Building Setbacks & Zoning in Alameda, CA (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Alameda, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
Alameda setbacks are set by zone in AMC 30-4. R-1 through R-5 residential districts require a 20-ft front yard, 5-ft side yard, 10-ft street side yard on corner lots, and 20-ft rear yard. Architectural features may project up to 2 ft into a required yard but no closer than 3 ft to the line (AMC 30-5.7).
Alameda Building Setbacks
Some RestrictionsStructure Height Limits
Building height limits in Alameda are set by zone in AMC 30-4: 30 ft in R-1 and R-2, 35 ft in R-3 and R-4, 40 ft in R-5, and 50 ft in R-6. AMC 30-5.8 allows certain rooftop features (chimneys, towers, antennas, mechanical appurtenances) up to 25 ft above the district limit, but not for living space.
Alameda Structure Height Limits
Some RestrictionsLot Coverage Limits
Alameda caps main building coverage by zone in AMC 30-4: 48% of lot area in R-1, 53% in R-2 through R-5, and 60% in R-6. R-1 also requires a 5,000-sq-ft minimum lot and 50-ft width. These caps work with the 20-ft front/rear and 5-ft side setbacks, and may be relaxed for SB 9 lot splits and ADUs.
Alameda Lot Coverage Limits
Some RestrictionsLooking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Alameda city rules.
Building Setbacks & Zoning in Alameda County →