National City · Zoning · RM-3
National City RM-3 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In National City's RM-3 zone, generally buildings can be up to 95 ft (9 stories) tall, the front setback is 10 ft and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq ft, with the conditions listed below (National City code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 95 ft (primary structure)
- Maximum number of stories: 9 stories (primary structure)
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 75%
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 580 sq ft
RM-3 is a zoning district in National City. Every value below was read from the National City 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-3
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 | 95 ft Applies: primary structure § 18.21.040 · code textTable row “Maximum height, primary structure”, column “RM-3”: 95' |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of stories | 9 stories Applies: primary structure § 18.21.040 · code textTable row “Maximum stories, primary structure”, column “RM-3”: 9 |
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft § 18.21.040 · code textTable row “Front”, column “RM-3”: 10' |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 18.21.040 · code textTable row “Side—Interior”, column “RM-3”: 5' |
| Minimum rear setback | 5 ft § 18.21.040 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “RM-3”: 5' |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq ft § 18.21.040 · code textTable row “Minimum lot area”, column “RM-3”: 5,000 SF |
| Maximum lot coverage | 75% § 18.21.040 · code textTable row “Maximum lot coverage”, column “RM-3”: 75% |
| Maximum density | 1 unit per 580 sq ft § 18.21.040 · code textTable row “Maximum density”, column “RM-3”: One du per 580 SF of lot area |
Uses in RM-3
Uses the code's use tables allow in RM-3, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Bed and breakfast — Needs a conditional use permit
Not on this page
We did not find a general FAR limit for RM-3 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the National City Municipal Code.
Other National City zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in National City's RM-3 zone?
95 ft (primary structure) — National City Municipal Code § 18.21.040.
What is the maximum number of stories in National City's RM-3 zone?
9 stories (primary structure) — National City Municipal Code § 18.21.040.
What is the minimum front setback in National City's RM-3 zone?
10 ft — National City Municipal Code § 18.21.040.
What is the minimum side setback in National City's RM-3 zone?
5 ft — National City Municipal Code § 18.21.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in National City's RM-3 zone?
5 ft — National City Municipal Code § 18.21.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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