Cypress · Zoning · RM-20
Cypress RM-20 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Cypress's RM-20 zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 10,000 sq ft (Cypress code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (Single-story; two-story buildings need 10 feet)
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Minimum lot size: 10,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 45%
- Maximum density: 20 d.u./gross acre (Up to 20% more for multi-family projects that combine substandard-width parcels into a net area of at least 30,000 sq ft)
RM-20 is a zoning district in Cypress. Every value below was read from the Cypress 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-20
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 § 2.05.040 · code textTable row “Maximum Structure Height”, column “RM-20”: 35 feet |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 2.05.040 · code textTable row “Front”, column “RM-20”: 20 feet |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft Applies: Single-story; two-story buildings need 10 feet § 2.05.040 · code textTable row “Side (interior, each)”, column “RM-20”: Single-Story—5 feet |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 2.05.040 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “RM-20”: 10 feet |
| Minimum lot size | 10,000 sq ft § 2.05.040 · code textTable row “Minimum Parcel Size”, column “RM-20”: 10,000 square feet |
| Maximum lot coverage | 45% § 2.05.040 · code textTable row “Maximum Parcel Coverage by Structures”, column “RM-20”: 45% |
| Maximum density | 20 d.u./gross acre Applies: Up to 20% more for multi-family projects that combine substandard-width parcels into a net area of at least 30,000 sq ft See note 1 below the table in the code. § 2.05.040 · code textTable row “Maximum Allowable Density”, column “RM-20”: 20 d.u./gross acre (1) Note 1: The allowable density may be increased by a maximum of 20% for multi-family development projects that consolidate substandard parcels with substandard widths to create a minimum net aggregate parcel area of 30,000 square feet. |
Uses in RM-20
Uses the code's use tables allow in RM-20, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Duplex — Allowed
- Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs a conditional use permit
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR limit for RM-20 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Cypress Municipal Code.
Other Cypress zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Cypress's RM-20 zone?
35 ft — Cypress Municipal Code § 2.05.040.
What is the minimum front setback in Cypress's RM-20 zone?
20 ft — Cypress Municipal Code § 2.05.040.
What is the minimum side setback in Cypress's RM-20 zone?
5 ft (single-story; two-story buildings need 10 feet) — Cypress Municipal Code § 2.05.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in Cypress's RM-20 zone?
10 ft — Cypress Municipal Code § 2.05.040.
What is the minimum lot size in Cypress's RM-20 zone?
10,000 sq ft — Cypress Municipal Code § 2.05.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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