Fairfield RLM zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

RLM is a zoning district in Fairfield. Every value below was read from the Fairfield 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 RLM

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 Applies: main dwelling in small lot development § 25.20.3 · code text Table row “Main dwelling”, column “RLM, RM and RH Zoning Districts”: 35'
Minimum front setback	15 ft Applies: Multifamily buildings, to the habitable part of the building; the average must be 20 ft § 25.20.3 · code text Table row “... to habitable portion of building”, column “RLM”: 20 feet average, 15 feet minimum
Minimum side setback	15 ft Applies: Multifamily buildings, to a habitable building; 10 ft more when next to a single-family zone or use § 25.20.3 · code text Table row “... to habitable building”, column “RLM”: 15 feet
Minimum lot size	1 acre Applies: Multifamily projects in new subdivisions § 25.20.3 · code text Table row “Area (acres)”, column “RLM”: 1
Maximum lot coverage	50% Applies: RLM small lot development § 25.20.3 · code text Table row “Lot Coverage (maximum)”, column “RLM, RM and RH Zoning Districts”: 50% in RLM, 60% in RM and RH
Maximum density	4.5 to 9 units per acre Applies: Small lot development; the code sets a range: at least 4.5, at most 9 § 25.20.3 · code text Table row “Maximum Density (dwelling units per acre)”, column “RLM, RM and RH Zoning Districts”: 4.5 to 9 du/ac in RLM 10 to 18 du/ac in RM 19 to 25 du/ac in RH

Uses in RLM

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

Single-family home — Allowed — see note
Duplex — Allowed
Apartment building — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit
Church or place of worship — Allowed
Private school — Needs a conditional use permit

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, rear setback, FAR limit for RLM in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Fairfield Municipal Code.

Other Fairfield zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Fairfield's RLM zone?

35 ft (main dwelling in small lot development) — Fairfield Municipal Code § 25.20.3.

What is the minimum front setback in Fairfield's RLM zone?

15 ft (multifamily buildings, to the habitable part of the building; the average must be 20 ft) — Fairfield Municipal Code § 25.20.3.

What is the minimum side setback in Fairfield's RLM zone?

15 ft (multifamily buildings, to a habitable building; 10 ft more when next to a single-family zone or use) — Fairfield Municipal Code § 25.20.3.

What is the minimum lot size in Fairfield's RLM zone?

1 acre (multifamily projects in new subdivisions) — Fairfield Municipal Code § 25.20.3.

What is the maximum lot coverage in Fairfield's RLM zone?

50% (rLM small lot development) — Fairfield Municipal Code § 25.20.3.

General information, not legal advice.