The dimensional standards that govern what you can build in the R4 district — straight from Olympia's ordinance, with every figure quoting its source. Check a specific address to see how these rules apply to a real lot.
Free · Every figure cited · Read from the current code (2026-08-07)
These are the letter-of-the-law limits for the base R4 district. Overlays (historic, neighborhood plan, and similar) can tighten them; a specific address check resolves the overlays that actually apply.
How tall the building may be.
“MAXIMUM BUILDING HEIGHT | 40' | 40', except: 24' for detached accessory structures and dwelling units | 40' except: 24' for detached accessory structures and dwelling units | 40' except: 24' for detached accessory structures and dwelling…”18.04.080(I) · Olympia code · read 2026-08-07
How many homes the lot may hold.
“MAXIMUM HOUSING DENSITY (in units per acre) | 1/5 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 13 | 18 | 18 | 24 | --- | --- | 12 | --- | 18.04.080(A)”18.04.080(A) · Olympia code · read 2026-08-07
Smallest conforming lot.
“MINIMUM LOT SIZE | 4 acres for residential use; 5 acres for non-residential use | 5,000 SF; except: Townhouse = 2,000 SF | One acre; reduced to 12,000 SF if associated with a drainage dispersal tract of at least 65% in the same subdivisi…”18.04.080(C) · Olympia code · read 2026-08-07
Required space from the front line.
“MINIMUM FRONT YARD SETBACKS | 20' except: 5' for agricultural buildings with farm animals | 10' | 10' | 10', 5' for agricultural buildings with farm animals | 10', 5' for agricultural buildings with farm animals | 10', 5' for agricultura…”18.04.080(H) · Olympia code · read 2026-08-07
Required space from a side line.
“MINIMUM SIDE YARD SETBACKS | 5' except: 10' along flanking streets; provided garages are set back 20' | 5' except: 10' along flanking street; except garages must meet Minimum Front Yard Setbacks | 5' | 5' except: 10' along flanking stree…”18.04.080(H) · Olympia code · read 2026-08-07
Required space from the rear line.
“MINIMUM REAR YARD SETBACKS | 10' | 10' | 10' | 10' | 10' | 10' | 10' | 10' | 10' except: 15' for large multifamily | 10' except: 20' next to an R 4-8 or R 6-12 district | 5' except: 20' for structures 35' or higher | 5' | 5' | 5' except:…”18.04.080(H) · Olympia code · read 2026-08-07
Share of the lot that may be hard surface.
“MAXIMUM IMPERVIOUS SURFACE COVERAGE | 45% or 10,000sf (whichever is greater) = lots less than 4 acres; 6%=4.1 acre or more | 35% | 6% | 2,500 SF or 6% coverage whichever is greater. | 55% | 55% | 65% | 65% | 65% | 75% | 85% | 85% | 65% 2…”18.04.080(K) · Olympia code · read 2026-08-07
Every figure above is quoted verbatim from the current ordinance. We never substitute a typical-for-zone default: a field absent from the record shows nothing, not a guess.
Informational only — not a permit, appraisal, or professional engineering opinion. Verify with your local planning department before acting on it. See Terms and data sources.
See how these standards resolve on a specific parcel — with the overlays that actually apply, in about 20 seconds.
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