San Pablo · Zoning · RMU
San Pablo RMU zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In San Pablo's RMU zone, generally buildings can be up to 50 ft (3 stories) tall, the front setback is 0 ft and the minimum lot size is 7,500 sf, with the conditions listed below (San Pablo code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 50 ft (At roof peak)
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories
- Minimum front setback: 0 ft (20 ft if covered parking is in front. Residential mixed uses: maximum 20 ft. Facade parts over twice the height of adjoining buildings: 10 ft.)
- Minimum side setback: 0 ft (1st story; 10 ft next to a conforming residential use. 5 ft per side for 1-2 stories, 8 ft for 3, 12 ft for 4+)
- Minimum rear setback: 0 ft (10 ft when abutting a conforming residential use)
- Minimum lot size: 7,500 sf (Interior and corner parcels)
- Maximum lot coverage: 75%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.5
- Maximum density: 50 du/ac
RMU is a zoning district in San Pablo. Every value below was read from the San Pablo 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 RMU
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 | 50 ft Applies: At roof peak § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “At Roof Peak”, column “RMU”: 50 feet |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “Stories, max”, column “RMU”: 3 |
| Minimum front setback | 0 ft Applies: 20 ft if covered parking is in front. Residential mixed uses: maximum 20 ft. Facade parts over twice the height of adjoining buildings: 10 ft. See note 7 below the table in the code. § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “Front, min”, column “RMU”: 0 5, 6, 7 Note 7: Twenty-foot setback is required if covered parking is located in the front of the building. |
| Minimum side setback | 0 ft Applies: 1st story; 10 ft next to a conforming residential use. 5 ft per side for 1-2 stories, 8 ft for 3, 12 ft for 4+ § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “1st Story”, column “RMU”: 0 feet; 10 feet when abutting a conforming residential use |
| Minimum rear setback | 0 ft Applies: 10 ft when abutting a conforming residential use § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “Rear, min”, column “RMU”: 0 feet; 10 feet when abutting a conforming residential use |
| Minimum lot size | 7,500 sf Applies: Interior and corner parcels § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “Interior Parcels”, column “RMU”: 7,500 sf |
| Maximum lot coverage | 75% § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “Parcel Coverage, max”, column “RMU”: 75% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 1.5 § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “Floor Area Ratio (FAR), max”, column “RMU”: 1.5 |
| Maximum density | 50 du/ac See note 3 below the table in the code. § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “Density, max 3”, column “RMU”: 50 du/ac 13 Note 3: Maximum densities shown in this table may be increased pursuant to the state density bonus law for affordable housing and the city's density bonus ordinance. |
Uses in RMU
Uses the code's use tables allow in RMU, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Apartment building — Allowed — see note
- Child care center — Needs an use permit (conditional use permit, 17.20.040)
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RMU:
- Maximum building height: 60 ft — At eave. Within 75 ft of an R-1 or R-2 district: 40 ft. § 17.32.040
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — When abutting a conforming residential use § 17.32.040
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — When abutting a conforming residential use § 17.32.040
Other San Pablo zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in San Pablo's RMU zone?
50 ft (at roof peak) — San Pablo Municipal Code § 17.32.040.
What is the maximum number of stories in San Pablo's RMU zone?
3 stories — San Pablo Municipal Code § 17.32.040.
What is the minimum front setback in San Pablo's RMU zone?
0 ft (20 ft if covered parking is in front. Residential mixed uses: maximum 20 ft. Facade parts over twice the height of adjoining buildings: 10 ft) — San Pablo Municipal Code § 17.32.040.
What is the minimum side setback in San Pablo's RMU zone?
0 ft (1st story; 10 ft next to a conforming residential use. 5 ft per side for 1-2 stories, 8 ft for 3, 12 ft for 4+) — San Pablo Municipal Code § 17.32.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in San Pablo's RMU zone?
0 ft (10 ft when abutting a conforming residential use) — San Pablo Municipal Code § 17.32.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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