Dublin R-M zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

R-M is a zoning district in Dublin. Every value below was read from the Dublin 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 R-M

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 feet Applies: 4 or fewer dwelling units § 8.36.020 · code text 35 feet if 4 or fewer du.; 45 feet if 5 or more du.; 75 feet if 5 or more du. and lot coverage does not exceed 35%.
Minimum side setback	10 feet See note 3 below the table in the code. § 8.36.020 · code text Table row “Side”, column “R-M”: 10 feet (3) Note 3: Buildings with 4 or more residences in the R-M zoning district shall have a 15 foot Side Yard on one side.
Minimum rear setback	30 feet § 8.36.020 · code text Table row “Rear”, column “R-M”: 30 feet
Minimum lot size	5,000 sq. ft. Applies: Interior lot § 8.36.020 · code text Table row “Interior lot”, column “R-M”: 5,000 sq. ft.
Maximum density	1 unit per full 750 sq. ft. Applies: per lot; the lot area per unit may be larger where the General Plan requires it See note 4 below the table in the code. § 8.36.020 · code text Table row “RESIDENTIAL USE (maximum per lot)”, column “R-M”: 1 du per full 750 sq. ft. (and larger as consistent with General Plan) (4) Note 4: See Chapter 8.80, Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations, regarding the allowable number of ADUs.

Uses in R-M

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

Duplex — Allowed
Rooming or boarding house — Needs a conditional use permit (zoning administrator)
Bed and breakfast — Needs a conditional use permit (planning commission)
Child care center — Needs a zoning clearance / minor use permit

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-M:

Maximum building height: 45 feet — 5 or more dwelling units § 8.36.020
Maximum building height: 75 feet — 5 or more dwelling units and lot coverage does not exceed 35% § 8.36.020
Minimum side setback: 15 feet — Buildings with 4 or more residences; on one side § 8.36.020
Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq. ft. — Corner lot § 8.36.020
Maximum lot coverage: 40% — 1 story § 8.36.020
Maximum lot coverage: 35% — 2 stories § 8.36.020

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, front setback, lot coverage, FAR limit for R-M in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Dublin Municipal Code.

Other Dublin zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Dublin's R-M zone?

35 feet (4 or fewer dwelling units) — Dublin Municipal Code § 8.36.020.

What is the minimum side setback in Dublin's R-M zone?

10 feet — Dublin Municipal Code § 8.36.020.

What is the minimum rear setback in Dublin's R-M zone?

30 feet — Dublin Municipal Code § 8.36.020.

What is the minimum lot size in Dublin's R-M zone?

5,000 sq. ft. (interior lot) — Dublin Municipal Code § 8.36.020.

What is the maximum density in Dublin's R-M zone?

1 unit per full 750 sq. ft. (per lot; the lot area per unit may be larger where the General Plan requires it) — Dublin Municipal Code § 8.36.020.

General information, not legal advice.