Can you build a duplex in San Bernardino, CA?

Allowed with site-plan review

The city residential framework includes medium and higher-density multifamily zones and RU allows some attached and duplex housing forms, but the exact use table and review path were not fully provided.

Confidence: medium · Last researched June 2026

Dimensional standards in San Bernardino, CA

RE — minimum lot size1 net acre per unit
RL — minimum average lot size10,800 square feet
RL — maximum density3.1 units per net acre
RS — minimum lot size7,200 square feet
RS — maximum density4.5 units per net acre
RU — minimum lot size7,200 square feet — On existing lots of record recorded prior to June 2, 1989, a minimum lot area of 6,200 square feet and existing lot widths and depths are permitted.
RU — maximum densityeight units per net acre
RU — senior citizen and senior congregate care housing density12 units per net acre — Requires a marketing feasibility study and a conversion plan.
RM — minimum lot size14,400 square feet
RM — maximum density12 units per net acre — Parcels less than 14,400 square feet in area shall be developed at RU density.
RMH — minimum lot size20,000 square feet
RMH — maximum density24 units per net acre — Lots 14,400-20,000 square feet shall be development at RM density; lots less than 14,400 square feet shall be developed at RU density.
RH — minimum lot size20,000 square feet
RH — maximum density31 units per net acre — Lots 14,400-20,000 square feet shall be developed at RM density; lots less than 14,400 square feet shall be developed at RU density.
RSH — maximum density20 units per acre — No more than 60 bedrooms per acre.

Related questions

What is the minimum lot size in San Bernardino, CA?

Minimum lot size depends on the zoning district — RE minimum lot size: 1 net acre per unit; RL minimum average lot size: 10,800 square feet; RS minimum lot size: 7,200 square feet; RU minimum lot size: 7,200 square feet (conditions apply).

What zoning districts are in San Bernardino, CA?

San Bernardino, CA includes districts such as RE (Residential Estate), RL (Residential Low), RS (Residential Suburban), RU (Residential Urban), RM (Residential Medium), RMH (Residential Medium High), RH (Residential High), RSH (Residential Student Housing).

Are there flood zones or overlay districts in San Bernardino, CA?

Flood risk is the only clearly supported environmental constraint in the provided source set. The materials do not include a full city environmental overlay chapter, so other common constraints such as hillsides, wetlands, habitat, or airport compatibility cannot be confirmed from the supplied sources.

Full investor analysis

The full San Bernardino, CA report breaks down duplex and 2–4 unit feasibility by district, the approval path, and the density/dimensional limits that decide whether the numbers work. First town report is free.

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More about San Bernardino, CA zoning

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This summary is AI-generated from public municipal sources and is not legal, engineering, or land-use advice. Always verify zoning with San Bernardino, CA officials before making decisions.

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