Richmond · Zoning · RM1
Richmond RM1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Richmond's RM1 zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft (3 stories) tall, the front setback is 10 ft and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (Richmond code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft (Main Building)
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft (for the entry element on blocks 75 percent built out: the average of neighbors' setbacks or 10 ft, whichever is less)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (for the first two stories; 10 ft on a side next to an RH or RL district)
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq. ft.
- Maximum lot coverage: 65%
- Maximum density: 27 units/acre (also needs at least 1,650 sq ft of lot area per unit)
RM1 (Medium Density Multi-family Residential) is a zoning district in Richmond. Every value below was read from the Richmond 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 RM1
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: Main Building § 15.04.201.050 · code textTable row “Main Building”, column “RM1”: 35 (A) |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories § 15.04.201.050 · code textTable row “Maximum Stories”, column “RM1”: 3 |
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft Applies: for the entry element on blocks 75 percent built out: the average of neighbors' setbacks or 10 ft, whichever is less § 15.04.201.050 · code textTable row “Front”, column “RM1”: 10 (D) |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft Applies: for the first two stories; 10 ft on a side next to an RH or RL district § 15.04.201.050 · code textTable row “Interior Side”, column “RM1”: 5 for the first two stories, 10 thereafter (A) |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft § 15.04.201.050 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “RM1”: 20 |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq. ft. § 15.04.201.050 · code textTable row “Minimum Lot Size (sq. ft.)”, column “RM1”: 5,000 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 65% § 15.04.201.050 · code textTable row “Maximum Lot Coverage (% of Lot)”, column “RM1”: 65 |
| Maximum density | 27 units/acre Applies: also needs at least 1,650 sq ft of lot area per unit § 15.04.201.050 · code textTable row “Density (du/ac)”, column “RM1”: Min. 10; Max. 27 |
Uses in RM1
Uses the code's use tables allow in RM1, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Duplex — Allowed
- Apartment building — Allowed
- Child care center — Needs an administrative use permit
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
- Community garden — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RM1:
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — for stories above the second § 15.04.201.050
Not on this page
We did not find a general FAR limit for RM1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Richmond Municipal Code.
Other Richmond zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Richmond's RM1 zone?
35 ft (main Building) — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.201.050.
What is the maximum number of stories in Richmond's RM1 zone?
3 stories — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.201.050.
What is the minimum front setback in Richmond's RM1 zone?
10 ft (for the entry element on blocks 75 percent built out: the average of neighbors' setbacks or 10 ft, whichever is less) — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.201.050.
What is the minimum side setback in Richmond's RM1 zone?
5 ft (for the first two stories; 10 ft on a side next to an RH or RL district) — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.201.050.
What is the minimum rear setback in Richmond's RM1 zone?
20 ft — Richmond Municipal Code § 15.04.201.050.
General information, not legal advice.
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