California City · Zoning · RM1
California City RM1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In California City's RM1 zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft tall and the front setback is 25 ft, with the conditions listed below (California City code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft (The lower of 35 ft or 2½ stories applies)
- Minimum front setback: 25 ft (single family dwellings)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (single or multiple family dwellings that are one story in height)
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft (single or multiple family dwellings that are one story in height)
RM1 is a zoning district in California City. Every value below was read from the California City 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 RM1
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 Applies: The lower of 35 ft or 2½ stories applies § 9-2.301 · code textSingle or multiple family dwellings shall not exceed two and one-half (2½) stories or thirty-five (35) feet in height, whichever is less, provided, with a special permit multiple family dwellings in a RM1 District shall not exceed four (4) stories or forty-five (45) feet in height, whichever is less. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 25 ft Applies: single family dwellings § 9-2.301 · code textSingle family dwellings shall have a twenty-five (25) foot front yard setback. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft Applies: single or multiple family dwellings that are one story in height § 9-2.301 · code textSingle or multiple family dwellings shall have a five (5) foot side and rear yard setback if the dwelling is one story in height, a ten (10) foot side and year yard setback if the dwelling is two stories in height or if the dwelling is located on a corner lot, provided, property located in an R2 or R3 District may have smaller side and rear yards with a permit. |
| Minimum rear setback | 5 ft Applies: single or multiple family dwellings that are one story in height § 9-2.301 · code textSingle or multiple family dwellings shall have a five (5) foot side and rear yard setback if the dwelling is one story in height, a ten (10) foot side and year yard setback if the dwelling is two stories in height or if the dwelling is located on a corner lot, provided, property located in an R2 or R3 District may have smaller side and rear yards with a permit. |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RM1:
- Maximum building height: 45 ft — Multiple family dwellings with a special permit; the lower of 45 ft or 4 stories applies § 9-2.301
- Maximum number of stories: 4 stories — multiple family dwellings with a special permit § 9-2.301
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft — multiple family dwellings § 9-2.301
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — single or multiple family dwellings that are two stories in height § 9-2.301
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — single or multiple family dwellings located on a corner lot § 9-2.301
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — single or multiple family dwellings that are two stories in height § 9-2.301
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — single or multiple family dwellings located on a corner lot § 9-2.301
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot size, lot coverage, FAR, density limit for RM1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the California City Municipal Code.
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in California City's RM1 zone?
35 ft (the lower of 35 ft or 2½ stories applies) — California City Municipal Code § 9-2.301.
What is the minimum front setback in California City's RM1 zone?
25 ft (single family dwellings) — California City Municipal Code § 9-2.301.
What is the minimum side setback in California City's RM1 zone?
5 ft (single or multiple family dwellings that are one story in height) — California City Municipal Code § 9-2.301.
What is the minimum rear setback in California City's RM1 zone?
5 ft (single or multiple family dwellings that are one story in height) — California City Municipal Code § 9-2.301.
General information, not legal advice.
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