Skip to content

Local zoning · Rancho Mirage

Rancho Mirage — Development Standards

Development Standards under the Rancho Mirage local zoning and planning code, with the controlling citations.

Ask AI what you can build See coverage

Quick answer

Rancho Mirage caps building height at 20 ft and 1 story, with taller proposals requiring 2 ft of added setback per extra foot of height (§ 17.20.100(A)). Typical single-family lots require 25 ft front, 10 ft side, and 25 ft rear setbacks and 30% lot coverage (§ 17.08.020). Commercial/industrial districts range 25–50 ft fronts with 25–40% coverage, and light industrial next to homes must set buildings back at least 2× their height (§ 17.10.020).

Last reviewed: July 25, 2026 · AI-generated analysis · General information, not legal advice · details

Compiled from Rancho Mirage's adopted code with AI research tools and grounded in the sources cited below. Verify with Rancho Mirage planning staff before relying on it.

Overview

Rancho Mirage’s development standards live in Title 17 (Zoning) of the Municipal Code and control what can be built on a lot: setbacks, height, lot coverage, density, and related site rules. Standards are set by zoning district and are reinforced by citywide rules for height, projections into setbacks, accessory structures, landscaping, and special hillside protections. Many projects also must navigate complementary procedures like design review and district-specific conditions.

The citywide ceiling is a maximum building height of 20 ft and 1 story; going above this requires City Council approval and deeper setbacks at a 2:1 ratio for each additional foot of height (§ 17.20.100(A)).

Citywide development standards that apply in every district

  • Height limit and relief. Base maximum is 20 ft and 1 story; additional height may be granted by Council with increased setbacks (2 ft of extra setback per 1 ft of extra height) and other findings on buffering, viewshed, and compatibility (§ 17.20.100(A)).
  • Setback rules and exceptions.
    • Follow base-zone front, side, and rear setbacks (§ 17.20.150(A)(1)).
    • Allowed projections include roof overhangs (up to 30% into setbacks), and in rears/sides certain features like patio covers, gazebos, and tennis courts with minimum separations; pools/spas must be at least 5 ft from side/rear lines; in walled and gated projects along private streets, front yard pools/spas may be as close as 10 ft to the front line (§ 17.20.150(B)).
    • Nonconforming setbacks are addressed under Nonconforming Uses (§ 17.20.150(A)(4)).
  • Accessory structures. Detached structures generally must be ≥8 ft from the main building and ≥3 ft from other accessory structures; if ≥6 ft tall they cannot be in side setbacks and must be ≥10 ft from the rear line; max height 12 ft unless specially approved by the Director; no front setback placement except small garden elements; max two accessory structures over 8 ft tall; aggregate accessory coverage ≤30% of main dwelling’s habitable floor area (§ 17.30.190).
  • Landscaping. Visible setbacks/parkways must be landscaped; minimum landscape strip 4 ft; one tree per 30 ft of street frontage; tree/shrub size mix and irrigation required; a “rear-yard plane” height limit for plantings along abutting lots applies at final inspection (§ 17.24.040). See Landscaping and Screening.
  • Distance between structures. Where specified by table, the minimum is typically 20 ft between buildings on the same site (see applicable district tables in §§ 17.08.020, 17.10.020, 17.12.030).
  • Other title-wide standards and procedures. Projects must also comply with parking, signage, and applicable permits/approvals referenced in §§ 17.22.090, 17.20.180, 17.24.110, 17.42.150. Relief is via Variances and Exceptions.

Quick-reference tables

Residential development standards (selected highlights)

District Min Lot Area Max Density Front/Side/Rear Setbacks Max Lot Coverage Max Height Private Outdoor Space Code Reference
HR (Hillside Reserve) 640 ac 1 du/640 ac 25/10/25 ft (street side 15 ft) 30% 20 ft/1 story N/A § 17.08.020 (Table 2-3)
R-E (Residential Estate) 1 ac 1 du/net ac 25/10/25 ft (street side 15 ft) 30% 20 ft/1 story 1,000 sf § 17.08.020 (Table 2-3)
R-L-2 (Very Low) 18,000 sf 2 du/gross ac 25/10/25 ft 30% 20 ft/1 story 1,000 sf (may reduce up to 25% for affordable) § 17.08.020 (Table 2-3)
R-L-3 (Low) 12,000 sf 3 du/gross ac 25/10/25 ft 30% 20 ft/1 story 1,000 sf (may reduce up to 25% for affordable) § 17.08.020 (Table 2-3)
R-M (Medium) 10,000 sf 4 du/gross ac 20/10/25 ft (street side 15 ft) 30% 20 ft/1 story up to 500 sf § 17.08.020 (Table 2-3)
R-H (High) 8,000 sf 5–9 du/gross ac 20/10/20 ft (street side 15 ft) 35% 20 ft/1 story 300 sf § 17.08.020 (Table 2-3)
MHP (Mobile Home Park) Varies 5–9 du/gross ac 10/5/10 ft (street side 15 ft) 30% 20 ft/1 story 300 sf § 17.08.020 (Table 2-3)

