St Helena · Zoning · HR
St Helena HR zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In St Helena's HR zone, buildings can be up to 42 ft (3 stories) tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 7,000 sq ft (St Helena code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 42 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft
- Minimum lot size: 7,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 55%
- Maximum density: 16.1 to 28 units per acre (The code sets a range: at least 16.1, at most 28)
HR is a zoning district in St Helena. Every value below was read from the St Helena 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 HR
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 | 42 ft § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Principal Structure”, column “HR”: 42 ft/3 stories |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Principal Structure”, column “HR”: 42 ft/3 stories |
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Min Front Setback”, column “HR”: 15 ft; 25 ft for 3rd floor and above |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Min. Interior Side Setback, Ground Floor”, column “HR”: 10 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 7,000 sq ft § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Min. Lot Area”, column “HR”: 7,000 sq ft |
| Maximum lot coverage | 55% § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Max. Lot Coverage (Includes Accessory Structures)”, column “HR”: 55% |
| Maximum density | 16.1 to 28 units per acre Applies: The code sets a range: at least 16.1, at most 28 § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Density”, column “HR”: 16.1—28 du/ac |
Uses in HR
Uses the code's use tables allow in HR, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Apartment building — Allowed
- Rooming or boarding house — Needs a conditional use permit
- Child care center — Needs a minor use permit
- Community garden — Needs a minor use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in HR:
- Minimum front setback: 25 ft — 3rd floor and above § 17.16.030
- Minimum side setback: None required — upper floors (above the ground floor) § 17.16.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general rear setback, FAR limit for HR in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the St Helena Municipal Code.
Other St Helena zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in St Helena's HR zone?
42 ft — St Helena Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in St Helena's HR zone?
3 stories — St Helena Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
What is the minimum front setback in St Helena's HR zone?
15 ft — St Helena Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
What is the minimum side setback in St Helena's HR zone?
10 ft — St Helena Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
What is the minimum lot size in St Helena's HR zone?
7,000 sq ft — St Helena Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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