Local zoning · Westminster

Westminster — Development Standards

Development Standards under the Westminster local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

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Last reviewed: July 3, 2026

Overview

This page summarizes the Westminster Municipal Code (Title 17) standards that control setbacks, height, lot coverage, density and FAR by zoning district and overlay. It synthesizes the district tables, overlay rules, and special standards (including accessory dwelling units) so applicants know which numeric standards to check early in design. For procedural items such as building permits and Title 24 compliance, consult the California Building Standards Code and the City early (verify with the jurisdiction) — this page stays strictly on the local zoning/development standards in Title 17.

How to use this page

  • If you want the table of dimensional rules for design and entitlement, read the district subsections and the summary table below (Code Reference next to each number).
  • If you are planning an ADU, go straight to the Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) subsection — Westminster has a dedicated ADU section that overrides other rules where state law requires it.
  • For parking numeric requirements see Chapter 17.320; for design guidelines and potential design-review triggers see the design review page.

R1 — Single-Family Residential (see R1)

Purpose & typical uses: The R1 district is intended for single-unit residences and accessory uses. Permitted uses include single-family homes, accessory structures, and limited home occupations subject to Article 3 standards. See the general residential standards at § 17.210.015 and single-family design rules at § 17.400.120 .

Key dimensional standards (from Table 2-3 / R1):

  • Minimum lot size: 6,500 SF (corner); 6,000 SF (other lots) — Table 2-3, § 17.210.015 .
  • Maximum density: 1 unit per lot — § 17.210.015 .
  • Maximum height: 2 stories / 35 ft (exceptions noted in § 17.210.015 footnotes) — § 17.210.015 .
  • Front yard: measured per § 17.300.020; typical 50 ft from centerline or 20 ft from right‑of‑way, with exceptions in notes — § 17.210.015 and § 17.300.020 .
  • Side yard: minimum 5 ft (corner lots have larger street‑side yard requirements) — § 17.210.015 .
  • Rear yard: minimum 20 ft or 20% of lot depth (whichever is less) — § 17.210.015 .
  • Maximum lot coverage: 40% (R1) — Table 2-3, § 17.210.015 .

Where it applies: conventional single-family neighborhoods; consult the city's zoning map to confirm a parcel is R1 (verify with the jurisdiction).

R2 — Low‑Density Multi‑Family / Duplex (R2)

Purpose & uses: small multi-unit or attached housing consistent with R‑2 description in § 17.210.015 .

Key standards (Table 2-3):

  • Maximum density: 1 unit per 3,600 SF — § 17.210.015 .
  • Maximum building height: See Table 2-3 and applicable multi-family height rules (varies by proximity to R1 and other districts) — § 17.210.015 .
  • Lot coverage: 40% (R2) — § 17.210.015 .

Other notes: multi‑family projects follow Article 3 site planning standards and Chapter 17.320 parking rules .

R3, R4, R5 — Increasing Multi‑Family Density (R3, R4, R5)

Purpose & uses: stacked and garden multi‑family types; Table 2-3 sets progressively denser densities and higher lot coverage. See § 17.210.015 and Table 2-3 for the complete matrix .

Key highlights from Table 2-3 (representative):

  • Maximum density: R3 = 1/3,000 SF; R4 = 1/2,400 SF; R5 = 1/1,800 SF — § 17.210.015 .
  • Maximum lot coverage: R3 = 40%; R4 = 50%; R5 = 60% — Table 2-3, § 17.210.015 .
  • Height: varies by proximity to R1; consult Table 2-3 notes — § 17.210.015 .

Commercial districts — CR, C1, C2

Purpose & typical uses: CR (restricted office and low‑intensity uses), C1 (local retail/service), C2 (general/regional commercial). See Chapter 17.220 purpose and permitted uses at § 17.220.005 .

Key development controls (by district):

  • Setbacks, height, lot coverage and parking are set in the district tables and Article 3; commercial projects must meet the Article 3 site planning rules (including landscaping Chapter 17.310) and parking Chapter 17.320 — § 17.220.005, Chapter 17.310, Chapter 17.320 .
  • Signage and specific retail controls are handled in Chapters referenced in the commercial tables (see Table 2‑x in Chapter 17.220) — § 17.220.005 .

Industrial districts — CM, M1, M2

Purpose & uses: light to heavy industrial uses; see § 17.230.015 and Table 2‑7 for numeric standards (height, minimum lot size, yards) . Off‑street parking and landscaping standards apply per Article 3 (Chapters 17.320 and 17.310) .

