Pismo Beach · Zoning · RSM
Pismo Beach RSM zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Pismo Beach's RSM zone, generally buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 20 ft and the minimum lot size is 5,000 sq. ft., with the conditions listed below (Pismo Beach code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft (Anywhere except the Pismo Heights and Motel District planning areas)
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft (Parcels of 4,000 sq. ft. or larger)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum lot size: 5,000 sq. ft.
- Maximum lot coverage: 55%
- Maximum density: 9 to 15 units per acre (the code sets a range: at least 9, at most 15; also 1 unit per parcel)
RSM 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 RSM
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 Applies: Anywhere except the Pismo Heights and Motel District planning areas See note 3 below the table in the code. § 17.08.040 · code textTable row “Height limit (3)”, column “RSM”: 25 ft. from site grade in the Pismo Heights and the Motel District planning areas; 35 ft. from site grade elsewhere. 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 textTable row “Front”, column “RSM”: Parcels of 4,000 sq. ft. or larger: 20 ft. for all structures. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 17.08.040 · code textTable row “Sides (each)”, column “RSM”: 5 ft. |
| Minimum lot size | 5,000 sq. ft. § 17.08.040 · code textTable row “Lot area”, column “RSM”: 5000 sq. ft. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 55% See note 2 below the table in the code. § 17.08.040 · code textTable row “Site coverage (2)”, column “RSM”: 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 density | 9 to 15 units per acre Applies: the code sets a range: at least 9, at most 15; also 1 unit per parcel See note 1 below the table in the code. § 17.08.040 · code textTable row “Maximum density (1)”, column “RSM”: 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. |
Uses in RSM
Uses the code's use tables allow in RSM, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
- Growing crops — Allowed
- Emergency shelter — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RSM:
- Maximum building height: 25 ft — Pismo Heights and the Motel District planning areas § 17.08.040
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft — Blufftop lot § 17.08.040
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, rear setback, FAR limit for RSM 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
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Pismo Beach's RSM zone?
35 ft (anywhere except the Pismo Heights and Motel District planning areas) — Pismo Beach Municipal Code § 17.08.040.
What is the minimum front setback in Pismo Beach's RSM 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 RSM zone?
5 ft — Pismo Beach Municipal Code § 17.08.040.
What is the minimum lot size in Pismo Beach's RSM zone?
5,000 sq. ft. — Pismo Beach Municipal Code § 17.08.040.
What is the maximum lot coverage in Pismo Beach's RSM zone?
55% — Pismo Beach Municipal Code § 17.08.040.
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a Pismo Beach property in RSM
Ask GoCodebook what you can build at a specific address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question