Notes: Certain dimensions may vary in planned residential development, mixed use, and mobile home parks and are set during development plan permit review; side-loading garage fronts may reduce to 15 ft with conditions (§ 17.08.020 notes (1), (8)); additional height may be allowed per § 17.20.100(A).

Commercial, resort, industrial, and institutional development standards (selected highlights)

District Max Lot Coverage Front/Side/Rear Setbacks Max Height Key Notes Code Reference
C-N Neighborhood Commercial 30% 25/20/20 ft (street side 25 ft) 20 ft/1 story Typical sites 8–10 ac (§ 17.10.010) § 17.10.020 (Table 2-5)
C-G General Commercial 35% 25/10/20 ft (street side 25 ft) 20 ft/1 story Min area 15 ac away from Hwy 111 § 17.10.020 (Table 2-5)
C-C Community Commercial 35% 25/20/25 ft (street side 25 ft) 20 ft/1 story Large centers; specific plan typically required (§ 17.10.010) § 17.10.020 (Table 2-5)
O Office 35% 25/10/20 ft (street side 25 ft) 20 ft/1 story — § 17.10.020 (Table 2-5)
M-U Mixed Use 35% 25/25/25 ft (street side 25 ft) 20 ft/1 story Setbacks may vary by development plan; res+comm combined coverage ≤ 35% § 17.10.020 (Table 2-5)
Rs-H Resort Hotel 25% 50/50/50 ft 20 ft/1 story — § 17.10.020 (Table 2-5)
I-L Light Industrial 40% 30/10/25 ft (street side 30 ft) “2 stories, not to exceed 20 ft” If adjacent to residential, setbacks ≥ 2× structure height at that edge § 17.10.020 (Table 2-5)
P Institutional 35% 25/10/20 ft (street side 25 ft) 20 ft/1 story — § 17.12.030 (Table 2-6)

Setbacks between on-site structures are generally 20 ft in these districts (§§ 17.10.020, 17.12.030). See Overlay Districts for any overlay modifications.

District-by-district standards and guidance

HR — Hillside Reserve (Residential)

  • Purpose and siting: Limited single-family use while preserving scenic resources; max 1 du/640 ac; intended as a transition between open space and higher-density areas (§ 17.08.010(B)(1)).
  • Key dimensional standards: Min parcel 640 ac; setbacks 25/10/25 ft (street side 15 ft); coverage 30%; distance between structures N/A; height 20 ft/1 story unless increased per § 17.20.100(A) (§ 17.08.020).
  • Special hillside rules: In the Measure V area, development is restricted to ≤10% natural slopes; no disturbance of >25% slopes; access roads ≤15% grade; visual screening from the valley floor in Santa Rosa Mountains; utility undergrounding; Bighorn sheep fencing 8 ft high (§ 17.30.080).
  • Typical uses: Single-family residential consistent with hillside reserve intent (verify specific allowed uses in Division II). Where it applies: General Plan “Hillside Reserve” areas (verify parcel zoning).

R-E — Residential Estate

  • Purpose and siting: Low-density, large-lot single-family with rural/estate character; 1 du/net ac (§ 17.08.010(B)(2)).
  • Standards: Min lot 1 ac; setbacks 25/10/25 ft (street side 15 ft); coverage 30%; min distance between structures 20 ft; height 20 ft/1 story; private outdoor space 1,000 sf (§ 17.08.020).
  • Typical uses: Single-family estates and accessory residential uses (§ 17.08.020 cross-refs to § 17.30.190). Where it applies: Residential Estate designations.

