La Quinta · Zoning · RMH
La Quinta RMH zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In La Quinta's RMH zone, generally buildings can be up to 28 ft (2 stories) tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 3,600 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (La Quinta code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 28 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (Interior side yard: 5 ft plus 1 ft per foot of height over 17 ft, up to 10 ft. Street side: 10 ft.)
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft
- Minimum lot size: 3,600 sq ft (single-family dwellings)
- Maximum lot coverage: 60%
- Maximum density: 8 to 12 units per acre (the code sets a range: at least 8, at most 12; Section 9.40.020 allows other densities)
RMH (Medium High Density Residential District) is a zoning district in La Quinta. Every value below was read from the La Quinta 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 RMH
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 | 28 ft § 9.50.030 · code textTable row “Maximum structure height (ft.) 2”, column “RMH”: 28 |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 2 stories § 9.50.030 · code textTable row “Maximum number of stories”, column “RMH”: 2 |
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 9.50.030 · code textTable row “Minimum front yard setback (ft.) 3”, column “RMH”: 20 |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft Applies: Interior side yard: 5 ft plus 1 ft per foot of height over 17 ft, up to 10 ft. Street side: 10 ft. § 9.50.030 · code textTable row “Minimum interior/exterior side yard setback (ft.) 4, 6”, column “RMH”: 5/10 |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft § 9.50.030 · code textTable row “Minimum rear yard setback (ft.) 6”, column “RMH”: 15 |
| Minimum lot size | 3,600 sq ft Applies: single-family dwellings § 9.50.030 · code textTable row “Minimum lot size for single-family dwellings (sq. ft.)”, column “RMH”: 3,600 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 60% § 9.50.030 · code textTable row “Maximum lot coverage (% of net lot area)”, column “RMH”: 60 |
| Maximum density | 8 to 12 units per acre Applies: the code sets a range: at least 8, at most 12; Section 9.40.020 allows other densities § 9.30.060 · code textA. Purpose. To provide for the development and preservation of medium-high density neighborhoods (eight (8) to twelve (12) units per acre, except as provided in Section 9.40.020, "Conditions for varying residential densities") with one (1)- and two (2)-story single-family detached dwellings on small lots, one (1)- and two (2)-story single-family attached dwellings, and one (1)- and two (2)-story townhome and multifamily dwellings. |
Uses in RMH
Uses the code's use tables allow in RMH, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Duplex — Allowed
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
Not on this page
We did not find a general FAR limit for RMH in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the La Quinta Municipal Code.
Other La Quinta zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in La Quinta's RMH zone?
28 ft — La Quinta Municipal Code § 9.50.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in La Quinta's RMH zone?
2 stories — La Quinta Municipal Code § 9.50.030.
What is the minimum front setback in La Quinta's RMH zone?
20 ft — La Quinta Municipal Code § 9.50.030.
What is the minimum side setback in La Quinta's RMH zone?
5 ft (interior side yard: 5 ft plus 1 ft per foot of height over 17 ft, up to 10 ft. Street side: 10 ft) — La Quinta Municipal Code § 9.50.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in La Quinta's RMH zone?
15 ft — La Quinta Municipal Code § 9.50.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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