Sierra Madre · Zoning · R-2
Sierra Madre R-2 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Sierra Madre's R-2 zone, generally buildings can be up to 30 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 25 ft and the minimum lot size is 7,500 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Sierra Madre code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 30 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 25 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10% of lot width, min 5 ft, max 10 ft (Interior lots and corner lots; side yard on each side of the lot)
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft
- Minimum lot size: 7,500 sq ft (unless otherwise designated on the zoning map)
- Maximum lot coverage: 45%
R-2 (Two-Family Residential Zone) is a zoning district in Sierra Madre. Every value below was read from the Sierra Madre 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 | 30 ft § 17.24.040 · code textNo building shall exceed two stories or thirty feet in height, whichever is lesser in accordance with the definition for "height" set forth in Section 17.08.020. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 17.24.040 · code textNo building shall exceed two stories or thirty feet in height, whichever is lesser in accordance with the definition for "height" set forth in Section 17.08.020. |
| Minimum front setback | 25 ft § 17.24.050 · code textEvery lot in the R-2 zone shall have a front yard not less than twenty-five feet in depth. |
| Minimum side setback | 10% of lot width, min 5 ft, max 10 ft Applies: Interior lots and corner lots; side yard on each side of the lot § 17.24.060 · code textA. Interior lots and corner lots shall have a side yard on each side of the lot of ten percent of the width of the lot, provided such side yard shall be not less than five feet in width and need not exceed ten feet in width. |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft § 17.24.070 · code textEvery lot shall have a rear yard of at least fifteen feet. |
| Minimum lot size | 7,500 sq ft Applies: unless otherwise designated on the zoning map § 17.24.080 · code textThe minimum required lot area in the R-2 zone shall be seven thousand five hundred square feet unless otherwise designated on the zoning map. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 45% § 17.24.120 · code textAll buildings, including accessory buildings and structures in the R-2 zone, shall not cover more than forty-five percent of the area of the lot. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-2:
- Minimum side setback: 25 ft — Reversed corner lot; side street side § 17.24.060
Not on this page
We did not find a general FAR, density limit for R-2 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Sierra Madre Municipal Code.
Other Sierra Madre zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Sierra Madre's R-2 zone?
30 ft — Sierra Madre Municipal Code § 17.24.040.
What is the maximum number of stories in Sierra Madre's R-2 zone?
2 stories — Sierra Madre Municipal Code § 17.24.040.
What is the minimum front setback in Sierra Madre's R-2 zone?
25 ft — Sierra Madre Municipal Code § 17.24.050.
What is the minimum side setback in Sierra Madre's R-2 zone?
10% of lot width, min 5 ft, max 10 ft (interior lots and corner lots; side yard on each side of the lot) — Sierra Madre Municipal Code § 17.24.060.
What is the minimum rear setback in Sierra Madre's R-2 zone?
15 ft — Sierra Madre Municipal Code § 17.24.070.
General information, not legal advice.
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