Morro Bay · Zoning · RM
Morro Bay RM zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Morro Bay's RM zone, generally buildings can be up to 25 ft tall and the front setback is 10 ft, with the conditions listed below (Morro Bay code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 25 ft
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft (Lots 2,500 sf or less)
- Minimum side setback: 10% of lot width, min 3 ft, max 5 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 50%
- Maximum density: 15 units/acre
RM is a zoning district in Morro Bay. Every value below was read from the Morro Bay 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 | 25 ft § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Building Height (ft)”, column “RM”: 25 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft Applies: Lots 2,500 sf or less § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Front”, column “RM”: Lots 2,500 sf or less: 10; Lots 2,501 to 4,300 sf: 15; Lots 4.301 sf or greater: 15 on West St, otherwise 20 |
| Minimum side setback | 10% of lot width, min 3 ft, max 5 ft § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Interior Side”, column “RM”: 10% of lot width, min 3, max 5 |
| Minimum rear setback | 5 ft § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “RM”: 5 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 50% § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Lot Coverage (% of lot)”, column “RM”: 50 |
| Maximum density | 15 units/acre § 17.07.030 · code textTable row “Maximum Density (units/acre)”, column “RM”: 15 |
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 — Allowed
- Senior or assisted living — Needs a minor use permit
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
- Community garden — Allowed
- 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 front setback: 15 ft — Lots 2,501 to 4,300 sf § 17.07.030
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft — Lots 4.301 sf or greater, on West St § 17.07.030
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft — Lots 4.301 sf or greater, otherwise than West St § 17.07.030
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot size, FAR limit for RM in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Morro Bay Municipal Code.
Other Morro Bay zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Morro Bay's RM zone?
25 ft — Morro Bay Municipal Code § 17.07.030.
What is the minimum front setback in Morro Bay's RM zone?
10 ft (lots 2,500 sf or less) — Morro Bay Municipal Code § 17.07.030.
What is the minimum side setback in Morro Bay's RM zone?
10% of lot width, min 3 ft, max 5 ft — Morro Bay Municipal Code § 17.07.030.
What is the minimum rear setback in Morro Bay's RM zone?
5 ft — Morro Bay Municipal Code § 17.07.030.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Morro Bay's RM zone?
50% — Morro Bay Municipal Code § 17.07.030.
General information, not legal advice.
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