R-L-2 — Residential Very Low Density

  • Purpose and siting: Large-lot single-family, often 15,000–20,000 sf or country club settings; max 2 du/gross ac (§ 17.08.010(B)(3)).
  • Standards: Min lot 18,000 sf; setbacks 25/10/25 ft; coverage 30%; distance between structures 20 ft; height 20 ft/1 story; private outdoor space 1,000 sf (may reduce up to 25% for affordable) (§ 17.08.020).
  • Typical uses: Single-family; golf/country-club style residential neighborhoods. Where it applies: Low-density residential designations.

R-L-3 — Residential Low Density

  • Purpose: Moderately low-density single-family; max 3 du/gross ac (§ 17.08.010(B)(4)).
  • Standards: Min lot 12,000 sf; setbacks 25/10/25 ft; coverage 30%; distance 20 ft; height 20 ft/1 story; private outdoor space 1,000 sf (affordable reductions allowed) (§ 17.08.020).
  • Typical uses: Single-family neighborhoods. Where it applies: Low-density residential designations.

R-M — Residential Medium Density

  • Purpose: Variety of housing types including garden apartments and affordable housing; max 4 du/gross ac (§ 17.08.010(B)(5)).
  • Standards: Min lot 10,000 sf; setbacks 20/10/25 ft (street side 15 ft); coverage 30%; distance 20 ft; height 20 ft/1 story; private outdoor space up to 500 sf (§ 17.08.020).
  • Typical uses: Single-family and lower-scale multifamily consistent with density. Where it applies: Medium-density designations.

R-H — Residential High Density

  • Purpose: Highest residential diversity including attached single- and multifamily; 5–9 du/gross ac (§ 17.08.010(B)(6)).
  • Standards: Min lot 8,000 sf; setbacks 20/10/20 ft (street side 15 ft); coverage 35%; distance 20 ft; height 20 ft/1 story; private outdoor space 300 sf (§ 17.08.020).
  • Typical uses: Apartments, condominiums, affordable and senior housing. Where it applies: High-density designations.

MHP — Mobile Home Park

  • Purpose: Planned residential communities for mobile/manufactured homes; 5–9 du/gross ac (§ 17.08.010(B)(7)).
  • Standards: Setbacks 10/5/10 ft (street side 15 ft); coverage 30%; distance 20 ft; height 20 ft/1 story; private outdoor space 300 sf. Parcel-size metrics vary and are set during development plan review (§ 17.08.020 and notes).
  • Typical uses: Mobile/manufactured home parks. Where it applies: Mobile Home Park designations.

C-N — Neighborhood Commercial

  • Purpose: Neighborhood-scale centers (grocer/drug anchors) on 8–10 ac sites (§ 17.10.010(B)(1)).
  • Standards: Coverage 30%; setbacks 25/20/20 ft (street side 25 ft); distance 20 ft; height 20 ft/1 story (§ 17.10.020).
  • Typical uses: Neighborhood retail/service compatible with adjacent residential. Where it applies: Neighborhood Commercial designations.

C-G — General Commercial

  • Purpose: Smaller centers and specialty retail; min 15 ac away from Hwy 111 (§ 17.10.010(B)(2); § 17.10.020 note (1)).
  • Standards: Coverage 35%; setbacks 25/10/20 ft (street side 25 ft); distance 20 ft; height 20 ft/1 story (§ 17.10.020).
  • Typical uses: Broad specialty retail and services. Where it applies: General Commercial designations.

C-C — Community Commercial

  • Purpose: Large community centers/malls (approx. 100k–400k sf) typically requiring a specific plan (§ 17.10.010(B)(3)).
  • Standards: Coverage 35%; setbacks 25/20/25 ft (street side 25 ft); distance 20 ft; height 20 ft/1 story (§ 17.10.020).
  • Typical uses: Department stores, hotels, entertainment as part of planned centers. Where it applies: Community Commercial designations.

O — Office Commercial

  • Purpose: Professional/administrative/medical office areas (§ 17.10.010(B)(4)).
  • Standards: Coverage 35%; setbacks 25/10/20 ft (street side 25 ft); distance 20 ft; height 20 ft/1 story (§ 17.10.020).
  • Typical uses: Office and institutional services. Where it applies: Office designations.

