Setback Rules: Berkeley vs Castro Valley
How do setback rules rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Castro Valley, CA?
Castro Valley has fewer restrictions than Berkeley.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley residential setbacks require 20-foot front, 4-foot side, and 15-foot rear yards in R-1 zones under Title 23 Zoning Ordinance, with ADU exceptions under SB 9 and state ADU law.
View full Berkeley rules →Castro Valley, CA
Alameda County
Unincorporated Alameda County sets minimum front, side, and rear yard setbacks by zoning district under Title 17. Cities like Oakland, Fremont, Berkeley, Hayward, and Livermore adopt their own standards.
View full Castro Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Castro Valley |
|---|---|---|
| R-1 front | 20 feet typical | - |
| R-1 side | 4 feet interior | - |
| R-1 rear | 15 feet typical | - |
| ADU setback | 4 ft (state law) | - |
| Code | Title 23 Zoning | - |
| Governing code | - | Alameda County Code Title 17 |
| R-1 front setback | - | Typically 20 feet |
| R-1 side setback | - | Typically 5 feet minimum |
| ADU setbacks | - | 4 feet (state preemption) |
| Variance authority | - | Board of Zoning Adjustments |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Can I build closer than required setbacks?
Only with a variance approved by the Zoning Adjustments Board based on hardship findings, or under state ADU and SB 9 exceptions.
Do setbacks apply to fences?
Generally no, though fences over 6 feet in yards require permits and may have setback rules.
Castro Valley FAQ
Do cities in Alameda County follow the same setbacks?
No. Incorporated cities like Oakland, Fremont, and Berkeley have their own zoning codes. Only unincorporated areas (Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, etc.) use Alameda County Title 17.
Can I build an ADU closer than zoning allows?
Yes. California Gov Code 65852.2 preempts local setbacks to 4 feet side and rear for ADUs regardless of the base zoning requirement.
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