Palo Alto · Zoning · ROLM(E)
Palo Alto ROLM(E) zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Palo Alto's ROLM(E) zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 1 acre, with the conditions listed below (Palo Alto code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft (For non-residential uses; multifamily housing here follows the RM-20 standards)
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft (For non-residential uses; multifamily housing here follows the RM-20 standards)
- Minimum side setback: 20 ft (For non-residential uses; multifamily housing here follows the RM-20 standards)
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft (For non-residential uses; multifamily housing here follows the RM-20 standards)
- Minimum lot size: 1 acre (For non-residential uses; multifamily housing here follows the RM-20 standards)
- Maximum lot coverage: 30% (For non-residential uses; multifamily housing here follows the RM-20 standards)
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.3 (For non-residential uses; multifamily housing here follows the RM-20 standards)
ROLM(E) 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 ROLM(E)
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 Applies: For non-residential uses; multifamily housing here follows the RM-20 standards See note 4 below the table in the code. § 18.20.040 · code textTable row “Standard”, column “ROLM(E)”: 35 (4) Note 4: See subsection 18.20.040(e) below for exceptions to height and floor area limitations in the ROLM and RP zoning districts. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft Applies: For non-residential uses; multifamily housing here follows the RM-20 standards § 18.20.040 · code textTable row “Front Yard (ft)”, column “ROLM(E)”: 20 |
| Minimum side setback | 20 ft Applies: For non-residential uses; multifamily housing here follows the RM-20 standards § 18.20.040 · code textTable row “Interior Side Yard (ft)”, column “ROLM(E)”: 20 |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft Applies: For non-residential uses; multifamily housing here follows the RM-20 standards § 18.20.040 · code textTable row “Rear Yard (ft)”, column “ROLM(E)”: 20 |
| Minimum lot size | 1 acre Applies: For non-residential uses; multifamily housing here follows the RM-20 standards § 18.20.040 · code textTable row “Site Area (sq. ft.)”, column “ROLM(E)”: 1 acre |
| Maximum lot coverage | 30% Applies: For non-residential uses; multifamily housing here follows the RM-20 standards § 18.20.040 · code textTable row “Maximum Site Coverage”, column “ROLM(E)”: 30% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 0.3 Applies: For non-residential uses; multifamily housing here follows the RM-20 standards See note 4 below the table in the code. § 18.20.040 · code textTable row “Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR)”, column “ROLM(E)”: 0.3:1 (4) Note 4: See subsection 18.20.040(e) below for exceptions to height and floor area limitations in the ROLM and RP zoning districts. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in ROLM(E):
- Maximum building height: 25 ft — Portions of a site within 40 ft of a residential district; non-residential uses § 18.20.040
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, density limit for ROLM(E) 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 ROLM(E) zone?
35 ft (for non-residential uses; multifamily housing here follows the RM-20 standards) — Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.20.040.
What is the minimum front setback in Palo Alto's ROLM(E) zone?
20 ft (for non-residential uses; multifamily housing here follows the RM-20 standards) — Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.20.040.
What is the minimum side setback in Palo Alto's ROLM(E) zone?
20 ft (for non-residential uses; multifamily housing here follows the RM-20 standards) — Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.20.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in Palo Alto's ROLM(E) zone?
20 ft (for non-residential uses; multifamily housing here follows the RM-20 standards) — Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.20.040.
What is the minimum lot size in Palo Alto's ROLM(E) zone?
1 acre (for non-residential uses; multifamily housing here follows the RM-20 standards) — Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.20.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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