Saratoga · Zoning · R-OS
Saratoga R-OS zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Saratoga's R-OS zone, generally buildings can be up to 22 ft (2 stories) tall and the front setback is 50 ft, with the conditions listed below (Saratoga code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 22 ft (main structures not limited by the ridgeline rules; the Planning Commission may approve up to four feet more)
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 50 ft (Single-story structure)
- Minimum side setback: 40 ft (Single-story structure; interior side setback)
- Minimum rear setback: 100 ft (Single-story structure)
- Maximum lot coverage: 25% or 12,000 sq ft, whichever is less (impervious coverage)
R-OS (Residential Open Space District) is a zoning district in Saratoga. Every value below was read from the Saratoga 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-OS
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 | 22 ft Applies: main structures not limited by the ridgeline rules; the Planning Commission may approve up to four feet more § 15-20.100 · code textA structure not limited by subsections (a) and (b) of this Section shall not exceed twenty-two feet in height; provided, however, that the Planning Commission may approve up to four feet of additional height if the design review findings in Section 15-45.080 can be made. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 15-20.100 · code textNo structure shall exceed two stories nor shall any structure exceed the following heights: |
| Minimum front setback | 50 ft Applies: Single-story structure § 15-20.090 · code textTable row “Single Story”, column “Front Setback Area”: 50 ft. |
| Minimum side setback | 40 ft Applies: Single-story structure; interior side setback § 15-20.090 · code textTable row “Single Story”, column “Interior Side Setback Area”: 40 ft. |
| Minimum rear setback | 100 ft Applies: Single-story structure § 15-20.090 · code textTable row “Single Story”, column “Rear Setback Area”: 100 ft. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 25% or 12,000 sq ft, whichever is less Applies: impervious coverage § 15-20.080 · code textThe maximum site impervious coverage on any lot in the R-OS district shall not exceed either twenty-five percent or twelve thousand square feet, whichever is less. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-OS:
- Minimum front setback: 70 ft — Two-story structure § 15-20.090
- Minimum side setback: 60 ft — Two-story structure; interior side setback § 15-20.090
- Minimum rear setback: 120 ft — Two-story structure § 15-20.090
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot size, FAR, density limit for R-OS in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Saratoga Municipal Code.
Other Saratoga zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Saratoga's R-OS zone?
22 ft (main structures not limited by the ridgeline rules; the Planning Commission may approve up to four feet more) — Saratoga Municipal Code § 15-20.100.
What is the maximum number of stories in Saratoga's R-OS zone?
2 stories — Saratoga Municipal Code § 15-20.100.
What is the minimum front setback in Saratoga's R-OS zone?
50 ft (single-story structure) — Saratoga Municipal Code § 15-20.090.
What is the minimum side setback in Saratoga's R-OS zone?
40 ft (single-story structure; interior side setback) — Saratoga Municipal Code § 15-20.090.
What is the minimum rear setback in Saratoga's R-OS zone?
100 ft (single-story structure) — Saratoga Municipal Code § 15-20.090.
General information, not legal advice.
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