East Palo Alto · Zoning · R-MD
East Palo Alto R-MD zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In East Palo Alto's R-MD zone, generally the front setback is 20 ft. and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (East Palo Alto code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft.
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft.
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft. (1st story)
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq. ft. (Newly created parcel)
- Maximum lot coverage: 60%
- Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): .65
R-MD is a zoning district in East Palo Alto. Every value below was read from the East Palo Alto 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 R-MD
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.
| Minimum front setback | 20 ft. § 18.10.030 · code textTable row “Front Living Area Garage Face”, column “R-MD”: 20 ft. |
|---|---|
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft. This is the street-side setback on a corner lot; an interior side setback can differ. § 18.10.030 · code textTable row “Side/Street Side”, column “R-MD”: 10 ft. |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft. Applies: 1st story § 18.10.030 · code textTable row “Rear 1 st Story 2 nd Story (see footnote 1 for structures above 18 feet)”, column “R-MD”: 20 ft. 30 ft. |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq. ft. Applies: Newly created parcel § 18.10.030 · code textTable row “Parcel Area”, column “R-MD”: 5,000 sq. ft. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 60% § 18.10.030 · code textTable row “Site Coverage”, column “R-MD”: 60% |
| Maximum floor area ratio (FAR) | .65 § 18.10.030 · code textTable row “Floor Area Ratio”, column “R-MD”: .65 |
Uses in R-MD
Uses the code's use tables allow in R-MD, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Duplex — Allowed
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in R-MD:
- Minimum rear setback: 30 ft. — 2nd story § 18.10.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general height, stories, density limit for R-MD in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the East Palo Alto Municipal Code.
Other East Palo Alto zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum front setback in East Palo Alto's R-MD zone?
20 ft. — East Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.10.030.
What is the minimum side setback in East Palo Alto's R-MD zone?
10 ft. — East Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.10.030. The code attaches notes or conditions to this value; read the section before relying on it.
What is the minimum rear setback in East Palo Alto's R-MD zone?
20 ft. (1st story) — East Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.10.030.
What is the minimum lot size in East Palo Alto's R-MD zone?
5,000 sq. ft. (newly created parcel) — East Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.10.030.
What is the maximum lot coverage in East Palo Alto's R-MD zone?
60% — East Palo Alto Municipal Code § 18.10.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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