Newark RM zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

RM is a zoning district in Newark. Every value below was read from the Newark 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

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	75 ft Applies: Heights over 35 ft need a minor use permit, except in the Old Town Specific Plan area. § 17.07.030 · code text Table row “Maximum Height (ft)”, column “RM”: 75, 48 within the Old Town Specific Plan area, 35 within 20 ft of an RS or RL District(C)
Minimum front setback	15 ft § 17.07.030 · code text Table row “Front”, column “RM”: 15
Minimum side setback	5 ft § 17.07.030 · code text Table row “Interior Side”, column “RM”: 5(B)
Minimum rear setback	10 ft § 17.07.030 · code text Table row “Rear”, column “RM”: 10
Minimum lot size	6,000 sq ft § 17.07.030 · code text Table row “Minimum Lot Size (sq ft)”, column “RM”: 6,000
Maximum lot coverage	55% § 17.07.030 · code text Table row “Maximum Lot Coverage (% of lot)”, column “RM”: 55, 65 within the Old Town Specific Plan area
Maximum density	22 units/net acre Applies: up to 30 under condition (A) of the code; 50 within the Old Town Specific Plan area § 17.07.030 · code text Table row “Maximum”, column “RM”: 22; up to 30 subject to (A) below, 50 within the Old Town Specific Plan area

Uses in RM

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

Apartment building — Allowed
Rooming or boarding house — Allowed
Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit
Emergency shelter — Needs a minor use permit

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RM:

Maximum building height: 48 ft — Within the Old Town Specific Plan area. § 17.07.030
Maximum building height: 35 ft — within 20 ft of an RS or RL District § 17.07.030
Maximum lot coverage: 65% — Within the Old Town Specific Plan area. § 17.07.030
Maximum density: 30 units/net acre — needs primary access on an arterial or collector street, compatibility with the area, and a conditional use permit (note A) § 17.07.030
Maximum density: 50 units/net acre — Within the Old Town Specific Plan area. § 17.07.030

Not on this page

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

Other Newark zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Newark's RM zone?

75 ft (heights over 35 ft need a minor use permit, except in the Old Town Specific Plan area) — Newark Municipal Code § 17.07.030.

What is the minimum front setback in Newark's RM zone?

15 ft — Newark Municipal Code § 17.07.030.

What is the minimum side setback in Newark's RM zone?

5 ft — Newark Municipal Code § 17.07.030.

What is the minimum rear setback in Newark's RM zone?

10 ft — Newark Municipal Code § 17.07.030.

What is the minimum lot size in Newark's RM zone?

6,000 sq ft — Newark Municipal Code § 17.07.030.

General information, not legal advice.