La Quinta RM zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

RM (Medium Density Residential District) is a zoning district in La Quinta. Every value below was read from the La Quinta 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	28 ft § 9.50.030 · code text Table row “Maximum structure height (ft.) 2”, column “RM”: 28
Maximum number of stories	2 stories § 9.50.030 · code text Table row “Maximum number of stories”, column “RM”: 2
Minimum front setback	20 ft § 9.50.030 · code text Table row “Minimum front yard setback (ft.) 3”, column “RM”: 20
Minimum side setback	5 ft Applies: Interior side yard: 5 ft plus 1 ft per foot of height over 17 ft, up to 10 ft. Street side: 10 ft. § 9.50.030 · code text Table row “Minimum interior/exterior side yard setback (ft.) 4, 6”, column “RM”: 5/10
Minimum rear setback	15 ft § 9.50.030 · code text Table row “Minimum rear yard setback (ft.) 6”, column “RM”: 15
Minimum lot size	5,000 sq ft Applies: single-family dwellings § 9.50.030 · code text Table row “Minimum lot size for single-family dwellings (sq. ft.)”, column “RM”: 5,000
Maximum lot coverage	60% § 9.50.030 · code text Table row “Maximum lot coverage (% of net lot area)”, column “RM”: 60
Maximum density	4 to 8 units per acre Applies: the code sets a range: at least 4, at most 8; Section 9.40.020 allows other densities § 9.30.050 · code text A. Purpose. To provide for the development and preservation of medium density neighborhoods (four (4) to eight (8) units per acre, except as provided in Section 9.40.020, "Conditions for varying residential densities") with single-family detached dwellings on medium and small size lots and/or, subject to a specific plan, projects with clustered smaller dwellings, such as one (1)- and two (2)-story single-family attached, townhome or multifamily dwellings, with open space.

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.

Single-family home — Allowed
Duplex — Needs a planned unit development
Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit

Not on this page

We did not find a general FAR limit for RM in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the La Quinta Municipal Code.

Other La Quinta zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in La Quinta's RM zone?

28 ft — La Quinta Municipal Code § 9.50.030.

What is the maximum number of stories in La Quinta's RM zone?

2 stories — La Quinta Municipal Code § 9.50.030.

What is the minimum front setback in La Quinta's RM zone?

20 ft — La Quinta Municipal Code § 9.50.030.

What is the minimum side setback in La Quinta's RM zone?

5 ft (interior side yard: 5 ft plus 1 ft per foot of height over 17 ft, up to 10 ft. Street side: 10 ft) — La Quinta Municipal Code § 9.50.030.

What is the minimum rear setback in La Quinta's RM zone?

15 ft — La Quinta Municipal Code § 9.50.030.

General information, not legal advice.