Desert Hot Springs · Zoning · MU-N
Desert Hot Springs MU-N zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Desert Hot Springs's MU-N zone, generally buildings can be up to 45 ft (3 stories) tall, the front setback is 10 ft and the minimum lot size is 7,200 sf, with the conditions listed below (Desert Hot Springs code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 45 ft
- Maximum number of stories: 3 stories
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft (garage front yard setback must be at least 20 ft)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft (Interior)
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft (Standard Lot)
- Minimum lot size: 7,200 sf (Single-Family)
- Maximum lot coverage: 60% (Stand-Alone Residential)
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 1.00 (Nonresidential)
- Maximum density: 15 du/1 ac
MU-N is a zoning district in Desert Hot Springs. Every value below was read from the Desert Hot Springs 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 MU-N
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 | 45 ft § 17.14.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Building/Structure Height”, column “MU-N”: 45 ft |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 3 stories § 17.14.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Number of Stories”, column “MU-N”: 3 |
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft Applies: garage front yard setback must be at least 20 ft § 17.14.030 · code textTable row “Minimum Front Yard Setback (from public right-of-way)”, column “MU-N”: 10 ft |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft Applies: Interior § 17.14.030 · code textTable row “Interior”, column “MU-N”: 5 ft |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft Applies: Standard Lot § 17.14.030 · code textTable row “Standard Lot”, column “MU-N”: 15 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 7,200 sf Applies: Single-Family § 17.14.030 · code textTable row “Single-Family”, column “MU-N”: 7,200 sf |
| Maximum lot coverage | 60% Applies: Stand-Alone Residential § 17.14.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Lot Coverage (Stand-Alone Residential)”, column “MU-N”: 60% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | 1.00 Applies: Nonresidential § 17.14.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR) — Nonresidential”, column “MU-N”: 1.00 |
| Maximum density | 15 du/1 ac § 17.14.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Density — Residential”, column “MU-N”: 15 du/1 ac |
Uses in MU-N
Uses the code's use tables allow in MU-N, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Apartment building — Allowed
- Live-work unit — Allowed
- Senior or assisted living — Needs an administrative use permit
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
- Kennel — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in MU-N:
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Corner or Exterior § 17.14.030
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft — Adjacent to Alley § 17.14.030
- Minimum lot size: 10,000 sf — Multifamily § 17.14.030
Other Desert Hot Springs zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Desert Hot Springs's MU-N zone?
45 ft — Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code § 17.14.030.
What is the maximum number of stories in Desert Hot Springs's MU-N zone?
3 stories — Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code § 17.14.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Desert Hot Springs's MU-N zone?
10 ft (garage front yard setback must be at least 20 ft) — Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code § 17.14.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Desert Hot Springs's MU-N zone?
5 ft (interior) — Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code § 17.14.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Desert Hot Springs's MU-N zone?
15 ft (standard Lot) — Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code § 17.14.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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