St Helena · Zoning · MR
St Helena MR zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In St Helena's MR zone, buildings can be up to 30 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 6,000 sq ft (St Helena code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 30 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (ground floor; combined side setbacks must total 15 ft for structures under 25 ft in height, 20 ft over 25 ft)
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq ft
- Maximum density: 5.1 to 16 units per acre (The code sets a range: at least 5.1, at most 16)
MR 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 MR
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 § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Principal Structure”, column “MR”: 30 ft/2 stories |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Principal Structure”, column “MR”: 30 ft/2 stories |
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Min Front Setback”, column “MR”: 20 ft |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft Applies: ground floor; combined side setbacks must total 15 ft for structures under 25 ft in height, 20 ft over 25 ft § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Min. Interior Side Setback, Ground Floor”, column “MR”: 5 ft setback applied with the combined setback below |
| Minimum lot size | 6,000 sq ft § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Min. Lot Area”, column “MR”: 6,000 sq ft |
| Maximum density | 5.1 to 16 units per acre Applies: The code sets a range: at least 5.1, at most 16 § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Density”, column “MR”: 5.1 to 16 du/ac |
Uses in MR
Uses the code's use tables allow in MR, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Apartment building — Allowed
- Rooming or boarding house — Needs a conditional use permit
- Bed and breakfast — Needs a conditional use permit
- Child care center — Needs a minor use permit
- Community garden — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in MR:
- Maximum lot coverage: 40% — lot width >45 ft § 17.16.030
- Maximum lot coverage: 55% — new small lot development § 17.16.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general rear setback, lot coverage, FAR limit for MR 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 MR zone?
30 ft — St Helena Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in St Helena's MR zone?
2 stories — St Helena Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
What is the minimum front setback in St Helena's MR zone?
20 ft — St Helena Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
What is the minimum side setback in St Helena's MR zone?
5 ft (ground floor; combined side setbacks must total 15 ft for structures under 25 ft in height, 20 ft over 25 ft) — St Helena Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
What is the minimum lot size in St Helena's MR zone?
6,000 sq ft — St Helena Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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