M-U — Mixed Use

  • Purpose: Integrated commercial/office/residential under a specific plan to ensure compatible design/circulation (§ 17.10.010(B)(5)).
  • Standards: Coverage 35% (combined res+comm not to exceed 35%); nominal setbacks 25/25/25 ft but may vary at development plan review; distance 20 ft; height 20 ft/1 story (§ 17.10.020).
  • Typical uses: Vertical/horizontal blends of residential and commercial. Where it applies: Mixed Use designations.

Rs-H — Resort Hotel

  • Purpose: Hotels/destination resorts with ancillary uses (restaurants/spas) supporting the primary use (§ 17.10.010(B)(6)).
  • Standards: Coverage 25%; setbacks 50/50/50 ft; distance 20 ft; height 20 ft/1 story (§ 17.10.020).
  • Typical uses: Resort accommodations and amenities. Where it applies: Resort Hotel designations.

I-L — Light Industrial

  • Purpose: Enclosed light industry, warehousing/distribution, business parks with limited screened outdoor storage (§ 17.10.010(B)(7)).
  • Standards: Coverage 40%; setbacks 30/10/25 ft (street side 30 ft); distance 20 ft; height “2 stories, not to exceed 20 ft”; if next to residential, setbacks must be at least 2× the height of the nearest industrial structure at that edge (§ 17.10.020 notes (2), (5)).
  • Typical uses: Light manufacturing, storage, distribution, mini-warehouse. Where it applies: Light Industrial designations.

R-I-C — Regional Interstate Commercial

  • Purpose: Applied to areas defined in Table 2-4 (§ 17.10.010(B)(8)).
  • Dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
  • Typical uses/where it applies: Not found in source materials.

P — Institutional (Special Purpose)

  • Purpose: Public and institutional facilities.
  • Standards: Coverage 35%; setbacks 25/10/20 ft (street side 25 ft); distance 20 ft; height 20 ft/1 story (§ 17.12.030).
  • Typical uses: Civic/institutional campuses. Where it applies: Institutional designations.

OS — Open Space (Special Purpose)

  • Purpose/dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.

Overlay Districts — S-OL (Senior Overlay) and SP (Specific Plan)

  • Overlays can add or modify base standards; a specific plan may set custom development standards that supersede base-zone rules where adopted (§ 17.06.030(B)(3)(b)). See Overlay Districts. Specific overlay metrics: Not found in source materials.

Residential details you’ll likely need

  • Minimum dwelling sizes. Detached single-family minimums range from 1,400 sf (max 2 bedrooms) to 1,900 sf (4 bedrooms); attached PRD unit minimums start at 1,000 sf; apartment minimums in R-M, R-H, and M-U range from 850–1,200 sf by bedroom count; reduced minimums apply for affordable and senior housing (§ 17.30.100).
  • ADUs/JADUs. One ADU per single-family lot is allowed ministerially if standards are met. ADUs must follow the base zone’s height, coverage, setbacks, and separation; max attached ADU size is 1,200 sf (≤50% of primary living area); detached ADU size typically ≤30% of primary living area if the primary is <4,000 sf; parking is max 1 space per unit/bedroom and is broadly waived near transit or when within existing structures (§ 17.30.200). JADUs are ≤500 sf, entirely within the existing home, and owner-occupancy/deed restrictions apply (§ 17.30.205). See Rancho Mirage ADUs and California ADU law.

Design and frontage-related standards to remember

  • Signs. Sign design must be compatible with building materials and surroundings; fascia letter heights and areas scale with distance to ROW; monument signs require landscape area at a 4:1 landscape-to-sign-area ratio; internally illuminated signs are prohibited in residential areas (§ 17.28.130). See Signage.
  • Side-loading garage front setback option. For qualifying side-loading garages, just the garage may be as close as 15 ft to the front line if specific frontage, rear-setback tradeoff, articulation, driveway radius (28 ft), distribution limits, and separation between such homes are met (§ 17.08.020 note (8)).

