Local zoning · Sausalito

Sausalito — Development Standards

Q: What can I build on an R‑1 lot in Sausalito?

You design to the numeric limits in Table 10.22‑2: typical R‑1 limits are FAR ~0.35–0.45 , maximum coverage ~30–35% , and maximum building height 32 ft , with side and rear setbacks (side ≈5 ft , rear ≈15 ft ) unless a different setback is shown on the zoning map; see § 10.22.040 and the cross‑refs in § 10.40 .

Q: What are Sausalito setback requirements?

Setbacks are set in the district tables and in Chapter § 10.40 . Many districts show front = 0 ft for street‑edge parcels and require setbacks only when adjacent to residential or public open space; interior side and rear setbacks are typically 5–15 ft depending on district — confirm in the applicable table and in § 10.40.070/080 .

Q: How is building height measured in Sausalito?

Building height is measured from natural average grade ; maximums are listed in each district table (32 ft is common). Topography can change how that grade is computed, so verify grade calculation and any exceptions in § 10.40.060 and § 10.22.040(E) .

Q: Do I need design review for a project that uses most of the FAR or coverage?

If a residential project would exceed 80% of the allowed FAR and/or building coverage, it triggers the heightened design review findings and may require Planning Commission oversight and public notice under § 10.54.050 . Expect tree protection, view protection and massing to be part of the review.

Q: Where are the Marinship (‑M) overlay rules and what do they change?

The ‑M Marinship overlay is in § 10.28.050 ; it adds specific site standards (public open space, parking setbacks, view corridors), favors street‑edge building placement (often 0 ft front setbacks) and imposes an industrial‑equivalent FAR calculation for mixed uses (see Table 10.28‑1 and § 10.26.040). Verify shoreline and view corridor conditions with the Community Development Director as noted in the overlay text.

Q: Can I build an ADU to the same FAR/coverage as a new house?

Local ADU rules are in § 10.44.080 and the two‑unit provisions in § 10.44.350 ; state ADU law also limits what local rules may require. Sausalito’s code allows some density adjustments for accessory units, but confirm local ADU procedural and objective standards and state preemptions on setbacks and sizes. See the City ADU chapter and state ADU law summary. (/us/california/sausalito/adu) (/us/california/california-adu-laws)

Development Standards under the Sausalito local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 2, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes the City of Sausalito's zoning development standards (setbacks, height, lot coverage, density and FAR) as written in the Sausalito Municipal Code (Title 10). It is focused on how the rules differ by local district and how to read the decision‑relevant numbers in the ordinance; it does not cover building code (Title 24) or permitting steps. For general context see the Sausalito planning landing page and the City’s zoning menu. (/us/california/sausalito)

Note on sources and reading: most numeric limits live in the site development tables for each group of districts (e.g., Table 10.22‑2 for residential, Table 10.24‑2 for commercial) and are implemented alongside the General Development Regulations in Chapter § 10.40. See those code sections for the controlling text.

How the ordinance is organized (short)

Base zoning districts (Residential, Commercial, Industrial/Marinship, Open Space/Public) each have a "Site Development Standards" table referenced in their chapter (e.g., § 10.22.040 for residential).
Chapter § 10.40 supplies the cross-cutting rules for floor‑area ratio (FAR), coverage, setbacks, and height measurement that the district tables reference.
Overlay districts (for example the ‑M Marinship overlay) and specific‑use chapters can change or add requirements to the base standards. See the overlay chapter § 10.28.050 for marinship.

When you see a table number (e.g., Table 10.22‑2) that is the first place to read the numeric limits; always then read the cross‑references in § 10.40 and any overlay or specific‑use sections called out in that table.

(Links you will encounter while reading: the City's zoning overview, zoning maps and district pages are at /us/california/sausalito/zoning and /us/california/sausalito/land-use; design review rules are here: /us/california/sausalito/design-review.)

District-by-district development standards

Below are the districts and the most decision‑relevant numeric standards you will rely on when planning a project. Every numeric value below is grounded in the City tables and cross‑reference sections; the controlling code citations are provided inline.