Mixed‑Use zones — MU36 and MU40

Purpose: allow vertical or horizontal integration of residential and nonresidential uses at specified densities (36 and 40 du/ac). See § 17.260.015 and Table 2‑9 for the full matrix .

Key numeric highlights (Table 2‑9 / § 17.260.015):

  • Maximum residential density: MU36 = 36 du/ac (1 unit per 1,210 SF); MU40 = 40 du/ac (1 unit per 1,089 SF) — § 17.260.015 .
  • Maximum building height: MU36 mixed‑use: 5 stories / up to 75 ft; MU40 mixed‑use: 6 stories / up to 95 ft (nonresidential-only types have lower height caps) — § 17.260.015 .
  • Maximum nonresidential FAR: up to 1.0 (see Table 2‑9) — § 17.260.015 .
  • Setbacks: first‑story front setbacks have minimums and maximums in Table 2‑9; upper‑story stepbacks governed by subsection 17.260.015(B) — § 17.260.015 .

Note: When a project mixes residential and nonresidential uses, Westminster applies density limits to the residential component and FAR to the nonresidential component (explicitly stated in § 17.260.015) .

Planned Development (PD) Overlay — PD Overlay

Purpose: provides site‑specific standards for large integrated developments; see § 17.250.030. The PD Overlay requires a comprehensive plan and may establish its own permitted uses and development standards; maximum height is tied to the width of the street face unless otherwise set in the approved plan — § 17.250.030 .

Link to the city’s overlay districts menu for mapping and process information.

Housing (H) Overlay — H Overlay

Purpose: to implement the City’s Sites Inventory and require a minimum residential density on designated lots. New residential projects on H Overlay lots must provide at least 30 dwelling units per net acre (minimum) and may seek density bonuses under state law — § 17.250.035 .

Small Lot Residential / Small‑Lot Subdivisions

Specific stacked/attached product rules live in § 17.400.150 and Table 4‑2: typical provisions include minimum building site ~3,100 SF, max FAR 0.7, max height 30 ft (2 stories, limited 3rd loft), aggregated side‑yard rules and maximum lot coverage 50% (+5% for porches) — § 17.400.150 and Table 4‑2 .

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs (JADUs) — Westminster specifics

Westminster sets an ADU/JADU chapter at § 17.400.135. Key local rules (summarized):

  • ADU heights: Detached ADUs default 16 ft, up to 18 ft in transit/proximity or multifamily contexts, attached ADUs up to 25 ft or the applicable zone limit (but not above two stories) — § 17.400.135 .
  • Setbacks: Conversions require no new setbacks; new detached ADUs must provide minimum 4‑ft side/rear setbacks; distance between detached units and primary units is addressed (6 ft typical) — § 17.400.135 .
  • Maximum unit size: local caps allow up to 1,200 SF for detached ADUs and up to 1,200 SF or 50% of the living area for attached ADUs (with certain allowances for 850 / 1,000 SF minimums by bedroom count) — § 17.400.135 .
  • Waivers / state alignment: Westminster’s ADU section confirms that where state ADU law restricts local controls, the ADU section prevails only to the extent of state law; the City’s ADU rules explicitly allow converted ADUs and conform to state limits such that a minimally compliant 800 SF ADU with 4‑ft setbacks cannot be prohibited — § 17.400.135 and state ADU guidance (local implementation summarized in the city section) .
  • ADU applicants should also check ADUs for local process steps and the city ADU checklist.

Setbacks, Projections & Measurement (Article 3 basics)

  • Setbacks are measured per § 17.300.020 (front, side, street‑side, rear) and allowed projections into setbacks (eaves, balconies, bay windows) are listed in Table 3‑1. Projections have tight limits (e.g., awning/front eave up to 5 ft but no closer than 2 ft to lot line; balcony into side yard up to 3 ft but no closer than 2 ft) — § 17.300.020 and Table 3‑1 .
  • Measurement rules and special notes (cul‑de‑sac exceptions, narrow lot rules, alley abutment exceptions) are in the notes to Table 2‑3 and § 17.300.020 .

Lot Coverage, FAR and Density — where to look

  • Residential district lot coverage, maximum FAR for special products (e.g., Small Lot Subdivisions Table 4‑2 shows FAR 0.7) and density caps live in Table 2‑3 (residential) and Table 4‑2 (small lot) — § 17.210.015 and § 17.400.150 .
  • Mixed‑use projects use density for the residential component and FAR for the nonresidential component per § 17.260.015 .
  • For projects involving ADUs note Westminster’s explicit ADU rule that underlying development standards may not preclude an 800 SF ADU with 4‑ft side/rear setbacks (consistent with state rules) — § 17.400.135 .

