Benicia RM zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

RM is a zoning district in Benicia. Every value below was read from the Benicia Municipal Code and links to its section (read October 2026). State laws such as the ADU and SB 9 rules can allow more on a residential lot. General information, not legal advice — read the code text and check with the city before you build.

Development standards in RM

The general rule for a typical lot in this zone. Zoning tables often attach notes, such as rules for corner lots, lots next to a residential zone, or new subdivisions only. Open “code text” under a value to see the table cell or sentence it was read from.

Maximum building height	35 ft § 17.24.030 · code text Table row “Maximum Height (ft.)”, column “RM”: 35
Minimum front setback	20 ft § 17.24.030 · code text Table row “Front (ft.)”, column “RM”: 20
Minimum side setback	6 ft Applies: Minimum width; the average yard width must be 10 feet; add five feet next to a wall over 25 feet high § 17.24.030 · code text Table row “Side (ft.)”, column “RM”: 6; 10
Minimum rear setback	15 ft Applies: Add five feet where the yard adjoins a building wall over 25 feet high § 17.24.030 · code text Table row “Rear (ft.)”, column “RM”: 15
Minimum lot size	6,000 sq. ft. § 17.24.030 · code text Table row “Minimum Site Area (sq. ft.)”, column “RM”: 6,000
Maximum lot coverage	45% § 17.24.030 · code text Table row “Maximum Coverage”, column “RM”: 45%
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)	0.45 Applies: Nonresidential floor area only § 17.24.030 · code text Table row “Maximum Nonresidential (FAR)”, column “RM”: 0.45

Uses in RM

Uses the code's use tables allow in RM, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

Single-family home — Allowed — see note
Church or place of worship — Needs an use permit
Private school — Needs an use permit
Emergency shelter — Allowed — see note

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RM:

Maximum building height: 24 ft — Any structure in a residential area west of First Street and within the first 150 feet of the shoreline behind the highest tide mark. § 17.24.030
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): Up to 10% additional floor area — Mixed-use projects with 25 percent affordable residential units § 17.24.030

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, density limit for RM in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Benicia Municipal Code.

Other Benicia zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Benicia's RM zone?

35 ft — Benicia Municipal Code § 17.24.030.

What is the minimum front setback in Benicia's RM zone?

20 ft — Benicia Municipal Code § 17.24.030.

What is the minimum side setback in Benicia's RM zone?

6 ft (minimum width; the average yard width must be 10 feet; add five feet next to a wall over 25 feet high) — Benicia Municipal Code § 17.24.030.

What is the minimum rear setback in Benicia's RM zone?

15 ft (add five feet where the yard adjoins a building wall over 25 feet high) — Benicia Municipal Code § 17.24.030.

What is the minimum lot size in Benicia's RM zone?

6,000 sq. ft. — Benicia Municipal Code § 17.24.030.

General information, not legal advice.