San Pablo R-4 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R-4 is a zoning district in San Pablo. Every value below was read from the San Pablo 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-4

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	75 ft Applies: At roof peak. Within 75 ft of an R-1 or R-2 district: 50 ft at the roof peak, 40 ft at the eave, four stories. § 17.32.040 · code text Table row “At Roof Peak”, column “R-4”: 75 feet 9, 11
Maximum number of stories	6 stories Applies: Within 75 ft of an R-1 or R-2 district, limited to four stories. § 17.32.040 · code text Table row “Stories, max”, column “R-4”: 6 11
Minimum front setback	15 feet Applies: 20 ft if covered parking is in the front. For residential mixed uses: no minimum, maximum 20 ft. § 17.32.040 · code text Table row “Front, min”, column “R-4”: 15 feet 5,7
Minimum rear setback	15 feet § 17.32.040 · code text Table row “Rear, min”, column “R-4”: 15 feet
Minimum lot size	7,500 sf Applies: Interior and corner parcels § 17.32.040 · code text Table row “Interior Parcels”, column “R-4”: 7,500 sf
Maximum lot coverage	75% § 17.32.040 · code text Table row “Parcel Coverage, max”, column “R-4”: 75%
Maximum density	48 du/ac See note 3 below the table in the code. § 17.32.040 · code text Table row “Density, max 3”, column “R-4”: 48 du/ac 12 Note 3: Maximum densities shown in this table may be increased pursuant to the state density bonus law for affordable housing and the city's density bonus ordinance.

Uses in R-4

Uses the code's use tables allow in R-4, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

Apartment building — Allowed — see note
Child care center — Needs an use permit (conditional use permit, 17.20.040)

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-4:

Maximum building height: 60 ft — At eave. Within 75 ft of an R-1 or R-2 district: 40 ft. § 17.32.040

Not on this page

We did not find a general side setback, FAR limit for R-4 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the San Pablo Municipal Code.

Other San Pablo zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in San Pablo's R-4 zone?

75 ft (at roof peak. Within 75 ft of an R-1 or R-2 district: 50 ft at the roof peak, 40 ft at the eave, four stories) — San Pablo Municipal Code § 17.32.040.

What is the maximum number of stories in San Pablo's R-4 zone?

6 stories (within 75 ft of an R-1 or R-2 district, limited to four stories) — San Pablo Municipal Code § 17.32.040.

What is the minimum front setback in San Pablo's R-4 zone?

15 feet (20 ft if covered parking is in the front. For residential mixed uses: no minimum, maximum 20 ft) — San Pablo Municipal Code § 17.32.040.

What is the minimum rear setback in San Pablo's R-4 zone?

15 feet — San Pablo Municipal Code § 17.32.040.

What is the minimum lot size in San Pablo's R-4 zone?

7,500 sf (interior and corner parcels) — San Pablo Municipal Code § 17.32.040.

General information, not legal advice.