Checklist

  • Confirm your parcel’s base zoning and any overlays using the city’s map; apply the correct district table in §§ 17.08.020, 17.10.020, or 17.12.030.
  • Meet base setbacks (front/side/rear) and the 20 ft/1 story height cap; if seeking extra height, plan for 2:1 added setbacks and Council review (§ 17.20.100(A)).
  • Keep within maximum lot coverage and required distance between structures for your district.
  • For residential, provide required private outdoor living space and meet minimum dwelling size (§ 17.30.100).
  • Apply setback exceptions correctly for eaves, pools/spas, patio covers, and tennis courts (§ 17.20.150(B)).
  • Place accessory structures per location, height, count, and coverage limits (§ 17.30.190).
  • If on hillside/Measure V area, apply hillside development requirements (slopes, visibility, road grade, fencing) (§ 17.30.080).
  • If adding an ADU/JADU, match base-zone dimensional rules and ADU-specific size/parking standards (§§ 17.30.200, 17.30.205).
  • Provide required landscaping (tree counts, minimum widths, irrigation, rear-yard plane) (§ 17.24.040).
  • Ensure parking, signage, and any required design review are integrated into the site plan (§§ 17.22.090, 17.20.180, 17.24.110, 17.42.150).
  • Where standards vary “by plan,” secure the applicable development plan/specific plan approvals; otherwise seek a variance) if warranted.

Risks & Ambiguities

Issue Why it matters What to verify
Going above 20 ft/1 story Triggers Council discretion, deeper setbacks, and findings (§ 17.20.100(A)) Whether increased height is feasible on your site and required added setbacks/massing analysis
Planned residential/mixed-use/mobile home variations Several residential dimensions “vary” in PRDs/MU/MHP (§ 17.08.020 notes) The approved development plan or specific plan standards controlling your parcel
Side-loading garage 15 ft front setback Allowed only with multiple conditions and distribution limits (§ 17.08.020 note (8)) Garage width proportion, rear setback tradeoff, turning radius, and dispersion across tracts
I-L next to residential Requires setbacks = 2× structure height at residential edge (§ 17.10.020 note (5)) The “nearest structure height” used and which edges are “adjacent”
M-U coverage calculation Combined res+comm coverage may not exceed 35% (§ 17.10.020 note (4)) How mixed coverage is computed on your plan set
Hillside “R-HR” reference vs. “HR” Hillside section references R-HR; base districts list HR (§§ 17.30.080, 17.06.010) Applicability of hillside standards to your HR/Measure V parcel
Minimum unit sizes vs. ADUs/JADUs ADU/JADU rules are separate from § 17.30.100 minimums Whether minimum dwelling sizes apply to project unit types proposed
Sign letter heights/illumination Affects commercial fascia design and approvals (§ 17.28.130) Distance to ROW and whether internally illuminated signs are permitted at your frontage

Information Gaps

  • Exact development standards (setbacks, coverage, height) for R-I-C (Regional Interstate Commercial): Not found in source materials (§ 17.10.010 references district only).
  • Open Space (OS) district dimensional standards: Not found in source materials.
  • Full permitted-use lists per district (beyond purpose statements): Not found in source materials.
  • Any formal Floor Area Ratio (FAR) standards: Not found in source materials.
  • Parcel size/width/depth specifics for MHP: Vary by plan; numeric minimums not confirmed beyond table notes (§ 17.08.020).

Plain-English Summary

Rancho Mirage sets numeric rules by zone for how big and how tall you can build, and how far buildings must be from property lines. Most zones cap height at one story and 20 feet, require front setbacks around 20–25 feet, side yards of about 10 feet, and lot coverage of 25–40% depending on the district. Special hillside and mixed-use areas may alter these numbers through approved plans, and projects must also satisfy landscaping, parking, signage, and design review standards.

Source References

  • § 17.06.010 (Zoning Districts Established)
  • § 17.06.030 (Zoning District Regulations; conflicts with specific plans)
  • § 17.08.010 (Residential districts purpose/densities)
  • § 17.08.020 (Residential general development standards; Table 2-3 and notes)
  • § 17.10.010 (Commercial/industrial district purposes)
  • § 17.10.020 (Commercial/industrial general development standards; Table 2-5 and notes)
  • § 17.12.030 (Institutional district standards; Table 2-6)
  • § 17.20.010, § 17.20.020 (Purpose; Applicability of general standards)
  • § 17.20.100 (Height measurement, restrictions, exceptions)
  • § 17.20.150 (Setback regulations and exceptions)
  • § 17.24.040 (Landscape development standards)
  • § 17.28.130 (Sign design standards)
  • § 17.30.080 (Hillside development)
  • § 17.30.100 (Minimum dwelling size standards)
  • § 17.30.190 (Accessory uses and structures)
  • § 17.30.200 (Accessory dwelling units)
  • § 17.30.205 (Junior accessory dwelling units)
  • § 17.22.090; § 17.20.180; § 17.24.110; § 17.42.150; § 17.56.100 (Applicable regulations cross-references)

