Newport Beach · Zoning · RM
Newport Beach RM zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Newport Beach's RM zone, generally buildings can be up to 28 ft tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (Newport Beach code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 28 ft (Flat roof)
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 3 ft (Lots 40 ft. wide or less)
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq. ft. (Interior lot)
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.75
RM is a zoning district in Newport Beach. Every value below was read from the Newport Beach 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 | 28 ft Applies: Flat roof § 21.18.030 · code textTable row “Flat roof”, column “RM”: 28 ft. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 21.18.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “RM”: 20 ft. |
| Minimum side setback | 3 ft Applies: Lots 40 ft. wide or less § 21.18.030 · code textTable row “Lots 40 ft. wide or less”, column “RM”: 3 ft. |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 21.18.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “RM”: 10 ft. |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq. ft. Applies: Interior lot See notes 1, 2, 3 below the table in the code. § 20.18.030 · code textTable row “Corner lot Interior lot”, column “RM”: 6,000 sq. ft. 5,000 sq. ft. Note 1: All development and the subdivision of land shall comply with the requirements of Title 19 (Subdivisions). Note 2: Lots may be subdivided so that the resulting lot area and dimensions for each new lot are less than that identified in this table in compliance with the provisions of Title 19 (Subdivisions). The minimum lot size shall not be less than the original underlying lots on the same block face and in the same zoning district. Lot width and length may vary according to the width and depth of the original Note 3: On a site of less than five thousand (5,000) square feet that existed prior to March 10, 1976, a two-family dwelling may be constructed; provided, that there shall be not less than one thousand (1,000) square feet of land area for each dwelling unit. |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 1.75 See note 3 below the table in the code. § 21.18.030 · code textTable row “Floor Area Limit (gross floor area)”, column “RM”: 1.75 (3) Note 3: The total gross floor area contained in all buildings and structures on a development site shall not exceed 1.75 times the buildable area of the site or 1.5 times the buildable area of the site in Corona del Mar; provided, that up to two hundred (200) square feet of floor area per required parking space devoted to enclosed parking shall not be included in calculations of total gross floor 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.
- Duplex — Allowed
- Apartment building — Allowed
- Bed and breakfast — Needs a conditional use permit - hearing officer (residential districts)
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RM:
- Minimum side setback: 4 ft — Lots 40'1" wide to 49'11" wide § 21.18.030
- Minimum side setback: 8% of the average lot width — Lots 50 ft. wide and greater § 21.18.030
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq. ft. — Corner lot § 20.18.030
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.5 — Corona del Mar § 21.18.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage, density limit for RM in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Newport Beach Municipal Code.
Other Newport Beach zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Newport Beach's RM zone?
28 ft (flat roof) — Newport Beach Municipal Code § 21.18.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Newport Beach's RM zone?
20 ft — Newport Beach Municipal Code § 21.18.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Newport Beach's RM zone?
3 ft (lots 40 ft. wide or less) — Newport Beach Municipal Code § 21.18.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Newport Beach's RM zone?
10 ft — Newport Beach Municipal Code § 21.18.030.
What is the minimum lot size in Newport Beach's RM zone?
5,000 sq. ft. (interior lot) — Newport Beach Municipal Code § 20.18.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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