San Rafael · Zoning · MR5
San Rafael MR5 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In San Rafael's MR5 zone, generally buildings can be up to 36 ft tall, the front setback is 15 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: 15 ft (if the improved lots on the block average less, that average applies; a garage on a driveway perpendicular to the street needs 20 ft)
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft (10 ft where the development is next to a single-family district)
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 40%
MR5 (Medium density residential) 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 MR5
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 § 14.04.040 · code textTable row “Maximum height of structure (ft.)”, column “MR5”: 36 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft Applies: if the improved lots on the block average less, that average applies; a garage on a driveway perpendicular to the street needs 20 ft § 14.04.040 · code textTable row “Front (ft.)”, column “MR5”: 15 |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft § 14.04.040 · code textTable row “Side (ft.)”, column “MR5”: 10 |
| Minimum rear setback | 5 ft Applies: 10 ft where the development is next to a single-family district § 14.04.040 · code textTable row “Rear (ft.)”, column “MR5”: 5 |
| Minimum lot size | 6,000 sq ft § 14.04.040 · code textTable row “Minimum lot area (sq. ft.)”, column “MR5”: 6,000 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 40% § 14.04.040 · code textTable row “Maximum lot coverage”, column “MR5”: 40% |
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR, density limit for MR5 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in San Rafael's MR5 zone?
36 ft — San Rafael Municipal Code § 14.04.040.
What is the minimum front setback in San Rafael's MR5 zone?
15 ft (if the improved lots on the block average less, that average applies; a garage on a driveway perpendicular to the street needs 20 ft) — San Rafael Municipal Code § 14.04.040.
What is the minimum side setback in San Rafael's MR5 zone?
10 ft — San Rafael Municipal Code § 14.04.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in San Rafael's MR5 zone?
5 ft (10 ft where the development is next to a single-family district) — San Rafael Municipal Code § 14.04.040.
What is the minimum lot size in San Rafael's MR5 zone?
6,000 sq ft — San Rafael Municipal Code § 14.04.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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