RS-3 Zone in Oakland, CA
RS-3 zoning district rules in Oakland, CA. Permitted uses, setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage requirements.
The RS-3 zone in Oakland, CA is a residential district (Suburban Residential). Lower-density residential with larger setbacks and lot sizes than standard residential zones. Common in outer suburban areas and early-generation subdivisions. 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 35%.
Common Permitted Uses
- Single-family homes
Lower-density residential with larger setbacks and lot sizes than standard residential zones. Common in outer suburban areas and early-generation subdivisions.
Setback Requirements
| Setback Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 20 feet |
| Side Setback | 5 feet |
| Rear Setback | 20 feet |
Oakland Municipal Code. Residential Suburban 3 — found in Oakland Hills neighborhoods with larger lots.
Height Limits
- Max Height
- 28 feet
- Max Stories
- 2
Oakland Municipal Code. Hillside zone height limited to protect views and reduce fire exposure.
Lot Coverage
- Max Coverage
- 35%
Oakland Municipal Code. Hillside residential zones have lower coverage to manage stormwater and slope stability.
Parking Requirements
Single-family: 1–2 spaces per dwelling unit depending on zone. Oakland reduced parking minimums in 2019 — many flatland zones require only 1 space per single-family home. Multi-family: 0.5–1.5 spaces per unit depending on zone and proximity to BART. Transit-adjacent sites (within 0.25 miles of BART) may have no minimum parking requirement per Oakland TOD Ordinance.
Source: Oakland Municipal Code Title 17, Section 17.103 — Accessory Dwelling Units; California Government Code §§66314–66333 (Stats. 2024 Ch. 7 §20). Last verified April 6, 2026. View source