Quick Reference table — most decision‑relevant numeric standards

District / Standard Key numbers (decision‑relevant) Code Reference
R1 (Single family) Min lot 6,500 SF (corner) / 6,000 SF (others); Max height 35 ft; Lot coverage 40%; Rear 20 ft / 20% § 17.210.015
R2 Density 1/3,600 SF; lot coverage 40%; side yard 5 ft § 17.210.015
R3–R5 Progressive densities (see Table 2‑3); R5 lot coverage up to 60% § 17.210.015
MU36 / MU40 Density 36 / 40 du/ac; mixed‑use height up to 75–95 ft; nonresidential FAR up to 1.0 § 17.260.015
Small Lot Subdivision Min lot ~3,100 SF; FAR 0.7; max height 30 ft (2 stories); lot coverage 50% § 17.400.150 (Table 4‑2)
ADUs Detached ADU height 16 ft (base) / 18 ft (certain conditions); side/rear setbacks 4 ft (non‑conversions); max detached 1,200 SF § 17.400.135
Setbacks / Projections Allowed projections: eaves 2'6" into side yard; awnings up to 5' (limits apply) § 17.300.020 (Table 3‑1)
Parking As required by Chapter 17.320 (see parking counts, dims, and special SB 9 / ADU provisions) Chapter 17.320

Checklist

An applicant should confirm (at minimum):

  • Which zoning district the parcel is in (R1/R2/R3/R4/R5, CR/C1/C2, MU36/MU40, CM/M1/M2, PD/H Overlay) — verify on the City zoning map and § 17.200.010 (zoning districts) (Verify with the jurisdiction).
  • Applicable district numeric limits in Table 2‑3 / Table 2‑9 / Table 2‑7 or Table 4‑2 (Small Lot) — § 17.210.015, § 17.260.015, § 17.230.015, § 17.400.150 .
  • Setback calculations per § 17.300.020 and allowed projections (Table 3‑1) — § 17.300.020 .
  • Parking calculations per Chapter 17.320 and whether SB 9 / ADU exemptions apply — Chapter 17.320 . (See also the city's parking resource: parking.)
  • Landscaping/screening requirements per Chapter 17.310 and any parking/driveway landscape minimums — Chapter 17.310 (see landscaping).
  • If using overlays (H or PD), confirm overlay obligations (e.g., H Overlay requires 30 du/ac minimum) — § 17.250.035, § 17.250.030 .
  • If requesting deviations, check administrative adjustments and variance thresholds and process (§ 17.555.010) — § 17.555.010 .
  • For ADUs, check § 17.400.135 for unit size, height, and setback rules and state consistency requirements — § 17.400.135 .
  • Confirm any required design review or discretionary approvals (see design review) and whether the project triggers design guidelines referenced in district chapters — § 17.260.015 and § 17.400.120 .

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
ADU vs underlying development standards State ADU law limits how local rules can be used to prevent ADUs; Westminster implements ADU rules that can override other standards in limited ways — potential conflicts with lot coverage, setback, and parking Read § 17.400.135 and confirm whether your proposal is a conversion (no setbacks) or new construction (4‑ft side/rear min); confirm any state preemption issues — § 17.400.135
Which standard governs in mixed projects (density vs FAR) Westminster explicitly applies density to residential portions and FAR to nonresidential portions in mixed‑use zones — incorrect interpretation can kill feasibility Confirm treatment under § 17.260.015 and use Table 2‑9 for numeric caps
Parcel‑specific setbacks (street width exceptions) Front yard setbacks are measured from centerline or ultimate R/W and have street‑width exceptions for wide streets Verify existing right‑of‑way, street classification and the applicable note in § 17.210.015 and § 17.300.020 (e.g., Westminster Blvd rules)
Administrative adjustment vs variance thresholds Some small reductions (e.g., front yard in R1 up to 3 ft, setbacks up to 10%) are allowed administratively; larger deviations require a variance Check § 17.555.010 Table 5‑2 for allowed administrative adjustments and when a variance is required — § 17.555.010
FAR/lot coverage interplay for special products Small lot subdivisions, ADUs and conversions have special FAR/coverage rules that may differ from base district Consult Table 4‑2 (§ 17.400.150) for small lots and § 17.400.135 for ADUs; confirm which standard controls for your product

Plain‑English summary

Westminster’s zoning code (Title 17) establishes numerical rules by district in tables: R1–R5 residential rules live in Table 2‑3 (§ 17.210.015), mixed‑use in Table 2‑9 (§ 17.260.015), industrial in Table 2‑7 (§ 17.230.015), and special products (small‑lot, ADUs) have stand‑alone sections (§ 17.400.150, § 17.400.135). Setbacks/projections use Article 3 measurement rules (§ 17.300.020), parking is in Chapter 17.320, and overlays (PD, H) may replace or add site‑specific standards. Always verify the parcel’s district and overlay and confirm which table/footnote applies before design—many otherwise minor numeric differences (setback measurement method, driveway coverage, or ADU conversion vs new construction) change what fits on the lot. See the specific code sections cited below for the exact numbers.

