Hercules · Zoning · RM-L
Hercules RM-L zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Hercules's RM-L zone, generally buildings can be up to 45 ft tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 3,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (Hercules code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 45 ft
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft
- Minimum side setback: 15 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft
- Minimum lot size: 3,000 sq ft (Housing other than single-family (single-family needs 4,000 sq ft); smaller lots may be allowed in an approved planned development plan)
- Maximum lot coverage: 60%
- Maximum density: up to 12 units per acre
RM-L is a zoning district in Hercules. Every value below was read from the Hercules 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-L
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 See note 7 below the table in the code. § 13-6.500 · code textTable row “Building Height (ft)”, column “RM-L”: 45 (7) Note 7: Maximum height for single-family housing and duets/duplexes is 35 feet. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft § 13-6.500 · code textTable row “Front (ft)”, column “RM-L”: 15 |
| Minimum side setback | 15 ft See note 6 below the table in the code. § 13-6.500 · code textTable row “Side (ft)”, column “RM-L”: 15 (6) Note 6: Minimum side setback unless smaller setback is allowed by an approved planned development plan. |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft § 13-6.500 · code textTable row “Rear (ft)”, column “RM-L”: 15 |
| Minimum lot size | 3,000 sq ft Applies: Housing other than single-family (single-family needs 4,000 sq ft); smaller lots may be allowed in an approved planned development plan § 13-6.500 · code textTable row “Lot Size (sq ft)”, column “RM-L”: 3,000 (2, 3) |
| Maximum lot coverage | 60% § 13-6.500 · code textTable row “Maximum Site Coverage”, column “RM-L”: 60% |
| Maximum density | up to 12 units per acre § 13-6.500 · code textTable row “Range”, column “RM-L”: up to 12 |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RM-L:
- Maximum building height: 35 ft — For single-family housing and duets/duplexes. § 13-6.500
- Minimum lot size: 4,000 sq ft — For single-family housing, unless a smaller lot size is allowed by an approved planned development plan. § 13-6.500
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR limit for RM-L in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Hercules Municipal Code.
Other Hercules zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Hercules's RM-L zone?
45 ft — Hercules Municipal Code § 13-6.500.
What is the minimum front setback in Hercules's RM-L zone?
15 ft — Hercules Municipal Code § 13-6.500.
What is the minimum side setback in Hercules's RM-L zone?
15 ft — Hercules Municipal Code § 13-6.500.
What is the minimum rear setback in Hercules's RM-L zone?
15 ft — Hercules Municipal Code § 13-6.500.
What is the minimum lot size in Hercules's RM-L zone?
3,000 sq ft (housing other than single-family (single-family needs 4,000 sq ft); smaller lots may be allowed in an approved planned development plan) — Hercules Municipal Code § 13-6.500.
General information, not legal advice.
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