San Rafael · Zoning · O
San Rafael O zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In San Rafael's O zone, generally buildings can be up to 36 ft tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 7,500 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 side setback: 6 ft (10 ft where the side abuts a residential district)
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft (10 ft where the rear abuts a residential district)
- Minimum lot size: 7,500 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 40%
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 1,000 sq ft
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 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 textTable 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 textTable row “Front (ft.)”, column “LI/O”: 20 |
| Minimum side setback | 6 ft Applies: 10 ft where the side abuts a residential district § 14.06.030 · code textTable row “Side (ft.)”, column “LI/O”: 10 or 20/0 |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft Applies: 10 ft where the rear abuts a residential district § 14.06.030 · code textTable row “Rear (ft.)”, column “LI/O”: 10 |
| Minimum lot size | 7,500 sq ft § 14.06.030 · code textTable row “Minimum lot area (sq. ft.)”, column “LI/O”: 6,000 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 40% § 14.05.030 · code textTable row “Maximum lot coverage”, column “O”: 40% |
| Maximum density | 1 unit per 1,000 sq ft § 14.05.030 · code textTable row “Minimum lot area/dwelling unit (sf) (Max. residential intensity)”, column “O”: 1,000 |
Uses in O
Uses the code's use tables allow in O, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Apartment building — Allowed
- Live-work unit — Needs an administrative use permit
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
- Community garden — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in O:
- Maximum building height: 54 ft — hotels § 14.05.030
- Maximum number of stories: 4 stories — hotels § 14.05.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR limit for 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in San Rafael's O zone?
36 ft — San Rafael Municipal Code § 14.06.030.
What is the minimum front setback in San Rafael's 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 side setback in San Rafael's O zone?
6 ft (10 ft where the side abuts a residential district) — San Rafael Municipal Code § 14.06.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in San Rafael's O zone?
20 ft (10 ft where the rear abuts a residential district) — San Rafael Municipal Code § 14.06.030.
What is the minimum lot size in San Rafael's O zone?
7,500 sq ft — San Rafael Municipal Code § 14.06.030.
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a San Rafael property in O
Ask GoCodebook what you can build at a specific address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question