Source References

Sources

Retrieved passages

  • Westminster Zoning Code High relevance
  • Westminster Zoning Code (§ 6) High relevance
  • Westminster Zoning Code High relevance
  • CBC § 66314 (§ 66314) High relevance
  • Westminster Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Westminster Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Westminster Zoning Code (Article 7) High relevance
  • Westminster Zoning Code (Article 3) High relevance
  • Westminster Zoning Code (Article 3) High relevance
  • Westminster Zoning Code (Article 7) High relevance
  • CBC § 2 (Article 2) High relevance
  • Westminster Zoning Code (chapter applicable) High relevance
  • Westminster Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Westminster Zoning Code (§ 2) High relevance
  • Westminster Zoning Code (§ 66317) Medium relevance
  • Westminster Zoning Code Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R‑1 lot in Westminster?

You can build a single‑family residence and customary accessory structures consistent with the R‑1 numeric limits in Table 2‑3: min lot 6,000 SF (6,500 SF corner), max height 35 ft (2 stories), lot coverage 40%, with setbacks measured per § 17.300.020. See § 17.210.015 for the full table and notes .

What are Westminster setback requirements?

Setbacks (front, side, rear) are measured per § 17.300.020; district minimums are in the district tables (e.g., Table 2‑3 for residential under § 17.210.015). Allowed projections (eaves, balconies, bay windows) and their maximum intrusions are listed in Table 3‑1 in § 17.300.020 .

What are Westminster height limits for multi‑family or mixed‑use projects?

District tables provide the caps: multi‑family heights are in Table 2‑3 (residential) and mixed‑use heights (e.g., MU36 = up to 75 ft / 5 stories; MU40 = up to 95 ft / 6 stories) are in § 17.260.015 and Table 2‑9; proximity footnotes (e.g., when abutting R‑1) can lower allowable heights — § 17.260.015, § 17.210.015 .

Do I need to account for FAR separately from density?

Yes. Westminster applies density limits to residential components and FAR to nonresidential components in mixed‑use zones (explicit in § 17.260.015). For purely residential zones, density and lot coverage are the usual controls (Table 2‑3) — § 17.260.015 .

What are the ADU setbacks and size rules in Westminster?

Westminster’s ADU rules are in § 17.400.135: conversions generally require no new setbacks; new detached ADUs must provide minimum 4‑ft side/rear setbacks and have specified height and size caps (detached up to 1,200 SF, detached base height 16 ft, with conditions for 18 ft allowances). See § 17.400.135 for the full matrix and state consistency notes .

How does Westminster treat driveway/impervious coverage in front yards?

Driveway coverage limits and percentages for front yard paving are included in the setback/parking rules (front yard driveway coverage as a percentage of the front yard is defined in Article 3 notes and Chapter 17.320). See § 17.300.020 and Chapter 17.320 for the exact percentages and driveway dimension rules .

Do I need design review for a new multi‑unit building?

Many multi‑family or mixed‑use projects reference the Westminster Design Guidelines and may trigger design review; Chapter and district sections (e.g., § 17.260.015 and § 17.400.120) tie applicable design guidelines to entitlement. Check the design review procedures and the design guidance noted in the district chapters — § 17.260.015, § 17.400.120 .

When can I use an administrative adjustment instead of a variance?

Administrative adjustments for limited changes (e.g., setback reductions up to 10%, small increases in height up to 10%) are allowed per Table 5‑2; larger deviations require a variance under Chapter 17.555. See § 17.555.010 (Table 5‑2) for the precise caps and process .

Where are Westminster landscaping standards specified?

Landscape standards are codified in Chapter 17.310; district tables call out that landscaping and screening must comply with Chapter 17.310 for new projects — Chapter 17.310 (see also the landscaping and screening page).

What if my parcel is in an overlay zone (PD or H)?

Overlays alter or add standards: the PD Overlay requires a comprehensive plan and can set site‑specific standards (§ 17.250.030); the H Overlay imposes a minimum 30 du/ac for new residential projects (§ 17.250.035). Always check the overlay designation on the parcel record and the PD comprehensive plan (if any) — § 17.250.030, § 17.250.035 . ---

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