San Carlos RS-6 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

RS-6 (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-6

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 text Table row “Maximum Height (ft.)”, column “RS-6”: 28 (C)
Minimum front setback	15 ft Applies: 1st story § 18.04.030 · code text Table row “Front”, column “RS-6”: 1st Story: 15 2nd Story: 19
Minimum side setback	5 ft Applies: first story; on lots under 50 ft wide, 10% of the lot width or 3 ft, whichever is greater § 18.04.030 · code text Table row “Interior Side”, column “RS-6”: 1st Story: 5 (D) 2nd Story: 9 (E, F, G)
Minimum rear setback	15 ft § 18.04.030 · code text Table row “Rear”, column “RS-6”: 15
Minimum lot size	5,000 sq ft Applies: new subdivision lots follow Table 17.16.030 § 18.04.030 · code text Table row “Minimum Lot Size (sq. ft.)”, column “RS-6”: 5,000*
Maximum lot coverage	50% § 18.04.030 · code text Table row “Maximum Lot Coverage (Percent of Lot)”, column “RS-6”: 50
Maximum density	6 units per acre § 18.04.030 · code text Table row “Maximum Density (units/net acre)”, column “RS-6”: 6

Uses in RS-6

Uses the code's use tables allow in RS-6, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

Duplex — Allowed
Child care center — Allowed — see note
Private school — Needs a conditional use permit

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RS-6:

Minimum front setback: 19 ft — 2nd story § 18.04.030
Minimum side setback: 9 ft — 2nd story § 18.04.030
Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq ft — corner lot § 18.04.030

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, FAR limit for RS-6 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

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in San Carlos's RS-6 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-6 zone?

15 ft (1st story) — San Carlos Municipal Code § 18.04.030.

What is the minimum side setback in San Carlos's RS-6 zone?

5 ft (first story; on lots under 50 ft wide, 10% of the lot width or 3 ft, whichever is greater) — San Carlos Municipal Code § 18.04.030.

What is the minimum rear setback in San Carlos's RS-6 zone?

15 ft — San Carlos Municipal Code § 18.04.030.

What is the minimum lot size in San Carlos's RS-6 zone?

5,000 sq ft (new subdivision lots follow Table 17.16.030) — San Carlos Municipal Code § 18.04.030.

General information, not legal advice.