Sunnyvale · Zoning · R-1.5
Sunnyvale R-1.5 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Sunnyvale's R-1.5 zone, buildings can be up to 30 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 4,200 sq ft (Sunnyvale 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: 12 ft (total of both side yards added together)
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft
- Minimum lot size: 4,200 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 60%
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 4,200 sq ft
R-1.5 is a zoning district in Sunnyvale. Every value below was read from the Sunnyvale 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-1.5
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 § 19.32.020 · code textTable row “R-1.5”, column “Building Height (ft.)”: 30 |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 19.32.020 · code textTable row “R-1.5”, column “Building Stories”: 2 |
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 19.34.030 · code textTable row “R-1.5”, column “Front Yard Minimum 1, 2”: 20 |
| Minimum side setback | 12 ft Applies: total of both side yards added together § 19.34.030 · code textTable row “R-1.5”, column “Side Yards Total 1, 3, 4”: 12 |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft § 19.34.030 · code textTable row “R-1.5”, column “Rear Yard 1, 6”: 20 |
| Minimum lot size | 4,200 sq ft § 19.30.020 · code textTable row “R-1.5”, column “Lot Area Minimum (Square feet)”: 4,200 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 19.32.020 · code textTable row “R-1.5”, column “Lot Coverage”: 50% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 60% § 19.32.020 · code textTable row “R-1.5”, column “Floor Area Ratio (FAR)”: 60% |
| Maximum density | 1 unit per 4,200 sq ft § 19.30.020 · code textTable row “R-1.5”, column “Lot Area Per Dwelling Unit (Square Feet)”: 4,200 |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-1.5:
- Maximum building height: 12 ft — Walls facing the side yards within 12 feet of the side property lines § 19.32.020
- Maximum building height: 21 ft — Second-story wall height, exclusive of pitched roof structure § 19.32.020
- Minimum side setback: 4 ft — one side § 19.34.030
Other Sunnyvale zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Sunnyvale's R-1.5 zone?
30 ft — Sunnyvale Municipal Code § 19.32.020.
What is the maximum number of stories in Sunnyvale's R-1.5 zone?
2 stories — Sunnyvale Municipal Code § 19.32.020.
What is the minimum front setback in Sunnyvale's R-1.5 zone?
20 ft — Sunnyvale Municipal Code § 19.34.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Sunnyvale's R-1.5 zone?
12 ft (total of both side yards added together) — Sunnyvale Municipal Code § 19.34.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Sunnyvale's R-1.5 zone?
20 ft — Sunnyvale Municipal Code § 19.34.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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