Note: where the code allows different standards depending on context (for example, setbacks required only when adjacent to residential) I state that and cite the controlling §.

Residential districts (Table 10.22‑2 — § 10.22.040)

Purpose: regulate single‑ and multi‑family scale neighborhoods; subject to design review rules for residential FAR/coverage intensification.

Typical permitted uses: single‑family dwellings, multifamily according to district density; accessory dwelling units (see § 10.44.080 for ADU rules).

Key numeric standards (per district):

R‑1‑6, R‑1‑8, R‑1‑20 (single‑family variants)
- Maximum FAR: 0.45 (R‑1‑6), 0.40 (R‑1‑8), 0.35 (R‑1‑20) — see Table 10.22‑2 and § 10.22.040.
- Maximum building coverage: 35% (R‑1‑6), 30% (R‑1‑8 & R‑1‑20).
- Maximum building height: 32 ft (standard; measured from natural average grade) — see § 10.40.060 and Table 10.22‑2.
- Setbacks: front commonly 0 ft unless map shows a 10‑ft front yard; side 5 ft typical; rear 15 ft typical — see Table 10.22‑2 and § 10.40.080 for exceptions.
R‑2‑2.5 and R‑2‑5 (two‑family/multifamily gradients)
- Maximum FAR: 0.65 (R‑2‑2.5), 0.40 (R‑2‑5).
- Maximum building coverage: 50% (R‑2‑2.5), 35% (R‑2‑5).
- Setbacks/impervious limits: maximum impervious surface rules apply by parcel size (see § 10.44.330 for impervious surface caps and Figure examples).
R‑3, PR, H, A
- R‑3 has FAR 0.84 and 50% coverage in places; H (Harbor / special) and A (Accessory?) have lower heights and tailored rules — consult Table 10.22‑2 and cross‑refs § 10.22.040 and § 10.40.

Where to confirm: Table 10.22‑2 in § 10.22.040 is the controlling numeric source; design review can impose more restrictive limits (see § 10.54.050 on heightened design review findings where a proposal exceeds 80% of permitted FAR or coverage).

(ADUs: City implements state ADU rules; density increases for single‑family are flagged via § 10.22.040(D) and tied to the ADU chapter § 10.44.080 — see also the City's ADU page for administrative details.) (/us/california/sausalito/adu)

Commercial districts (Table 10.24‑2 — § 10.24.050)

Purpose: regulate neighborhood and central commercial intensity; CN is subdivided into CN‑1 and CN‑2 for FAR/coverage control.

Typical permitted uses: retail, restaurants, offices (with more restricted uses requiring CUP or MUP per Table 10.24‑1).

Key numeric standards:

CC (Central Commercial): Maximum FAR 1.3 (with some caveats), Maximum coverage 100%, Maximum height 32 ft (see § 10.24.050 and § 10.40.040–.060).
CR, CN, SC, CW, W, W‑M: each has specific FARs and coverage limits in Table 10.24‑2 (for example CW typical FAR 0.20–0.30, coverage 50%, height limits vary 25–32 ft) — consult § 10.24.050.
Setback rules: setbacks are often not required (N/A) for front where districts expect street‑edge frontage, but setbacks are required when adjacent to residential; see § 10.40.080 and Table 10.24‑2 notes.

Special notes: the Fair Traffic Limits provisions (voter‑adopted standards) still apply to certain commercial districts and affect allowable development intensity in CN, CS, IM, CW and W (see § 10.40.020).

Industrial / Marinship (IM base district and ‑M overlay — § 10.26.040 and § 10.28.050)

Purpose: support low‑intensity marine‑oriented industrial, arts and service uses compatible with the Marinship Specific Plan; the IM district is entirely within the ‑M Marinship overlay which imposes additional standards.

