Rancho Mirage M-U zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

M-U is a zoning district in Rancho Mirage. Every value below was read from the Rancho Mirage 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 M-U

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	20 ft. Applies: See additional height requirements (Section 17.20.100(A)). See note 2 below the table in the code. § 17.10.020 · code text Table row “Maximum Height Limit (2)”, column “M-U”: 20 ft./1 story, whichever is less Note 2: See additional height requirements (Section 17.20.100(A)) .
Maximum number of stories	1 story Applies: See additional height requirements (Section 17.20.100(A)). See note 2 below the table in the code. § 17.10.020 · code text Table row “Maximum Height Limit (2)”, column “M-U”: 20 ft./1 story, whichever is less Note 2: See additional height requirements (Section 17.20.100(A)) .
Minimum lot size	5 ac. § 17.10.020 · code text Table row “Gross Lot Area (Min-Max)”, column “M-U”: 5 ac.
Maximum lot coverage	35% Applies: Combined coverage of residential and commercial uses shall not exceed thirty-five percent. See note 4 below the table in the code. § 17.10.020 · code text Table row “Lot Coverage (Maximum)”, column “M-U”: 35% (4) Note 4: Combined coverage of residential and commercial uses shall not exceed thirty-five percent.

Uses in M-U

Uses the code's use tables allow in M-U, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

Apartment building — Needs a development plan permit (ch. 17.42)
Private school — Needs a conditional use permit (ch. 17.48)

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in M-U:

Minimum front setback: 25 ft. — the code says these dimensions vary and are set during development plan permit review § 17.10.020
Minimum side setback: 25 ft. — the code says these dimensions vary and are set during development plan permit review § 17.10.020
Minimum rear setback: 25 ft. — the code says these dimensions vary and are set during development plan permit review § 17.10.020

Not on this page

We did not find a general front setback, side setback, rear setback, FAR, density limit for M-U in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Rancho Mirage Municipal Code.

Other Rancho Mirage zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Rancho Mirage's M-U zone?

20 ft. (see additional height requirements (Section 17.20.100(A))) — Rancho Mirage Municipal Code § 17.10.020.

What is the maximum number of stories in Rancho Mirage's M-U zone?

1 story (see additional height requirements (Section 17.20.100(A))) — Rancho Mirage Municipal Code § 17.10.020.

What is the minimum lot size in Rancho Mirage's M-U zone?

5 ac. — Rancho Mirage Municipal Code § 17.10.020.

What is the maximum lot coverage in Rancho Mirage's M-U zone?

35% (combined coverage of residential and commercial uses shall not exceed thirty-five percent) — Rancho Mirage Municipal Code § 17.10.020.

General information, not legal advice.