Sources

Source passages

  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (§ 17.08.020) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (§ 17.20.010) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (§ 17.06.010) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (§ 17.30.080) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (§ 17.30.200) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (§ 17.22.090) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (§ 17.28.130) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (§ 17.20.150) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (§ 17.08.010) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (§ 17.56.100) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (§ 17.20.020) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (§ 17.24.040) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (§ 17.10.010) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (§ 17.30.205) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (§ 17.20.180) Medium relevance
  • Rancho Mirage Zoning Code (§ 17.20.100) Medium relevance

Cited sections

Frequently asked questions

What can I build on an R-1 lot in Rancho Mirage?

Rancho Mirage does not label districts “R-1”; residential districts are R-E, R-L-2, R-L-3, R-M, R-H, MHP, and HR (§ 17.06.010). Check your actual zoning. For example, an R-L-3 lot typically allows single-family homes with 25 ft front and 10 ft side setbacks, 30% lot coverage, and a 20 ft/1 story height limit (§ 17.08.020).

What are Rancho Mirage’s standard residential setbacks?

Most single-family districts require about 25 ft front, 10 ft side, and 25 ft rear setbacks, with 15 ft on street sides (§ 17.08.020). In R-M and R-H, fronts are 20 ft and rear can be 20–25 ft depending on the district (§ 17.08.020).

How tall can my house be in Rancho Mirage?

Across all zoning districts, the base maximum is 20 ft and 1 story. Higher buildings may be allowed by the City Council if you increase setbacks by 2 ft for each 1 ft above 20, and meet buffering, viewshed, and compatibility findings (§ 17.20.100(A)).

Do I need design review for my project?

Many projects must comply with development plan/design procedures cited in Title 17 (e.g., § 17.22.090 and § 17.42.150). Whether your project needs formal review depends on its type and district; verify with the city. Standards like landscaping (§ 17.24.040) and signage (§ 17.28.130) will apply.

What are the rules for pools, patios, and eaves in setbacks?

Eaves may project up to 30% into required setbacks. Pools/spas must be ≥5 ft from side/rear lines, and in private, walled/gated projects may be as close as 10 ft to a front line; patio covers and gazebos are allowed in the rear with separations (§ 17.20.150(B)).

What changes in the Mixed Use (M-U) district?

M-U allows blending residential and commercial with standards often set at development plan review. Combined coverage of all uses may not exceed 35%; nominal setbacks are 25/25/25 ft; height is 20 ft/1 story unless increased per § 17.20.100(A) (§ 17.10.020).

How do industrial projects buffer residential neighbors?

In I-L, when a site edge abuts a residential district, the minimum setback along that edge must be at least 2× the height of the nearest industrial structure at that edge (§ 17.10.020 note (5)). This is in addition to base setbacks.

What are ADU rules in Rancho Mirage?

One ADU is allowed per single-family lot, ministerially approved within 120 days if standards are met. Size generally tops out at 1,200 sf (attached ≤50% of primary), and parking is max 1 space per unit/bedroom, with several transit/within-structure exemptions (§ 17.30.200).

Are there special hillside rules?

Yes. In the Measure V hillside area, development is limited to ≤10% slopes, must avoid disturbing >25% slopes, keep roads ≤15% grade, and meet visibility, revegetation, and wildlife-fencing requirements (§ 17.30.080).

Do minimum dwelling sizes apply to apartments?

Yes. Apartment minimums are 850–1,200 sf depending on bedrooms in R-M, R-H, and M-U (§ 17.30.100(B)). Affordable/senior housing minimums are lower per § 17.30.100(C).

General information, not legal advice.

More in Rancho Mirage code

Ask about any Rancho Mirage property

Get a cited, plain-English answer on Rancho Mirage zoning, setbacks, FAR, ADUs and permits — for any address.

Start Free Trial

More Rancho Mirage zoning topics

Rancho Mirage Zoning

Rancho Mirage Land Use

Rancho Mirage Parking

Rancho Mirage Design Review

Rancho Mirage Overlay Districts

Rancho Mirage Historic Preservation

Rancho Mirage Signage

Rancho Mirage Nonconforming Uses

Rancho Mirage Variances and Exceptions

Rancho Mirage Landscaping and Screening

Rancho Mirage overview

Rancho Mirage municipal code (full text)