Key numeric standards (Table 10.26‑2 and Table 10.28‑1):

Maximum FAR: 0.40 industrial‑equivalent FAR (with conversion rules for nonindustrial uses — see § 10.26.040(C) and the example FAR calculations in § 10.28.050).
Maximum building coverage: 50%.
Maximum height: typically 32 ft (shoreline areas may encourage lower height; higher heights may be allowed for heavy marine uses with CUP).
Setbacks: Front and property‑line setbacks commonly 0 ft to encourage street‑facing development; additional setbacks only when adjacent to residential or public open space (see Table 10.28‑1 notes and § 10.40.080).

Practical point: the Marinship overlay includes public‑space, parking setback, and view corridor controls that commonly supersede generic district measures — read § 10.28.050 carefully when your site is in the overlay.

Open Space and Public districts (Table 10.20‑2 — § 10.20.040)

Purpose: parks, public facilities, open space — low development intensity and strict setback requirements when adjacent to residential.

Key numeric standards:

Maximum FAR: 0.10 in many OS/ OA categories.
Maximum coverage: 10% typical for OS districts.
Setbacks: large front/side/rear setbacks (e.g., front 50 ft, side 30 ft, rear 30 ft) when adjacent to residential — see Table 10.20‑2.

Most decision‑relevant standards (quick reference table)

District group	Representative limits (typical)	Where to read (code reference)
Residential (R‑1, R‑2, R‑3)	FAR: 0.35–0.84 depending on subdistrict; Coverage: 30–50%; Height: 32 ft typical; Setbacks: front often 0 ft / side 5–10 ft / rear 15–20 ft	Table 10.22‑2; § 10.22.040; cross‑refs § 10.40.040–.060
Commercial (CC, CN, CW, etc.)	FAR: 0.30–1.30 (CC highest); Coverage: 30–100%; Height: 25–32 ft typical; setbacks often N/A except when adjacent to residential	Table 10.24‑2; § 10.24.050; § 10.40.040–.080
Industrial / Marinship (IM, ‑M)	FAR: 0.40 (industrial‑equivalent); Coverage: 50%; Height: 32 ft (shoreline exceptions)	Table 10.26‑2; Table 10.28‑1; § 10.26.040, § 10.28.050
Open Space/Public (OS, PP, PI, OA)	FAR: 0.10; Coverage: 10%; Height: 32 ft; Setbacks large when adjacent to residential	Table 10.20‑2; § 10.20.040

Always read the district table and the cross‑references in § 10.40 together. The City’s design review chapter may further limit build‑out for visual, tree protection, or slope reasons — see § 10.54.050 (height, FAR and coverage considerations in design findings).

Practical guidance & interpretation tips

Height is measured from natural average grade unless otherwise noted (see § 10.22.040(E) and § 10.40.060). Verify how grade is determined for sloped Sausalito lots.
Many setbacks read “required only when adjacent to residential” — this is a common code pattern (see Table 10.24‑2 and Table notes). If your lot borders a residential parcel, apply the residential adjacency setbacks in § 10.40.080.
The Marinship ‑M overlay often expects zero front setbacks to maintain street edge; however shoreline, view corridor, or public open space rules may create larger buffers — consult § 10.28.050.
If a residential project will use more than 80% of allowed FAR or coverage, the project triggers heightened design review findings (public notice or Planning Commission review per § 10.54.050). Expect tree preservation, view protection, and site configuration to be evaluated.
ADU and two‑unit rules interact with state law; local density and some objective standards are adjusted by § 10.44.350 and the ADU chapter § 10.44.080, but state ADU law may limit what Sausalito can require for ADUs (see the City's ADU chapter and state ADU guidance). Link to the City ADU page and to the California Building Standards Code for building code interplay. (/us/california/sausalito/adu) (/us/california/building-codes)

Also see the City's topic pages for related matters: parking rules are separate and should be reviewed here (/us/california/sausalito/parking), and design review procedures are at the City’s design review page (/us/california/sausalito/design-review).

