Pasadena · Zoning · RM-48
Pasadena RM-48 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Pasadena's RM-48 zone, generally buildings can be up to 38 ft tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 10,000 sf, with the conditions listed below (Pasadena code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 38 ft (to the highest ridgeline; no maximum top plate height)
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft (where less than 40 percent of the lots on the blockface are developed with primary structures)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (For a distance of 40 ft behind the front-setback line)
- Minimum rear setback: None required (not adjoining an RS district)
- Minimum lot size: 10,000 sf (Minimum area for new parcels)
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 910 sq ft (Lots of 10,000 sf or more)
RM-48 is a zoning district in Pasadena. Every value below was read from the Pasadena 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-48
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 | 38 ft Applies: to the highest ridgeline; no maximum top plate height § 17.22.070 · code textIn the RM-48 district, the maximum height of structures is 38 feet to the highest ridgeline. No maximum top plate height is applicable. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft Applies: where less than 40 percent of the lots on the blockface are developed with primary structures § 17.22.070 · code textWhere less than 40 percent of the lots on a blockface within the same zoning district (excluding corner yards or reversed corner lots) are developed with primary structures (including the existing setback of the proposed structure), the minimum front setback shall be 20 feet. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft Applies: For a distance of 40 ft behind the front-setback line § 17.22.060 · code textTable row “Sides”, column “RM-48”: 5 ft. for a distance of 40 ft. behind the front-setback line, otherwise none required; if adjoining an RS district, 5 ft., and structure shall not project within an encroachment plane (17.40.160.D.4) |
| Minimum rear setback | None required Applies: not adjoining an RS district The code labels this number “1st St.”: it is for the first story, and upper stories may need more. § 17.22.060 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “RM-48”: None required unless adjoining an RS district, 5 ft. at the first story, 15 ft. at the second story, 25 ft. at the third story (see 17.22.070.B) |
| Minimum lot size | 10,000 sf Applies: Minimum area for new parcels See note 2 below the table in the code. § 17.22.060 · code textTable row “Minimum area (2)”, column “RM-48”: 10,000 sf Note 2: See Section 17.40.030 regarding development on an undeveloped lot and section 17.40.040 regarding development on a substandard lot. |
| Maximum density | 1 unit per 910 sq ft Applies: Lots of 10,000 sf or more § 17.22.060 · code textTable row “Lots of 10,000 sf or more”, column “RM-48”: 910 sf |
Uses in RM-48
Uses the code's use tables allow in RM-48, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed — see note
- Bed and breakfast — Needs a minor conditional use permit — see note
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RM-48:
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories — Multiple lots consolidated into a single building site with combined front street frontage of more than 160 feet § 17.22.070
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories — Corner lot § 17.22.070
- Minimum front setback: average of the front setbacks of developed lots, but not less than 20 ft — 40 percent or more of the lots on a blockface in the same zoning district are developed with primary structures § 17.22.070
- Minimum side setback: None required — beyond 40 ft behind the front-setback line, when not adjoining an RS district § 17.22.060
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft — If adjoining an RS district, at the first story § 17.22.060
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft — If adjoining an RS district, at the second story § 17.22.060
- Minimum rear setback: 25 ft — If adjoining an RS district, at the third story § 17.22.060
- Maximum density: 2 units — Lot area 3,999 sf or less § 17.22.070
- Maximum density: 3 units — Lot area 4,000 to 5,499 sf § 17.22.070
- Maximum density: 4 units — Lot area 5,500 to 6,999 sf § 17.22.070
- Maximum density: 5 units — Lot area 7,000 to 8,499 sf § 17.22.070
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage, FAR limit for RM-48 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Pasadena Municipal Code.
Other Pasadena zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Pasadena's RM-48 zone?
38 ft (to the highest ridgeline; no maximum top plate height) — Pasadena Municipal Code § 17.22.070.
What is the minimum front setback in Pasadena's RM-48 zone?
20 ft (where less than 40 percent of the lots on the blockface are developed with primary structures) — Pasadena Municipal Code § 17.22.070.
What is the minimum side setback in Pasadena's RM-48 zone?
5 ft (for a distance of 40 ft behind the front-setback line) — Pasadena Municipal Code § 17.22.060.
What is the minimum rear setback in Pasadena's RM-48 zone?
None required (not adjoining an RS district) — Pasadena Municipal Code § 17.22.060. The code attaches notes or conditions to this value; read the section before relying on it.
What is the minimum lot size in Pasadena's RM-48 zone?
10,000 sf (minimum area for new parcels) — Pasadena Municipal Code § 17.22.060.
General information, not legal advice.
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