R-4 Zone in Berkeley, CA
R-4 zoning district rules in Berkeley, CA. Permitted uses, setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage requirements.
The R-4 zone in Berkeley, CA is a residential district (Multi-Family Medium Density). Permits multi-family housing at medium density. Allows small to mid-size apartment buildings and condominiums. 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 55 feet (4 stories). Maximum lot coverage is 75%.
Common Permitted Uses
- Apartments
- Condominiums
- Townhomes
Permits multi-family housing at medium density. Allows small to mid-size apartment buildings and condominiums.
Setback Requirements
| Setback Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 10 feet |
| Side Setback | 10% of lot width, min 5 ft |
| Rear Setback | 10 feet |
Berkeley BMC. High-density multifamily near Downtown Berkeley BART and Telegraph Avenue.
Height Limits
- Max Height
- 55 feet
- Max Stories
- 4
Berkeley BMC. High-density multifamily near BART and commercial corridors.
Lot Coverage
- Max Coverage
- 75%
Berkeley BMC. High-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