Checklist — what an applicant must demonstrate (pre‑application & permit)

Confirm base zoning district and any overlay(s) on the parcel (check the official zoning map) and read the applicable Site Development Standards table (e.g., Table 10.22‑2, Table 10.24‑2).
Verify FAR, maximum building coverage, impervious surface cap, and maximum building height from the district table and from § 10.40.040–.060.
Confirm setbacks that apply (note adjacency rules: setbacks often apply only if adjacent to residential or public open space — § 10.40.080).
If the proposal exceeds 80% of allowed FAR/coverage, prepare materials to meet the heightened design review findings in § 10.54.050 (tree preservation, view impact, massing).
If in the ‑M Marinship overlay, apply Table 10.28‑1 special standards (public open space, view corridors, parking setbacks).
For ADUs or two‑unit projects, confirm local modifications and state ADU preemptions; check § 10.44.080 and § 10.44.350 and state ADU law. (/us/california/sausalito/adu)
Prepare to document natural average grade calculation for height measurement (see § 10.40.060 / § 10.22.040(E)).

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue	Why it matters	What to verify
Topography and height measurement	Sausalito’s steep, variable lots make the natural average grade measurement and resulting allowable height ambiguous	Confirm grade methodology and boundary points with City staff; see § 10.40.060 and § 10.22.040(E).
Overlay district modifiers (e.g., ‑M)	Overlays can change setbacks, height, or FAR expectations (Marinship prefers street‑edge, but shoreline rules alter heights)	Check the overlay chapter § 10.28.050 and any specific plan text; verify view corridor & shoreline buffers.
Design review discretion	Design review findings let the Planning Commission impose more restrictive limits when preserving trees/views	If your project nears 80% of FAR/coverage, expect discretionary findings and the potential for reduced allowable buildable area; see § 10.54.050.
Historic district constraints	Historic listing can disallow density or certain exemptions (state density bonuses may not apply)	Verify whether site is within a City historic district or on the State Historic Resources Inventory; code references in specific chapters such as § 10.44.350.
ADU interplay with local limits	State ADU law limits what local rules can require (e.g., minimum lot size, certain setbacks)	Review local ADU chapter § 10.44.080, the two‑unit rules § 10.44.350, and current state ADU statutes; confirm with the City. (/us/california/california-adu-laws)

Plain‑English summary

Sausalito’s zoning tables set the numeric ceilings you must design to: each district table (residential, commercial, industrial/marinship, open space) spells out maximum FAR, maximum building coverage, heights (usually 32 ft in many districts), and typical setbacks; these district numbers are applied together with the General Development Regulations in § 10.40 and any overlay or specific‑use chapter that controls your parcel. Read the district table first, then § 10.40, then any overlay (for example § 10.28.050 for Marinship); expect design review to tighten limits where view/tree/slope impacts are at issue.

Source References

Sausalito Municipal Code — Residential site development standards: § 10.22.040, Table 10.22‑2.
Sausalito Municipal Code — Commercial site development standards: § 10.24.050, Table 10.24‑2.
Sausalito Municipal Code — Marinship overlay and IM district: § 10.28.050 and § 10.26.040, Table 10.28‑1 / Table 10.26‑2.
Sausalito Municipal Code — General Development Regulations (FAR, coverage, height, setbacks): Chapter 10.40 (see § 10.40.040, § 10.40.050, § 10.40.060, § 10.40.070, § 10.40.080).
Sausalito Municipal Code — Design review heightened findings (80% FAR/coverage): § 10.54.050.
Sausalito Municipal Code — ADU / two‑unit modifications and objective standards: § 10.44.080 and § 10.44.350. (/us/california/sausalito/adu)
Code mirror and download record: Sausalito zoning code (ecode360 mirror) — https://ecode360.com/SA4880 (downloaded copy used in this summary).

Information Gaps

Parcel‑specific grade calculations for height: the code says height is measured from natural average grade (§ 10.40.060 and § 10.22.040(E)), but the exact procedural method for computing “natural average grade” on steep Sausalito lots (survey points, rounding, or allowances) is not fully included in the retrieved snippets. Verify with the Community Development Department.
Some table imagery and figure text were omitted in the file extracts (e.g., full numeric footnotes or figure examples). When a development depends on a footnote (for example, special FAR exceptions) request the complete table from the City.
Interaction of the Fair Traffic Limits initiative text with current zoning practice (how recent amendments are applied) — the initiative language is referenced in § 10.40.020, but practice and thresholds may require City staff confirmation.

