Alhambra · Zoning · RM
Alhambra RM zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Alhambra's RM zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft (3 stories) tall and the front setback is 20 ft or average of front setbacks of two adjacent properties, whichever is greater (Alhambra code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft or average of front setbacks of two adjacent properties, whichever is greater
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (First story)
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 45%
- Maximum density: 18 units per acre
RM is a zoning district in Alhambra. Every value below was read from the Alhambra 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 | 35 ft § 23.04.030 · code textTable row “Maximum height (feet)”, column “RM”: 35 |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories § 23.04.030 · code textTable row “Maximum number of stories”, column “RM”: 3 |
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft or average of front setbacks of two adjacent properties, whichever is greater § 23.04.030 · code textTable row “Minimum front setback (feet)”, column “RM”: Whichever is greater: Average of front setbacks of two adjacent properties, or 20 ft |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft Applies: First story The code labels this number “1st St.”: it is for the first story, and upper stories may need more. § 23.04.030 · code textTable row “Minimum interior setback (feet)”, column “RM”: First story: 5 Upper stories: 6 |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 23.04.030 · code textTable row “Minimum rear setback”, column “RM”: 10 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 45% § 23.04.030 · code textTable row “Maximum lot coverage (% of lot)”, column “RM”: 45 |
| Maximum density | 18 units per acre § 23.04.030 · code textTable row “Maximum density (units per acre)”, column “RM”: 18 |
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.
- Apartment building — Allowed
- Rooming or boarding house — Needs a conditional use permit
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit
- 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: 6 ft — Upper stories § 23.04.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot size, FAR limit for RM in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Alhambra Municipal Code.
Other Alhambra zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Alhambra's RM zone?
35 ft — Alhambra Municipal Code § 23.04.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in Alhambra's RM zone?
3 stories — Alhambra Municipal Code § 23.04.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Alhambra's RM zone?
20 ft or average of front setbacks of two adjacent properties, whichever is greater — Alhambra Municipal Code § 23.04.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Alhambra's RM zone?
5 ft (first story) — Alhambra Municipal Code § 23.04.030. The code attaches notes or conditions to this value; read the section before relying on it.
What is the minimum rear setback in Alhambra's RM zone?
10 ft — Alhambra Municipal Code § 23.04.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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