Riverside · Zoning · MU-U
Riverside MU-U zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Riverside's MU-U zone, generally buildings can be up to 60 ft tall, the front setback is 0 ft and the minimum lot size is 20,000 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (Riverside code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 60 ft
- Minimum front setback: 0 ft
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft (25 ft next to a residential zone; with an alley at the rear, measured from the alley centerline)
- Minimum lot size: 20,000 sq. ft. (Applies to newly created lots or parcels only.)
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 4.0
- Maximum density: 40 du/ac
MU-U is a zoning district in Riverside. Every value below was read from the Riverside 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 MU-U
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 | 60 ft § 19.120.040 · code textTable row “Building Height - Maximum”, column “MU-U”: 60 ft. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 0 ft § 19.120.040 · code textTable row “Front Yard Setback - Minimum”, column “MU-U”: 0 ft. |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft § 19.120.040 · code textTable row “Side Yard Setback - Minimum”, column “MU-U”: 0 ft. |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft Applies: 25 ft next to a residential zone; with an alley at the rear, measured from the alley centerline § 19.120.040 · code textTable row “Rear Yard Setback - Minimum”, column “MU-U”: 15 ft. |
| Minimum lot size | 20,000 sq. ft. Applies: Applies to newly created lots or parcels only. § 19.120.040 · code textTable row “Lot Area - Minimum”, column “MU-U”: 20,000 sq. ft. |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 4.0 § 19.120.040 · code textTable row “FAR - Maximum”, column “MU-U”: 4.0 |
| Maximum density | 40 du/ac § 19.120.040 · code textTable row “Residential Density - Maximum (Gross)”, column “MU-U”: 40 du/ac |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in MU-U:
- Minimum side setback: 15 ft — when adjacent to a residential zone § 19.120.040
- Minimum rear setback: 25 ft — when adjacent to a residential zone § 19.120.040
- Maximum density: 60 du/ac — projects within one-half of a mile of a transit stop along Magnolia or University Avenues or any transit station; subject to Site Plan Review § 19.120.040
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot coverage limit for MU-U in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Riverside Municipal Code.
Other Riverside zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Riverside's MU-U zone?
60 ft — Riverside Municipal Code § 19.120.040.
What is the minimum front setback in Riverside's MU-U zone?
0 ft — Riverside Municipal Code § 19.120.040.
What is the minimum side setback in Riverside's MU-U zone?
0 ft — Riverside Municipal Code § 19.120.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in Riverside's MU-U zone?
15 ft (25 ft next to a residential zone; with an alley at the rear, measured from the alley centerline) — Riverside Municipal Code § 19.120.040.
What is the minimum lot size in Riverside's MU-U zone?
20,000 sq. ft. (applies to newly created lots or parcels only) — Riverside Municipal Code § 19.120.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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