San Ramon, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- RC/HR front setback
- 30 ft
- RE-A front setback
- 25 ft
- RE-B front setback
- 20 ft
- RC rear setback
- 35 ft
- RE-A/RE-B rear setback
- 15 ft
- RS-D front setback
- 15 ft
Summary
San Ramon's Zoning Ordinance sets minimum front, side and rear setbacks by zoning district in Division D2's development-standards tables. The Rural Conservation and Hillside Residential zones require a 30-foot front setback and 35-foot rear setback, while Residential Estate lots drop to 20-25 feet front and 15 feet rear.
TABLE 2-2 - RC, HR, AND RE DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS ... RC HR RE-A RE-B ... Setbacks Minimum setbacks required. See Section D3-10 for exceptions, and allowed projections into setbacks. Front 30 ft 30 ft 25 ft 20 ft Side - Interior (each) 20 ft 20 ft 15 ft 10 ft Side - Corner 25 ft 25 ft 20 ft 15 ft Sides – Non-Corner Lot Aggregate 40 ft 40 ft 35 ft 25 ft Sides – Corner Lot Aggregate 45 ft 45 ft 35 ft 25 ft Rear 35 ft 30 ft 15 ft 15 ft
Full Breakdown
Table 2-2 (RC, HR, AND RE Development Standards) at San Ramon Municipal Code Section D2-9 fixes minimum setbacks for the Rural Conservation (RC), Hillside Residential (HR), and Residential Estate A and B (RE-A, RE-B) zones: a 30-foot front setback in RC and HR, 25 feet in RE-A, and 20 feet in RE-B; interior side setbacks of 20 feet (RC/HR) down to 10 feet (RE-B); corner side setbacks of 15 to 25 feet; and rear setbacks of 35 feet (RC), 30 feet (HR), and 15 feet in both RE-A and RE-B.
Companion Table 2-3 sets tighter standards for the RS single-family zones, with front setbacks stepping down from 20 feet in RS-12 through RS-6 to 15 feet in the small-lot RS-D zone. Section D3-10 (Setback Requirements and Exceptions) governs how every setback is measured: a front setback runs at right angles from the front property line to the nearest wall of the structure, excluding the public right-of-way; a rear setback on an irregular lot with converging side lines uses a presumed 10-foot line parallel to the front lot line.
b bars any portion of a structure, including eaves or roof overhangs, from extending past a property line, easement, or right-of-way. Exemptions from the setback standard include fences and walls compliant with Section D3-4, decks and terraces 18 inches or less above grade, retaining walls under 48 inches, and signs compliant with Division D3 Chapter IV. Table 3-3 (Allowed Projections into Setbacks) permits awnings and canopies to project 6 feet into a front or street side setback, chimneys 6 feet or less in breadth to project 24 inches, and uncovered balconies or porches to project 25% of the setback depth, while covered-and-enclosed porches are not allowed in any setback at all.
Violations & Fines
Section D3-10.D bars using any front, rear, side or street-side setback to accumulate, place, or store automobiles, building materials, junk, machinery, or scrap, with narrow exceptions for currently registered, drivable vehicles under one-ton capacity parked on a driveway and construction materials staged on-site during an active project. Required residential parking spaces, including most Accessory Dwelling Unit parking, may not sit inside a required setback area either.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is San Ramon's minimum front setback in the RE-B zone?
Can I store a boat or building materials in my required side setback?
How is a rear setback measured on an oddly shaped lot in San Ramon?
Can I add a covered porch that extends into my front setback?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Ramon
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