Corner lots in San Ramon have two street-facing yards, both of which are treated as front yards for setback purposes. Typically the primary front yard retains the full 20-foot setback, while the street-side yard requires a reduced but still substantial setback (often 10β15 feet). Vision clearance triangles at the intersection must remain unobstructed β no fences, landscaping, or structures over 3 feet in height within the sight-distance triangle. Fence height is typically limited on both street-facing sides.
San Ramon Development Code treats corner lots with special rules to maintain street character, visibility, and traffic safety. In R-1 zones, the primary front yard (the address-facing side) typically requires a 20-foot setback for the main dwelling. The street-side yard (the other street-facing side) typically requires a 10- to 15-foot setback β shorter than a front yard but greater than a typical interior side yard. The opposite-of-front line is treated as the rear yard. Fences on corner lots face additional restrictions: typically 3.5-foot height maximum in the primary front-yard setback, and 3.5- to 4-foot max in the street-side-yard setback (or open-style fencing above that) to maintain neighborhood visibility and prevent blind corners. The sight-distance triangle at the intersection β generally a triangular area measured 15β25 feet back from the curb along both streets β must be kept free of visual obstructions over 3 feet tall, including landscaping. This rule derives from California Streets and Highways Code and AASHTO guidelines, and local ordinance enforces it. Driveways on corner lots are typically restricted from being placed too close to the intersection (often 20+ feet back). Accessory structures including ADUs must meet the street-side setback as if it were a front yard, not an interior side yard. HOAs in specific plan areas may impose stricter corner-lot design standards. Variances can be requested but must demonstrate hardship.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
San Ramon, CA
San Ramon prohibits amplified music audible beyond the property line of the source, with stricter enforcement during quiet hours (10 PM-7 AM). Outdoor events...
San Ramon, CA
Construction in San Ramon is permitted Monday-Friday 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. No construction is allowed on Sundays or city-recogn...
San Ramon, CA
San Ramon prohibits long-term on-street parking of recreational vehicles, boats, trailers, and oversized vehicles under California Vehicle Code Section 22507...
San Ramon, CA
San Ramon permits 6-foot fences in side and rear yards and 3.5-foot (42-inch) fences in front yards. Corner lots have additional sight-triangle restrictions ...
San Ramon, CA
Hedges in San Ramon are regulated similarly to fences for sight-line purposes. Front yard hedges must not exceed 3.5 feet within the front setback, and corne...
San Ramon, CA
San Ramon borders extensive East Bay Regional Park District open space (Las Trampas, Bollinger Canyon, Iron Horse Trail) hosting deer, coyotes, mountain lion...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Contra Costa County.
See how other cities in Contra Costa County handle setback rules.
See how San Ramon's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.