San Clemente · Zoning · RM
San Clemente RM zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In San Clemente's RM zone, buildings can be up to 25 ft tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 6,000 sq ft (San Clemente code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 25 ft
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 55%
- Maximum density: 15.0 units per gross acre (counted on gross acres; also at most 1 dwelling unit per 1,800 sq ft of lot area)
RM is a zoning district in San Clemente. Every value below was read from the San Clemente 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
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 | 25 ft § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “Building Height, Maximum”, column “RM”: 25 ft. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “To Primary Structure:”, column “RM”: 15 ft. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “Interior-Side Yard Setback, Minimum 6”, column “RM”: 5 ft. |
| Minimum rear setback | 5 ft § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “Rear Yard Setback, Minimum 8”, column “RM”: 5 ft. |
| Minimum lot size | 6,000 sq ft § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “Lot Area, Minimum”, column “RM”: 6,000 s.f. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 55% § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “Lot Coverage, Maximum”, column “RM”: 55% |
| Maximum density | 15.0 units per gross acre Applies: counted on gross acres; also at most 1 dwelling unit per 1,800 sq ft of lot area § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “Density, Maximum”, column “RM”: 15.0 units per gross acre 24.0 units per net acre |
Uses in RM
Uses the code's use tables allow in RM, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Rooming or boarding house — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RM:
- Minimum side setback: 8 ft — Dwelling unit in RML, RM, or RH with front entrance located along the side property line; applies to the story containing the front entrance and qualifying portions below § 17.32.050
- Maximum density: 24.0 units per net acre — counted on net acres § 17.32.040
- Maximum density: A duplex is allowed — lots with less than 3,600 sq ft of lot area § 17.32.050
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR limit for RM in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the San Clemente Municipal Code.
Other San Clemente zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in San Clemente's RM zone?
25 ft — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.32.040.
What is the minimum front setback in San Clemente's RM zone?
15 ft — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.32.040.
What is the minimum side setback in San Clemente's RM zone?
5 ft — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.32.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in San Clemente's RM zone?
5 ft — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.32.040.
What is the minimum lot size in San Clemente's RM zone?
6,000 sq ft — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.32.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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