El Cerrito · Zoning · RM
El Cerrito RM zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In El Cerrito's RM zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 10 ft and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (El Cerrito code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft (20 ft for the entire width of required covered parking)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft (20 ft for portions of a building over 25 ft in height when abutting an RS zone)
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq ft (Interior lots)
- Maximum lot coverage: 60% (Where lot slope is 30% or less)
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 1,250 sq ft of lot area (projects of more than 12 units; for 12 units or less the code uses a different lot-size table)
RM is a zoning district in El Cerrito. Every value below was read from the El Cerrito 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 § 19.06.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Height (ft.)”, column “RM”: 35 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft Applies: 20 ft for the entire width of required covered parking § 19.06.030 · code textTable row “Front - Minimum”, column “RM”: 10 |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 19.06.030 · code textTable row “Side”, column “RM”: 5; 10 for portions of building greater than 25 ft. in height |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft Applies: 20 ft for portions of a building over 25 ft in height when abutting an RS zone § 19.06.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “RM”: 15, but when abutting an RS zone, 20 for portions of building greater than 25 ft. in height |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft Applies: Interior lots § 19.06.030 · code textTable row “Interior Lots”, column “RM”: 5,000 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 60% Applies: Where lot slope is 30% or less § 19.06.030 · code textTable row “Where Lot Slope is 30% or Less”, column “RM”: 60, up to 80 if parking is at least 4 feet below grade |
| Maximum density | 1 unit per 1,250 sq ft of lot area Applies: projects of more than 12 units; for 12 units or less the code uses a different lot-size table § 19.06.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Density”, column “RM”: One unit per 1,250 sq. ft. of lot area; different requirement for projects with 12 units or less |
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
- Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs a conditional use permit
- Bed and breakfast — Needs an administrative use permit
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
- Private school — 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: 10 ft — Portions of building greater than 25 ft. in height § 19.06.030
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft — When abutting an RS zone, for portions of building greater than 25 ft. in height § 19.06.030
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq ft — Corner lots § 19.06.030
- Maximum lot coverage: 80% — Where lot slope is 30% or less, if parking is at least 4 feet below grade § 19.06.030
- Maximum lot coverage: 40% — Where lot slope is greater than 30% § 19.06.030
- Maximum density: 21 to 45 units per acre — with the Incentives Program; the code sets a range: at least 21, at most 45 § 19.06.030
- Maximum density: 70 du/ac — Housing for elderly and handicapped persons if services are provided, with Incentives Program § 19.06.030
- Maximum density: 21 to 45 units per acre — with the State Affordable Housing Bonus; the code sets a range: at least 21, at most 45 § 19.06.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR limit for RM in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the El Cerrito Municipal Code.
Other El Cerrito zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in El Cerrito's RM zone?
35 ft — El Cerrito Municipal Code § 19.06.030.
What is the minimum front setback in El Cerrito's RM zone?
10 ft (20 ft for the entire width of required covered parking) — El Cerrito Municipal Code § 19.06.030.
What is the minimum side setback in El Cerrito's RM zone?
5 ft — El Cerrito Municipal Code § 19.06.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in El Cerrito's RM zone?
15 ft (20 ft for portions of a building over 25 ft in height when abutting an RS zone) — El Cerrito Municipal Code § 19.06.030.
What is the minimum lot size in El Cerrito's RM zone?
5,000 sq ft (interior lots) — El Cerrito Municipal Code § 19.06.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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