R-3 Zone in Berkeley, CA
R-3 zoning district rules in Berkeley, CA. Permitted uses, setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage requirements.
The R-3 zone in Berkeley, CA is a residential district (Multi-Family Low Density). Permits multi-family housing at low density, typically up to 4 units. Allows triplexes and fourplexes in addition to single-family and duplex uses. This zone requires a 10 ft front setback, 10% of lot width, min 5 ft side setback, and 10 ft rear setback. Maximum building height is 45 feet (3 stories). Maximum lot coverage is 65%.
Common Permitted Uses
- Single-family homes
- Duplexes
- Triplexes
- Fourplexes
Permits multi-family housing at low density, typically up to 4 units. Allows triplexes and fourplexes in addition to single-family and duplex uses.
Setback Requirements
| Setback Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 10 feet |
| Side Setback | 10% of lot width, min 5 ft |
| Rear Setback | 10 feet |
Berkeley BMC. Medium-density multifamily — dense neighborhoods near UC Berkeley campus.
Height Limits
- Max Height
- 45 feet
- Max Stories
- 3
Berkeley BMC. Medium-density multifamily.
Lot Coverage
- Max Coverage
- 65%
Berkeley BMC. Medium-density multifamily.
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