San Carlos · Zoning · RS-3
San Carlos RS-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In San Carlos's RS-3 zone, generally buildings can be up to 28 ft tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 10,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (San Carlos code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 28 ft (the front and rear 15 ft of the building also may not exceed this; Hillside Overlay has its own rule)
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft (1st story)
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft
- Minimum lot size: 10,000 sq ft (new subdivision lots follow Table 17.16.030)
- Maximum density: 3 units per acre
RS-3 (Residential Single-Family District) is a zoning district in San Carlos. Every value below was read from the San Carlos 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 RS-3
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 | 28 ft Applies: the front and rear 15 ft of the building also may not exceed this; Hillside Overlay has its own rule § 18.04.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Height (ft.)”, column “RS-3”: 28 (C) |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 18.04.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “RS-3”: 20 |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft Applies: 1st story § 18.04.030 · code textTable row “Interior Side”, column “RS-3”: 1st Story: 10 2nd Story: 14 (E, F, G) |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft § 18.04.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “RS-3”: 20 |
| Minimum lot size | 10,000 sq ft Applies: new subdivision lots follow Table 17.16.030 § 18.04.030 · code textTable row “Minimum Lot Size (sq. ft.)”, column “RS-3”: 10,000* |
| Maximum density | 3 units per acre § 18.04.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Density (units/net acre)”, column “RS-3”: 3 |
Uses in RS-3
Uses the code's use tables allow in RS-3, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Duplex — Allowed
- Child care center — Allowed — see note
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RS-3:
- Minimum side setback: 14 ft — 2nd story § 18.04.030
- Maximum lot coverage: 35% — outside H Overlay § 18.04.030
- Maximum lot coverage: 25% — in H Overlay § 18.04.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage, FAR limit for RS-3 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the San Carlos Municipal Code.
Other San Carlos zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in San Carlos's RS-3 zone?
28 ft (the front and rear 15 ft of the building also may not exceed this; Hillside Overlay has its own rule) — San Carlos Municipal Code § 18.04.030.
What is the minimum front setback in San Carlos's RS-3 zone?
20 ft — San Carlos Municipal Code § 18.04.030.
What is the minimum side setback in San Carlos's RS-3 zone?
10 ft (1st story) — San Carlos Municipal Code § 18.04.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in San Carlos's RS-3 zone?
20 ft — San Carlos Municipal Code § 18.04.030.
What is the minimum lot size in San Carlos's RS-3 zone?
10,000 sq ft (new subdivision lots follow Table 17.16.030) — San Carlos Municipal Code § 18.04.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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