Alhambra Zoning Code 23.04.030 sets residential setbacks by zone. In the RL (R-1) zone the front setback is 25 feet, street side 10 feet, interior side 5 feet (first story) / 6 feet (upper stories), and rear 20% of lot depth up to 15 feet. RM and RH zones use different, generally smaller setbacks.
Building setbacks in Alhambra are governed by the city's Zoning Code Section 23.04.030 (Development Standards) and vary by residential zone, as published by the city's Planning Division. In the Residential Low Density (RL / R-1) zone, the minimum front yard setback is 25 feet, the street side setback is 10 feet, interior side setbacks are 5 feet for the first story and 6 feet for upper stories, and the rear setback is 20% of lot depth up to a maximum of 15 feet. In the Residential Medium Density (RM / R-2) zone, the front setback is the average of the two adjacent properties' front setbacks or 20 feet, whichever is greater; interior sides are 5 feet (first story) / 6 feet (upper stories); street side is 10 feet; and the rear setback is 10 feet. In the Residential High Density (RH / R-3) zone, the front setback is the average of adjacent properties or 15 feet, whichever is greater; sides mirror the 5/6-foot and 10-foot street-side standards; and the rear setback is 10 feet (15 feet for certain Curtis/Electric Lane properties). Accessory structures must be set back at least three feet from interior side and rear lot lines. These are city standards specific to Alhambra, not Los Angeles County setbacks. Because front and rear figures can depend on lot depth and neighboring properties, owners should confirm exact requirements with the Planning Division.
Constructing or enclosing within a required setback, encroaching on a front, side or rear yard, or building without a setback variance violates Zoning Code 23.04.030 and can result in stop-work orders, denial of permits, or required removal of the encroaching structure.
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