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San Rafael · Zoning · LI/O

San Rafael LI/O zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

In San Rafael's LI/O zone, generally buildings can be up to 36 ft tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 6,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (San Rafael code, read October 2026).

Key points

  • Maximum building height: 36 ft
  • Minimum front setback: 20 ft (where the block frontage is partly in a residential district, that district's front yard applies)
  • Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
  • Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq ft

LI/O is a zoning district in San Rafael. Every value below was read from the San Rafael 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 LI/O

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
36 ft
§ 14.06.030 · code text
Table row “Maximum height of structure (ft.)”, column “LI/O”: 36
Minimum front setback
20 ft
Applies: where the block frontage is partly in a residential district, that district's front yard applies
§ 14.06.030 · code text
Table row “Front (ft.)”, column “LI/O”: 20
Minimum rear setback
10 ft
§ 14.06.030 · code text
Table row “Rear (ft.)”, column “LI/O”: 10
Minimum lot size
6,000 sq ft
§ 14.06.030 · code text
Table row “Minimum lot area (sq. ft.)”, column “LI/O”: 6,000

Uses in LI/O

Uses the code's use tables allow in LI/O, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, side setback, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for LI/O in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the San Rafael Municipal Code.

Other San Rafael zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in San Rafael's LI/O zone?

36 ft — San Rafael Municipal Code § 14.06.030.

What is the minimum front setback in San Rafael's LI/O zone?

20 ft (where the block frontage is partly in a residential district, that district's front yard applies) — San Rafael Municipal Code § 14.06.030.

What is the minimum rear setback in San Rafael's LI/O zone?

10 ft — San Rafael Municipal Code § 14.06.030.

What is the minimum lot size in San Rafael's LI/O zone?

6,000 sq ft — San Rafael Municipal Code § 14.06.030.

General information, not legal advice.

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