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Richmond · Zoning · OS

Richmond OS zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

In Richmond's OS zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall and the front setback is 20% of lot depth, max 40 ft (Richmond code, read October 2026).

Key points

  • Maximum building height: 35 ft
  • Minimum front setback: 20% of lot depth, max 40 ft
  • Minimum side setback: 10% of lot depth, max 20 ft
  • Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.1

OS 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 OS

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
§ 15.04.206.040 · code text
Table row “Maximum Height (ft.)”, column “OS”: 35
Minimum front setback
20% of lot depth, max 40 ft
§ 15.04.206.040 · code text
Table row “Front”, column “OS”: 20% of lot depth, not to exceed 40 ft.
Minimum side setback
10% of lot depth, max 20 ft
§ 15.04.206.040 · code text
Table row “Side”, column “OS”: 10% of lot depth, not to exceed 20 ft.
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)
0.1
§ 15.04.206.040 · code text
Table row “Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR)”, column “OS”: 0.1

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, rear setback, lot size, lot coverage, density limit for OS 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

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Richmond's OS zone?

35 ft — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.206.040.

What is the minimum front setback in Richmond's OS zone?

20% of lot depth, max 40 ft — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.206.040.

What is the minimum side setback in Richmond's OS zone?

10% of lot depth, max 20 ft — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.206.040.

What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Richmond's OS zone?

0.1 — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.206.040.

General information, not legal advice.

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