Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Bishop, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

R-1 / R-2 front & rear
15 feet
R-2000 / R-3 / RM front & rear
10 feet
Side setback (all)
5 feet
Minimum lot size
5,000 sf (4,000 sf in RM)
Placement method
Setbacks, not lot coverage

Summary

Bishop's Zoning Code requires a 15-foot front and rear setback and a 5-foot side setback in the R-1 and R-2 single-family and low-density residential zones. Higher-density R-2000, R-3, and RM zones use a 10-foot front/rear setback with the same 5-foot side setback.

R1 / R2 Setbacks-front/rear 15 feet; Setbacks-side 5 feet. R2000/R2000P and R3/R3P and RM Setbacks-front/rear 10 feet; Setbacks-side 5 feet. Minimum Lot Size 5,000 sf (RM 4,000 sf).

Full Breakdown

The City of Bishop Zoning Code (Title 17) sets residential building placement through required yard setbacks rather than lot-coverage caps. In the R-1 (2-5 units/acre) and R-2 (5-10 units/acre) zones the front and rear setback is 15 feet and the side setback is 5 feet. In the medium-high and high-density R-2000/R-2000-P and R-3/R-3-P zones, and the RM zone, the front/rear setback is 10 feet with a 5-foot side setback. Minimum lot size is 5,000 square feet (4,000 in RM). These are the figures published in the City's adopted Zoning and Development Standards table.

Violations & Fines

Building into a required setback without an approved variance is a zoning violation. Bishop enforces on a complaint basis and can require the encroaching structure to be modified or removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the front-yard setback for a house in Bishop?
In the R-1 and R-2 residential zones the front (and rear) setback is 15 feet. In R-2000, R-3, and RM zones it is 10 feet. The side setback is 5 feet in all these zones.
Can I get a smaller setback?
Reduced setbacks require a variance approved by the Planning Commission. Contact the Bishop Planning & Building Division to apply and to confirm your parcel's zone.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Bishop

All Bishop rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Bishop to another location·View the California building setbacks & zoning overview

Get notified when Setback Rules in Bishop, CA changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.