San Luis Obispo R-2 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R-2 (Medium-Density Residential (R-2) Zone) is a zoning district in San Luis Obispo. Every value below was read from the San Luis Obispo 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 R-2

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 feet § 17.18.020 · code text Table row “Maximum Building Height”, column “R-2 Zone”: 35 feet
Minimum front setback	20 feet § 17.18.020 · code text Table row “Front”, column “R-2 Zone”: 20 feet
Minimum side setback	5 feet Applies: roof points 1 to 12 ft high; higher roof points need more setback (see list below) § 17.18.020 · code text Table row “1—12 feet”, column “Minimum Required Setback”: 5 feet (minimum setback)
Minimum rear setback	5 feet Applies: roof points 1 to 12 ft high; higher roof points need more setback (see list below) § 17.18.020 · code text Table row “1—12 feet”, column “Minimum Required Setback”: 5 feet (minimum setback)
Minimum lot size	5,000 square feet § 17.18.020 · code text Table row “Minimum Lot Area”, column “R-2 Zone”: 5,000 square feet
Maximum lot coverage	50% § 17.18.020 · code text Table row “Maximum Lot Coverage”, column “R-2 Zone”: 50%
Maximum density	12 units per net acre Applies: at least 2 density units are allowed on each parcel, except in common interest subdivisions § 17.70.040 · code text Table row “0—15”, column “Maximum Density Allowed (units per net acre)”: As allowed in the zoning regulations for that zone.

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-2:

Minimum side setback: 6 feet — roof points 13 to 15 ft high § 17.18.020
Minimum side setback: 7 feet — roof points 16 to 17 ft high § 17.18.020
Minimum side setback: 8 feet — roof points 18 to 19 ft high § 17.18.020
Minimum side setback: 9 feet — roof points 20 to 22 ft high § 17.18.020
Minimum rear setback: 6 feet — roof points 13 to 15 ft high § 17.18.020
Minimum rear setback: 7 feet — roof points 16 to 17 ft high § 17.18.020
Minimum rear setback: 8 feet — roof points 18 to 19 ft high § 17.18.020
Minimum rear setback: 9 feet — roof points 20 to 22 ft high § 17.18.020

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, FAR limit for R-2 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code.

Other San Luis Obispo zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in San Luis Obispo's R-2 zone?

35 feet — San Luis Obispo Municipal Code § 17.18.020.

What is the minimum front setback in San Luis Obispo's R-2 zone?

20 feet — San Luis Obispo Municipal Code § 17.18.020.

What is the minimum side setback in San Luis Obispo's R-2 zone?

5 feet (roof points 1 to 12 ft high; higher roof points need more setback (see list below)) — San Luis Obispo Municipal Code § 17.18.020.

What is the minimum rear setback in San Luis Obispo's R-2 zone?

5 feet (roof points 1 to 12 ft high; higher roof points need more setback (see list below)) — San Luis Obispo Municipal Code § 17.18.020.

What is the minimum lot size in San Luis Obispo's R-2 zone?

5,000 square feet — San Luis Obispo Municipal Code § 17.18.020.

General information, not legal advice.