San Bernardino County · Zoning · RL
San Bernardino County RL zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In San Bernardino County's RL zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall and the front setback is 25 ft (San Bernardino County code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 25 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft on one side, 10 ft on other (Lot 75 ft wide or less in the Valley or Desert Region; Mountain Region lots need 20 ft.)
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft (Valley or Desert Region; 20 ft in the Mountain Region.)
- Maximum lot coverage: 20%
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 2.5 acres
RL (Rural Living) is a zoning district in San Bernardino County. Every value below was read from the San Bernardino County 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 RL
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 § 82.04.060 · code textTable row “Maximum height”, column “RL Rural Living”: 35 ft. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 25 ft § 82.04.060 · code textTable row “Front”, column “RL Rural Living”: 25 ft. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft on one side, 10 ft on other Applies: Lot 75 ft wide or less in the Valley or Desert Region; Mountain Region lots need 20 ft. § 82.04.060 · code textTable row “Side - Interior (each)”, column “RL Rural Living”: Lot 75 wide or less - 5 ft. on one side, 10 ft. on other; Other lots - 15 ft. |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft Applies: Valley or Desert Region; 20 ft in the Mountain Region. § 82.04.060 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “RL Rural Living”: 15 ft. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 20% § 82.04.060 · code textTable row “Maximum coverage”, column “RL Rural Living”: 20 percent |
| Maximum density | 1 unit per 2.5 acres See notes 5, 1 below the table in the code. § 82.04.060 · code textTable row “Maximum density (5)”, column “RL Rural Living”: 1 unit per 2.5 acres (1) ; accessory dwellings as allowed by Chapter 84.36 (Accessory Dwelling Units) Note 5: The maximum density may be greater when modified by Chapter 83.03 (Affordable Housing Incentives - Density Bonus). Note 1: Map suffix may modify. |
Uses in RL
Uses the code's use tables allow in RL, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Child care center — Needs a minor use permit (conditional use permit if the project does not qualify for a minor use permit)
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
- Community garden — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RL:
- Minimum side setback: 15 ft — Other lots (wider than 75 ft) in the Valley or Desert Region. § 82.04.060
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot size, FAR limit for RL in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the San Bernardino County Municipal Code.
Other San Bernardino County zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in San Bernardino County's RL zone?
35 ft — San Bernardino County Municipal Code § 82.04.060.
What is the minimum front setback in San Bernardino County's RL zone?
25 ft — San Bernardino County Municipal Code § 82.04.060.
What is the minimum side setback in San Bernardino County's RL zone?
5 ft on one side, 10 ft on other (lot 75 ft wide or less in the Valley or Desert Region; Mountain Region lots need 20 ft) — San Bernardino County Municipal Code § 82.04.060.
What is the minimum rear setback in San Bernardino County's RL zone?
15 ft (valley or Desert Region; 20 ft in the Mountain Region) — San Bernardino County Municipal Code § 82.04.060.
What is the maximum lot coverage in San Bernardino County's RL zone?
20% — San Bernardino County Municipal Code § 82.04.060.
General information, not legal advice.
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