Fresno · Zoning · RM-3
Fresno RM-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Fresno's RM-3 zone, generally buildings can be up to 60 ft tall and the front setback is 10 to 20 ft, with the conditions listed below (Fresno code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 60 ft
- Minimum front setback: 10 to 20 ft (build-to range: the building must stand 10 to 20 ft back; applies only inside the General Plan Priority Areas)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 60%
- Maximum density: 45 dwelling units per acre (the code also requires a minimum density of 30 du/ac)
RM-3 (Residential Multi-Unit District) is a zoning district in Fresno. Every value below was read from the Fresno 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-3
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 | 60 ft § 15-1003 · code textTable row “Maximum Height (ft.)”, column “RM-3”: 60 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 10 to 20 ft Applies: build-to range: the building must stand 10 to 20 ft back; applies only inside the General Plan Priority Areas § 15-1003 · code textTable row “Front (min./max.)”, column “RM-3”: 10/20(1) |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 15-1003 · code textTable row “> Interior Side (min.)”, column “RM-3”: 5 |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft § 15-1003 · code textTable row “> Rear (min.)”, column “RM-3”: 15 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 60% § 15-1003 · code textTable row “Maximum Lot Coverage (% of lot)”, column “RM-3”: 60 |
| Maximum density | 45 dwelling units per acre Applies: the code also requires a minimum density of 30 du/ac § 15-1003 · code textTable row “Maximum Density (du/ac) (min./max.)”, column “RM-3”: 30/45 |
Uses in RM-3
Uses the code's use tables allow in RM-3, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Duplex — Allowed
- Apartment building — Allowed
- Senior or assisted living — Needs a conditional use permit
- Rooming or boarding house — Needs a conditional use permit
- Residential care home (7 or more) — Allowed
- Child care center — Allowed
- Church or place of worship — Allowed
- Private school — Allowed
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot size, FAR limit for RM-3 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Fresno Municipal Code.
Other Fresno zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Fresno's RM-3 zone?
60 ft — Fresno Municipal Code § 15-1003.
What is the minimum front setback in Fresno's RM-3 zone?
10 to 20 ft (build-to range: the building must stand 10 to 20 ft back; applies only inside the General Plan Priority Areas) — Fresno Municipal Code § 15-1003.
What is the minimum side setback in Fresno's RM-3 zone?
5 ft — Fresno Municipal Code § 15-1003.
What is the minimum rear setback in Fresno's RM-3 zone?
15 ft — Fresno Municipal Code § 15-1003.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Fresno's RM-3 zone?
60% — Fresno Municipal Code § 15-1003.
General information, not legal advice.
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