R-1H Zone in Berkeley, CA
R-1H zoning district rules in Berkeley, CA. Permitted uses, setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage requirements.
The R-1H zone in Berkeley, CA is a residential district (Single-Family Residential). Permits one dwelling unit per lot. Typically the most restrictive residential zone. Designed to preserve the character of established single-family neighborhoods. This zone requires a 20 ft front setback, 5 ft side setback, and 20 ft rear setback. Maximum building height is 28 feet (2 stories). Maximum lot coverage is 40%.
Common Permitted Uses
- Single-family homes
Permits one dwelling unit per lot. Typically the most restrictive residential zone. Designed to preserve the character of established single-family neighborhoods.
Setback Requirements
| Setback Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 20 feet |
| Side Setback | 5 feet |
| Rear Setback | 20 feet |
Berkeley BMC. Hillside single-family — same setbacks but additional slope and fire safety standards apply in Berkeley Hills.
Height Limits
- Max Height
- 28 feet
- Max Stories
- 2
Berkeley BMC. Hillside single-family — stricter height interpretation on sloped lots.
Lot Coverage
- Max Coverage
- 40%
Berkeley BMC. Hillside single-family — same coverage but stricter impervious surface standards for stormwater management.
Parking Requirements
Single-family: 1–2 spaces per dwelling. Berkeley has one of the lowest parking requirements of any Bay Area city — many flatland R-1 properties require only 1 space. Near BART, 0 spaces required for R-2 and higher zones. Multi-family: 0–1.5 spaces per unit depending on zone and BART proximity. Berkeley significantly reduced parking minimums in 2016 near transit corridors. Downtown Berkeley and BART-adjacent areas have no parking minimums.
Source: Berkeley Municipal Code Title 23, Section 23C.24.110 — Accessory Dwelling Units; California Government Code §§66314–66333 (Stats. 2024 Ch. 7 §20). Last verified April 6, 2026. View source