Pacifica · Zoning · R-M
Pacifica R-M zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Pacifica's R-M zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 50 ft and the minimum lot size is 5 acres (Pacifica code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 50 ft
- Minimum side setback: 20 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft
- Minimum lot size: 5 acres
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 5 acres (default for land not limited by the flood plain, remote land, landslide, fault or slope rules; those lands get lower densities)
R-M (Resource Management District) is a zoning district in Pacifica. Every value below was read from the Pacifica 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 R-M
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 | 35 ft § 9-4.2152 · code textMaximum height: thirty-five (35′) feet. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 50 ft § 9-4.2152 · code textMinimum front yard setback: fifty (50′) feet; |
| Minimum side setback | 20 ft § 9-4.2152 · code textMinimum side and rear yards: twenty (20′) feet; |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft § 9-4.2152 · code textMinimum side and rear yards: twenty (20′) feet; |
| Minimum lot size | 5 acres § 9-4.2152 · code textMinimum lot size: five (5) acres; |
| Maximum density | 1 unit per 5 acres Applies: default for land not limited by the flood plain, remote land, landslide, fault or slope rules; those lands get lower densities § 9-4.2152 · code textWhen the applicable criteria have been determined for each of the areas, any portion of the parcel which has not yet been assigned a maximum density accumulation shall be assigned a density of one dwelling unit per five (5) acres. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-M:
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 40 acres — On lands falling within a 100-year flood plain as defined by the United States Geological Survey; where previous actions have eliminated such flood areas, this provision does not apply § 9-4.2152
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 40 acres — For remote lands, defined as those lands over one mile from an existing all-weather through public road § 9-4.2152
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 40 acres — For areas within any of the three least stable categories (categories V, VI, and L) as shown on the United States Geological Survey Map MF 360 § 9-4.2152
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 40 acres — All areas located within the rift zone or zone of fractured rock of an active fault as defined by the United States Geological Survey Map MF 355 § 9-4.2152
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage, FAR limit for R-M in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Pacifica Municipal Code.
Other Pacifica zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Pacifica's R-M zone?
35 ft — Pacifica Municipal Code § 9-4.2152.
What is the minimum front setback in Pacifica's R-M zone?
50 ft — Pacifica Municipal Code § 9-4.2152.
What is the minimum side setback in Pacifica's R-M zone?
20 ft — Pacifica Municipal Code § 9-4.2152.
What is the minimum rear setback in Pacifica's R-M zone?
20 ft — Pacifica Municipal Code § 9-4.2152.
What is the minimum lot size in Pacifica's R-M zone?
5 acres — Pacifica Municipal Code § 9-4.2152.
General information, not legal advice.
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