Capitola · Zoning · RM-15
Capitola RM-15 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Capitola's RM-15 zone, generally buildings can be up to 30 ft (3 stories) tall and the front setback is 15 ft, with the conditions listed below (Capitola code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 30 ft (Top plate height; roof elements with a 5:12 pitch or steeper may add 6 ft)
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 40%
- Maximum density: 15 du/ac
RM-15 is a zoning district in Capitola. Every value below was read from the Capitola 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-15
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 | 30 ft Applies: Top plate height; roof elements with a 5:12 pitch or steeper may add 6 ft § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Top Plate”, column “RM-15”: 30 ft. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Stories”, column “RM-15”: 3 |
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “RM-15”: 15 ft. |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “RM-15”: 10 ft. [2] |
| Maximum lot coverage | 40% § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Building Coverage , Maximum”, column “RM-15”: 40% |
| Maximum density | 15 du/ac § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Units per Acre, Maximum”, column “RM-15”: 15 du/ac |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RM-15:
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft — Abutting an R-1 zone § 17.16.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general side setback, lot size, FAR limit for RM-15 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Capitola Municipal Code.
Other Capitola zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Capitola's RM-15 zone?
30 ft (top plate height; roof elements with a 5:12 pitch or steeper may add 6 ft) — Capitola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in Capitola's RM-15 zone?
3 stories — Capitola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Capitola's RM-15 zone?
15 ft — Capitola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Capitola's RM-15 zone?
10 ft — Capitola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Capitola's RM-15 zone?
40% — Capitola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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