Sunnyvale · Zoning · R-1.7
Sunnyvale R-1.7 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Sunnyvale's R-1.7 zone, generally buildings can be up to 30 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 2 acres, with the conditions listed below (Sunnyvale code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 30 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft
- Minimum side setback: 12 ft (total of both side yards added together)
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft
- Minimum lot size: 2 acres (minimum site area for a planned development; maximum lot area may not exceed four thousand sq ft)
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 60%
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 2,600 sq ft
R-1.7 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-1.7
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-1.7/PD”, column “Building Height (ft.)”: 30 |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 19.32.020 · code textTable row “R-1.7/PD”, column “Building Stories”: 2 |
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft § 19.34.030 · code textTable row “R-1.7”, column “Front Yard Minimum 1, 2”: 15 |
| Minimum side setback | 12 ft Applies: total of both side yards added together § 19.34.030 · code textTable row “R-1.7”, column “Side Yards Total 1, 3, 4”: 12 |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft § 19.34.030 · code textTable row “R-1.7”, column “Rear Yard 1, 6”: 20 |
| Minimum lot size | 2 acres Applies: minimum site area for a planned development; maximum lot area may not exceed four thousand sq ft § 19.30.020 · code textTable row “R-1.7/PD”, column “Lot Area Minimum (Square feet)”: 2 acres 2 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 19.32.020 · code textTable row “R-1.7/PD”, column “Lot Coverage”: 50% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 60% § 19.32.020 · code textTable row “R-1.7/PD”, column “Floor Area Ratio (FAR)”: 60% |
| Maximum density | 1 unit per 2,600 sq ft § 19.30.020 · code textTable row “R-1.7/PD”, column “Lot Area Per Dwelling Unit (Square Feet)”: 2,600 2 |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-1.7:
- 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-1.7 zone?
30 ft — Sunnyvale Municipal Code § 19.32.020.
What is the maximum number of stories in Sunnyvale's R-1.7 zone?
2 stories — Sunnyvale Municipal Code § 19.32.020.
What is the minimum front setback in Sunnyvale's R-1.7 zone?
15 ft — Sunnyvale Municipal Code § 19.34.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Sunnyvale's R-1.7 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-1.7 zone?
20 ft — Sunnyvale Municipal Code § 19.34.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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