Sources

Retrieved passages

Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.22.040) High relevance
Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.54.050) High relevance
Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.24.050) High relevance
CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) High relevance
Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.28.050) High relevance
Sausalito Zoning Code (§ 10.28.060) High relevance
Sausalito Zoning Code (CHAPTER 10.40) High relevance
Sausalito Zoning Code (Title 9) High relevance

Cited sections

Official Sausalito code library

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R‑1 lot in Sausalito?

You design to the numeric limits in Table 10.22‑2: typical R‑1 limits are FAR ~0.35–0.45, maximum coverage ~30–35%, and maximum building height 32 ft, with side and rear setbacks (side ≈5 ft, rear ≈15 ft) unless a different setback is shown on the zoning map; see § 10.22.040 and the cross‑refs in § 10.40.

What are Sausalito setback requirements?

Setbacks are set in the district tables and in Chapter § 10.40. Many districts show front = 0 ft for street‑edge parcels and require setbacks only when adjacent to residential or public open space; interior side and rear setbacks are typically 5–15 ft depending on district — confirm in the applicable table and in § 10.40.070/080.

How is building height measured in Sausalito?

Building height is measured from natural average grade; maximums are listed in each district table (32 ft is common). Topography can change how that grade is computed, so verify grade calculation and any exceptions in § 10.40.060 and § 10.22.040(E).

Do I need design review for a project that uses most of the FAR or coverage?

If a residential project would exceed 80% of the allowed FAR and/or building coverage, it triggers the heightened design review findings and may require Planning Commission oversight and public notice under § 10.54.050. Expect tree protection, view protection and massing to be part of the review.

Where are the Marinship (‑M) overlay rules and what do they change?

The ‑M Marinship overlay is in § 10.28.050; it adds specific site standards (public open space, parking setbacks, view corridors), favors street‑edge building placement (often 0 ft front setbacks) and imposes an industrial‑equivalent FAR calculation for mixed uses (see Table 10.28‑1 and § 10.26.040). Verify shoreline and view corridor conditions with the Community Development Director as noted in the overlay text.

Can I build an ADU to the same FAR/coverage as a new house?

Local ADU rules are in § 10.44.080 and the two‑unit provisions in § 10.44.350; state ADU law also limits what local rules may require. Sausalito’s code allows some density adjustments for accessory units, but confirm local ADU procedural and objective standards and state preemptions on setbacks and sizes. See the City ADU chapter and state ADU law summary. (/us/california/sausalito/adu) (/us/california/california-adu-laws)

Where do I find parking rules that affect site coverage?

Parking standards are handled separately from these district development tables; check Sausalito’s parking rules for off‑street parking design and any setbacks that apply to parking areas. Refer to the City parking page and the ordinance cross‑references called out in each district table (e.g., parking setbacks in Table 10.28‑1). (/us/california/sausalito/parking)

If my lot is adjacent to a residential district, does that change my setbacks?

Yes — many commercial, open space, and public district tables state that setbacks are required only when adjacent to residential zoning districts; see the relevant district table notes and § 10.40.080 (Exceptions to required setbacks).

Can the Planning Commission require lower FAR or greater setbacks than the table shows?

Yes. For projects subject to discretionary design review, the Planning Commission may approve more restrictive limits (smaller dwelling, greater setbacks or other conditions) to meet design findings; see § 10.54.050.

What if my parcel doesn't meet the minimum lot width/area in the table?

The code allows legally created existing parcels that fall short of minimum lot size/width to be developed under the district development standards, subject to the conditions in the applicable district section (see notes in Table 10.22‑2 and § 10.40.030 on minimum parcel standards). Verify legal parcel status with the City.

Are there numeric exceptions for small multiunit housing projects?

Yes — pursuant to state law and local adaptation, the code notes that housing projects of 3–7 units may be allowed higher FAR in certain circumstances (see Table 10.24‑2 footnotes and references to state law in § 10.24.050). Check the footnotes and state law interaction for your specific project.

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