Building Setbacks & Zoning in Cupertino, CA (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Cupertino, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
Cupertino's R-1 single-family zones require a minimum 20-foot front yard setback, a 20-foot rear yard setback reducible to 10 feet with a Minor Residential Permit, and side yards that vary by subzone under Municipal Code Table 19.28.070. Second-floor additions must sit further back than the first floor on all four sides.
Cupertino Single-Family Yard Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsCupertino Municipal Code § 19.28.070(E)
Table 19.28.070 Building Development Regulations R1-5 R1-6, 7.5, 8, 10, 20, etc., and R1-6e ... ... E. Minimum first floor setbacks 1. Front yard a. Minimum setback 20 feet ... ... 2. Side yard For lots that have more than two side yards, the setback shall be consistent for all side yards between the front property line and rear property line a. Interior lot 5 feet on both sides 15 feet combine...
Structure Height Limits
Cupertino caps single-family homes at 28 feet and two stories under Municipal Code Section 19.28.070(J), with zoning districts carrying the 'i' suffix limited to one story and 18 feet. Building envelopes further restrict wall height near property lines, and entry features are capped at 14 feet from natural grade.
Cupertino Residential Building Height Limit
Some RestrictionsCupertino Municipal Code § 19.28.070(J)
J. Maximum height 1. Total principal building height 28 feet, no more than two stories 2. Zoning Districts with “i” suffix1 Limited to one story (not to exceed 18 feet) ... ... 4. Entry feature height 14 feet from natural grade to top of plate
Lot Coverage Limits
Cupertino caps single-family homes in the R1-5 and R1-6/7.5/8/10/20 zoning districts at 45% lot coverage under Municipal Code Section 19.28.070(A), with an extra 5% allowed for uncovered roof overhangs, patios and porches. Homes on lots with a 30% or greater slope instead follow the hillside floor-area formula in Chapter 19.40.
Cupertino Maximum Lot Coverage Rules
Some RestrictionsCupertino Municipal Code § 19.28.070(A)
A. Maximum lot coverage 1. 45% of the net lot area, however, a housing development project on a lot having a slope 30% or greater shall not exceed the floor area allowed under Chapter 19.40. a. An additional 5% is allowed for roof overhangs, patios, porches, and other similar features not enclosed on by walls on at least three (3) sides
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Cupertino city rules.
Building Setbacks & Zoning in Santa Clara County →