Morro Bay · Zoning · RL
Morro Bay RL zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Morro Bay's RL zone, buildings can be up to 25 ft tall and the front setback is 20 ft (Morro Bay code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 25 ft
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 45%
- Maximum density: 4 units/acre (or as allowed for SB 9 related development under 17.07.030 A)
RL is a zoning district in Morro Bay. Every value below was read from the Morro Bay 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 RL
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 | 25 ft § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Building Height (ft)”, column “RL”: 25 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “RL”: 20 |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Interior Side”, column “RL”: 10 |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “RL”: 20 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 45% § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Lot Coverage (% of lot)”, column “RL”: 45 |
| Maximum density | 4 units/acre Applies: or as allowed for SB 9 related development under 17.07.030 A § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Density (units/acre)”, column “RL”: 4; or as allowed for SB 9 related development pursuant to 17.07.030 A |
Uses in RL
Uses the code's use tables allow in RL, 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
- Community garden — Allowed
- Private school — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RL:
- Maximum density: 2 dwelling units per lot — SB 9 development in the RS and RL districts that meets the standards in subsection A; the two units include any accessory dwelling units § 17.07.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot size, FAR limit for RL in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Morro Bay Municipal Code.
Other Morro Bay zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Morro Bay's RL zone?
25 ft — Morro Bay Municipal Code § 17.07.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Morro Bay's RL zone?
20 ft — Morro Bay Municipal Code § 17.07.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Morro Bay's RL zone?
10 ft — Morro Bay Municipal Code § 17.07.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Morro Bay's RL zone?
20 ft — Morro Bay Municipal Code § 17.07.030.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Morro Bay's RL zone?
45% — Morro Bay Municipal Code § 17.07.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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