Pismo Beach RR-L zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

RR-L is a zoning district in Pismo Beach. Every value below was read from the Pismo Beach 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 RR-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	35 ft See note 3 below the table in the code. § 17.08.040 · code text Table row “Height limit (3)”, column “RR-L”: 35 ft. from site grade Note 3: Maximum allowed height of structures, except where a height limitation (HL), or view considerations (V) overlay district applies (Sections 17.18.040, and 17.18.060, respectively). The HL overlay applies in the following planning areas established by the general plan: Dinosaur Caves, Freeway Foothills, North Spyglass, Motel District, Shell Beach, Spyglass, South Palisades, and Ontario Ridge/Sunset
Minimum front setback	20 ft Applies: Parcels of 4,000 sq. ft. or larger § 17.08.040 · code text Table row “Front”, column “RR-L”: Parcels of 4,000 sq. ft. or larger: 20 ft. for all structures.
Minimum side setback	5 ft § 17.08.040 · code text Table row “Sides (each)”, column “RR-L”: 5 ft.
Minimum lot size	5,000 sq. ft. § 17.08.040 · code text Table row “Lot area”, column “RR-L”: 5,000 sq. ft.
Maximum lot coverage	55% See note 2 below the table in the code. § 17.08.040 · code text Table row “Site coverage (2)”, column “RR-L”: 55% Note 2: Maximum percentage of site area that may be covered with structures. See the definition of site coverage in Article VI (Definitions).
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)	0.72 Applies: Parcels larger than 2,700 sq. ft. § 17.08.040 · code text Table row “Floor area ratio (FAR)”, column “RR-L”: 0.86 maximum for parcels of 2,700 sq. ft. or less; 0.72 maximum for parcels larger than 2,700 sq. ft.
Maximum density	9 to 15 units per acre Applies: the code sets a range: at least 9, at most 15; also 1 unit per 2,000 sq ft of parcel area See note 1 below the table in the code. § 17.08.040 · code text Table row “Maximum density (1)”, column “RR-L”: 9 to 15 units per acre Note 1: Maximum number of dwelling units allowed per net buildable acre in a single-family subdivision or a multi-family project. The actual number of units allowed is determined through the subdivision or land use permit process, as applicable. See Section 17.38.080 for maximum density requirements applicable to hotels and motels.

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RR-L:

Minimum front setback: 15 ft — Blufftop lot § 17.08.040
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR): 0.86 — Parcels of 2,700 sq. ft. or less § 17.08.040

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, rear setback limit for RR-L in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Pismo Beach Municipal Code.

Other Pismo Beach zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Pismo Beach's RR-L zone?

35 ft — Pismo Beach Municipal Code § 17.08.040.

What is the minimum front setback in Pismo Beach's RR-L zone?

20 ft (parcels of 4,000 sq. ft. or larger) — Pismo Beach Municipal Code § 17.08.040.

What is the minimum side setback in Pismo Beach's RR-L zone?

5 ft — Pismo Beach Municipal Code § 17.08.040.

What is the minimum lot size in Pismo Beach's RR-L zone?

5,000 sq. ft. — Pismo Beach Municipal Code § 17.08.040.

What is the maximum lot coverage in Pismo Beach's RR-L zone?

55% — Pismo Beach Municipal Code § 17.08.040.

General information, not legal advice.