Palo Alto · Zoning · RM-30
Palo Alto RM-30 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Palo Alto's RM-30 zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 8,500 sq ft (Palo Alto code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Minimum lot size: 8,500 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 40%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.6:1
- Maximum density: 30 units per acre
RM-30 is a zoning district in Palo Alto. Every value below was read from the Palo Alto 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-30
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 § 18.13.040 · code textTable row “Maximum Height (ft)”, column “RM-30”: 35 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft § 18.13.040 · code textTable row “Front Yard (ft)”, column “RM-30”: 20 |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft § 18.13.040 · code textTable row “For lots with width of 70 feet or greater”, column “RM-30”: 10 |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 18.13.040 · code textTable row “Interior Rear Yards (ft) 3”, column “RM-30”: 10 |
| Minimum lot size | 8,500 sq ft § 18.13.040 · code textTable row “Site Area (ft 2 )”, column “RM-30”: 8,500 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 40% § 18.13.040 · code textTable row “Base”, column “RM-30”: 40% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.6:1 See note 4 below the table in the code. § 18.13.040 · code textTable row “Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) (4)”, column “RM-30”: 0.6:1 Note 4: Covered parking is not included as floor area in multi-family development, up to a maximum of 230 square feet per required parking space that is covered. Covered parking spaces in excess of required parking spaces count as floor area. |
| Maximum density | 30 units per acre See note 3 below the table in the code. § 18.13.040 · code textTable row “Maximum number of units per acre (3)”, column “RM-30”: 30 Note 3: Provided that, for any lot of 5,000 square feet or greater, two units are allowed, subject to compliance with all other development regulations. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RM-30:
- Minimum side setback: 6 ft — For lots with width of less than 70 feet § 18.13.040
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.0:1 — Housing development project of three to seven units; not in a historic district or on a historic inventory § 18.13.045
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.25:1 — Housing development project of eight to ten units; not in a historic district or on a historic inventory § 18.13.045
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories limit for RM-30 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Palo Alto Municipal Code.
Other Palo Alto zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Palo Alto's RM-30 zone?
35 ft — Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.13.040.
What is the minimum front setback in Palo Alto's RM-30 zone?
20 ft — Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.13.040.
What is the minimum side setback in Palo Alto's RM-30 zone?
10 ft — Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.13.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in Palo Alto's RM-30 zone?
10 ft — Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.13.040.
What is the minimum lot size in Palo Alto's RM-30 zone?
8,500 sq ft — Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.13.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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