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

Section 17.08.060 sets the yard minimums for the R-1 single-family zone in the City of Paramount. Every lot needs a front yard depth of not less than 20 feet, measured from the lot front line, a side yard of not less than five feet in width on each side, and a rear yard of not less than 15 feet. The R-2 medium density zone, in § 17.12.060, also requires a front yard depth of not less than 20 feet and a side yard of not less than five feet, except that corner lots maintain a minimum side yard of 10 feet on the street side. The R-2 rear yard is not less than 10 feet, and every R-2 unit must have a minimum of 360 square feet of contiguous private yard area with a minimum dimension of eight feet.

Required yards must stay open and unobstructed from the ground to the sky, with listed intrusions. In R-1, fireplace structures not wider than eight feet can project one foot, uncovered porches and platforms that do not extend above the first floor level can extend six feet into the front yard, covered porches can extend three feet into the front yard and are limited to the entry area, planting boxes or masonry planters up to 36 inches high can extend into the front yard, eaves can intrude 18 inches, and hedges up to 42 inches high are permitted. In R-2, fireplace structures project 18 inches into rear and side yards, and porches extend three feet into the front yard setback.

R-1 front yards must be fully landscaped. Plant density covers at least 65% of the front yard area, and a maximum of 35% can use accent alternatives. All front yard landscape changes need Planning Department review and approval before planting. Corner lots and reverse corner lots keep a vision triangle with 15-foot sides in which nothing higher than 42 inches above grade is permitted. Accessory buildings follow the separate placement rules in § 17.08.070(C).