Building Setbacks & Zoning in Norwalk, CA (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Norwalk, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
Norwalk's R-1 zone requires a front yard of at least 20% of lot depth (capped at 20 feet), five-foot first-story side yards, and a rear yard of 20% of lot depth up to 20 feet, with second stories set back an extra five feet under Municipal Code Sections 17.05.030 through 17.05.050.
Norwalk R-1 Front, Side and Rear Yard Setbacks
Some RestrictionsNorwalk, CA, Municipal Code §§ 17.05.030, 17.05.040, 17.05.050
Every lot and every parcel in an R-1 zone shall have a front yard of not less than 20% of the lot depth, but such front yard need not exceed 20 feet for the first story. The second story shall be setback an additional five feet from the first story... Interior lots or parcels and corner lots or parcels shall have a side yard on each side of the lot or parcel of not less than five feet in width ...
Structure Height Limits
In Norwalk's R-1 single-family zone, homes are capped at two stories or 30 feet, whichever is less. Top plate height is limited to 14 feet on the first story and 24 feet on the second, keeping bulk in check under Municipal Code Section 17.05.020.
Norwalk R-1 Residential Building Height Limit
Some RestrictionsNorwalk, CA, Municipal Code § 17.05.020
No primary building or structure in an R-1 zone shall exceed two stories or 30 feet in height, whichever is the lesser, except that non-dwelling structures which require greater height for functional purposes, such as structures for the housing of tanks, ventilating fans, church spires or similar features may exceed such height, as provided by Section 17.03.230. The maximum allowable top plate ...
Lot Coverage Limits
Norwalk limits R-1 single-family lots to 40% lot coverage and a matching 40% maximum floor area ratio under Municipal Code Sections 17.05.054 and 17.05.056, both added by Ordinance 25-1762 in December 2025.
Norwalk R-1 Zone 40% Lot Coverage Cap
Some RestrictionsNorwalk, CA, Municipal Code §§ 17.05.054, 17.05.056
The maximum allowable lot coverage shall not exceed 40% of the lot size. ... The maximum allowable floor area ratio shall not exceed 40% of the lot size.
Looking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Norwalk city rules.
Building Setbacks & Zoning in Los Angeles County →