Richmond · Zoning · IW
Richmond IW zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Richmond's IW zone, generally buildings can be up to 100 ft tall and the front setback is 10 ft, with the conditions listed below (Richmond code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 100 ft
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft (from local streets)
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft (10 ft where abutting an RL, PCI or PR district (5 ft with a solid fence))
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft (15 ft where abutting an RL, PCI or PR district)
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.5
IW is a zoning district in Richmond. Every value below was read from the Richmond 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 IW
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 | 100 ft § 15.04.204.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Height (ft.)”, column “IW”: 100 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft Applies: from local streets § 15.04.204.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “IW”: 10 from local streets; 25 from Collector streets |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft Applies: 10 ft where abutting an RL, PCI or PR district (5 ft with a solid fence) § 15.04.204.030 · code textTable row “Interior Side”, column “IW”: 0; 10 where abutting an RL, PCI, or PR district (5 with solid fence) |
| Minimum rear setback | 0 ft Applies: 15 ft where abutting an RL, PCI or PR district § 15.04.204.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “IW”: 0; 15 where abutting an RL, PCI, or PR district into Yards |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.5 § 15.04.204.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR)”, column “IW”: 0.5; up to 1.0 with an approval of a CUP |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in IW:
- Minimum front setback: 25 ft — from Collector streets § 15.04.204.030
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Where abutting an RL, PCI, or PR district; 5 ft with a solid fence § 15.04.204.030
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft — Where abutting an RL, PCI or PR district § 15.04.204.030
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.0 — with an approval of a CUP § 15.04.204.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot size, lot coverage, density limit for IW in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Richmond Municipal Code.
Other Richmond zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Richmond's IW zone?
100 ft — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.204.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Richmond's IW zone?
10 ft (from local streets) — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.204.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Richmond's IW zone?
0 ft (10 ft where abutting an RL, PCI or PR district (5 ft with a solid fence)) — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.204.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Richmond's IW zone?
0 ft (15 ft where abutting an RL, PCI or PR district) — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.204.030.
What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Richmond's IW zone?
0.5 — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.204.030.
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a Richmond property in IW
Ask GoCodebook what you can build at a specific address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question