Pasadena · Zoning · RM-16-1
Pasadena RM-16-1 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Pasadena's RM-16-1 zone, generally buildings can be up to 36 ft tall, the front setback is 40 ft and the minimum lot size is 12,000 sf, with the conditions listed below (Pasadena code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 36 ft (to the highest ridgeline; no maximum top plate height)
- Minimum front setback: 40 ft
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 20 ft
- Minimum lot size: 12,000 sf (Minimum area for new parcels)
- Maximum lot coverage: 35%
- Maximum density: 1 unit per 3,000 sq ft
RM-16-1 is a zoning district in Pasadena. Every value below was read from the Pasadena 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-16-1
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 | 36 ft Applies: to the highest ridgeline; no maximum top plate height § 17.22.070 · code textIn the RM-16-1, the maximum height of structures is 36 feet to the highest ridgeline. No maximum top plate height is applicable. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 40 ft § 17.22.060 · code textTable row “Front”, column “RM-16-1”: 40 ft |
| Minimum side setback | 10 ft § 17.22.060 · code textTable row “Sides”, column “RM-16-1”: 10 ft |
| Minimum rear setback | 20 ft § 17.22.060 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “RM-16-1”: 20 ft |
| Minimum lot size | 12,000 sf Applies: Minimum area for new parcels See note 2 below the table in the code. § 17.22.060 · code textTable row “Minimum area (2)”, column “RM-16-1”: 12,000 sf Note 2: See Section 17.40.030 regarding development on an undeveloped lot and section 17.40.040 regarding development on a substandard lot. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 35% § 17.22.060 · code textTable row “Maximum site coverage”, column “RM-16-1”: 35% |
| Maximum density | 1 unit per 3,000 sq ft § 17.22.060 · code textTable row “Lots of 10,000 sf or more”, column “RM-16-1”: 3,000 sf |
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RM-16-1:
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories — Multiple lots consolidated into a single building site with combined front street frontage of more than 160 feet § 17.22.070
- Maximum number of stories: 2 stories — Corner lot; front 60 percent of site along each street frontage § 17.22.070
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR limit for RM-16-1 in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Pasadena Municipal Code.
Other Pasadena zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Pasadena's RM-16-1 zone?
36 ft (to the highest ridgeline; no maximum top plate height) — Pasadena Municipal Code § 17.22.070.
What is the minimum front setback in Pasadena's RM-16-1 zone?
40 ft — Pasadena Municipal Code § 17.22.060.
What is the minimum side setback in Pasadena's RM-16-1 zone?
10 ft — Pasadena Municipal Code § 17.22.060.
What is the minimum rear setback in Pasadena's RM-16-1 zone?
20 ft — Pasadena Municipal Code § 17.22.060.
What is the minimum lot size in Pasadena's RM-16-1 zone?
12,000 sf (minimum area for new parcels) — Pasadena Municipal Code § 17.22.060.
General information, not legal advice.
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