Capitola · Zoning · RM-40
Capitola RM-40 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Capitola's RM-40 zone, generally buildings can be up to 40 ft (4 stories) tall and the front setback is 15 ft, with the conditions listed below (Capitola code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 40 ft (Top plate height; roof elements with a 5:12 pitch or steeper may add 6 ft)
- Maximum number of stories: 4 stories
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10% of parcel width, min 3 ft and max 10 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 60%
- Maximum density: 40 du/ac
RM-40 is a zoning district in Capitola. Every value below was read from the Capitola 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-40
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 | 40 ft Applies: Top plate height; roof elements with a 5:12 pitch or steeper may add 6 ft § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Top Plate”, column “RM-40”: 40 ft. |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 4 stories § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Stories”, column “RM-40”: 4 [3] |
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “RM-40”: 15 ft. [1] |
| Minimum side setback | 10% of parcel width, min 3 ft and max 10 ft § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Interior Side”, column “RM-40”: 10% of parcel width [3] [4] |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “RM-40”: 10 ft. [2] [3] |
| Maximum lot coverage | 60% § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Building Coverage , Maximum”, column “RM-40”: 60% |
| Maximum density | 40 du/ac § 17.16.030 · code textTable row “Units per Acre, Maximum”, column “RM-40”: 40 du/ac |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RM-40:
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft — Abutting an R-1 zone § 17.16.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general lot size, FAR limit for RM-40 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Capitola Municipal Code.
Other Capitola zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Capitola's RM-40 zone?
40 ft (top plate height; roof elements with a 5:12 pitch or steeper may add 6 ft) — Capitola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in Capitola's RM-40 zone?
4 stories — Capitola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Capitola's RM-40 zone?
15 ft — Capitola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Capitola's RM-40 zone?
10% of parcel width, min 3 ft and max 10 ft — Capitola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Capitola's RM-40 zone?
10 ft — Capitola Municipal Code § 17.16.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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