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Riverside · Zoning · MU-V

Riverside MU-V zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

In Riverside's MU-V zone, generally buildings can be up to 45 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: 45 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): 2.5
  • Maximum density: 30 du/ac

MU-V 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-V

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
45 ft
§ 19.120.040 · code text
Table row “Building Height - Maximum”, column “MU-V”: 45 ft.
Minimum front setback
0 ft
§ 19.120.040 · code text
Table row “Front Yard Setback - Minimum”, column “MU-V”: 0 ft.
Minimum side setback
0 ft
§ 19.120.040 · code text
Table row “Side Yard Setback - Minimum”, column “MU-V”: 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 text
Table row “Rear Yard Setback - Minimum”, column “MU-V”: 15 ft.
Minimum lot size
20,000 sq. ft.
Applies: Applies to newly created lots or parcels only.
§ 19.120.040 · code text
Table row “Lot Area - Minimum”, column “MU-V”: 20,000 sq. ft.
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)
2.5
§ 19.120.040 · code text
Table row “FAR - Maximum”, column “MU-V”: 2.5
Maximum density
30 du/ac
§ 19.120.040 · code text
Table row “Residential Density - Maximum (Gross)”, column “MU-V”: 30 du/ac

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in MU-V:

  • 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: 40 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-V 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

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Riverside's MU-V zone?

45 ft — Riverside Municipal Code § 19.120.040.

What is the minimum front setback in Riverside's MU-V zone?

0 ft — Riverside Municipal Code § 19.120.040.

What is the minimum side setback in Riverside's MU-V zone?

0 ft — Riverside Municipal Code § 19.120.040.

What is the minimum rear setback in Riverside's MU-V 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-V 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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