Land zoning differs by state, county, and municipality, and different jurisdictions frequently use the same designations (e.g. R1) for zones that have different rules. However, in most parts of the United States, R1 zoning means land zoned for detached single-family homes on relatively spacious lots. Condos, apartment complexes, and commercial buildings are typically not allowed in R1 zones.
Notably, many jurisdictions also have other zoning designations which are also reserved for single family homes. For example, the city of West Palm Beach, Florida within Palm Beach County also has a zoning districts labeled SF3 and SF7-C4 which are intended for low-density single family homes.
What can you build on land zoned R1?
Typically, the only things you can build on land with R1 zoning are single family homes. Due to federal law, many of these areas also begrudgingly allow group homes or assisted living facilities as well, but only up to a maximum of 6 residents. Don’t expect a warm reception at your local city council meeting though if you want to get development of a group home approved in an R1 zone.
Can you put a mobile home on R1 zoning?
In most jurisdictions, you can’t put a mobile home on R1 zoned land. Even in jurisdictions that do allow mobile homes to be parked on R1 zoning, the mobile home usually needs to be at least a certain minimum size over 1,000 square feet.
What is R2 zoning?
As previously mentioned, zoning designations are particular to each local jurisdiction. However, in general, R2 zoning typically refers to land reserved for medium-density residential use. In some jurisdictions, R2 zones are restricted to single family homes and duplexes. In other jurisdictions, R2 zones also allow large multi-family buildings such as triplexes or even condominiums. Frequently, schools and churches are also allowed.
What is R3 zoning?
R3 zoning universally refers to residential zoning, but the exact type of residential zoning rules that apply to an R3 zone vary even more from one jurisdiction to another than do R1 zones or R2 zones. Typically, R3 zoning refers to land reserved for higher density residential use than is allowed in an R1 or R2 zone. Frequently, R3 zones allow duplexes, triplexes, and limited commercial use. Sometimes, they also allow larger apartment buildings.
Some jurisdictions also have confusingly similar designations that mean something totally different. For example, Florida City uses the zoning designation RS-3 (not R-3) to refer to land intended for single family homes.
What zoning is required for a church?
Churches can be included in many types of zones. Sometimes they are allowed in R2 zones. They are rarely allowed in R1 zones.
What zoning do you need to build a duplex?
Duplexes are often allowed in R2 and R3 zones. In many jurisdictions, there are also other zoning designations that allow duplexes. However, duplexes are usually not allowed in R1 zones.