Santa Rosa · Zoning · R-2
Santa Rosa R-2 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Santa Rosa's R-2 zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall and the front setback is 10 ft (Santa Rosa code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (1-story portions of the building; taller portions need more)
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
R-2 is a zoning district in Santa Rosa. Every value below was read from the Santa Rosa 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 ft § 20-22.050 · code textTable row “Primary structures”, column “R-2”: 35 ft |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft See note 3 below the table in the code. § 20-22.050 · code textTable row “Front”, column “R-2”: 10 ft (3) Note 3: A one- story portion may project up to 6 ft into the setback and required stairs and landings may project up to 10 ft into the setback. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft Applies: 1-story portions of the building; taller portions need more § 20-22.050 · code textTable row “Attached and detached except when:”, column “R-2”: 5 ft |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft § 20-22.050 · code textTable row “Attached and detached except when:”, column “R-2”: 15 ft |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 20-22.050 · code textTable row “Maximum coverage”, column “R-2”: 50% |
Uses in R-2
Uses the code's use tables allow in R-2, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Duplex — Allowed — see note
- Rooming or boarding house — Allowed
- Private school — Needs a director conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-2:
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — 2-story portions § 20-22.050
- Minimum side setback: 15 ft — 3-story portions or more § 20-22.050
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft — 1-story portions abutting an R-3 district § 20-22.050
- Minimum side setback: 7.5 ft — 2-story portions abutting an R-3 district § 20-22.050
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot size, FAR, density limit for R-2 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Santa Rosa Municipal Code.
Other Santa Rosa zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Santa Rosa's R-2 zone?
35 ft — Santa Rosa Municipal Code § 20-22.050.
What is the minimum front setback in Santa Rosa's R-2 zone?
10 ft — Santa Rosa Municipal Code § 20-22.050.
What is the minimum side setback in Santa Rosa's R-2 zone?
5 ft (1-story portions of the building; taller portions need more) — Santa Rosa Municipal Code § 20-22.050.
What is the minimum rear setback in Santa Rosa's R-2 zone?
15 ft — Santa Rosa Municipal Code § 20-22.050.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Santa Rosa's R-2 zone?
50% — Santa Rosa Municipal Code § 20-22.050.
General information, not legal advice.
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