change or add standards: check the overlay text and the site-specific sections (e.g., § 10-2.1444 for AHO sites, and the Artesia & Aviation Corridor rules referenced in § 10-2.622). Review overlay maps in the Planning counter or online and the Redondo Beach Overlay Districts page.

If a code number I expected (e.g., "Title 17") isn't found, where should I look?

The retrieved materials for Redondo Beach use municipal code sections beginning with § 10‑. The phrase “Title 17 Zoning” was Not found in retrieved materials. For the authoritative current code, consult the city code host (ecode360 or the city site) or Planning staff.

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