San Bernardino County · Zoning · RM
San Bernardino County RM zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In San Bernardino County's RM zone, generally buildings can be up to 45 ft tall and the front setback is 25 ft, with the conditions listed below (San Bernardino County code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 45 ft
- Minimum front setback: 25 ft (Valley or Desert Region; in the Mountain Region 15 ft on lots under 14,000 sq ft, 25 ft on larger lots.)
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft on one side, 10 ft on other (Valley or Desert Region; Mountain Region: 20 percent of lot width, up to 15 ft.)
- Minimum rear setback: 15 ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 60%
- Maximum density: 20 units per acre
RM (Multiple Residential) is a zoning district in San Bernardino County. Every value below was read from the San Bernardino County 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
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 | 45 ft § 82.04.060 · code textTable row “Maximum height”, column “RM Multiple Residential”: 45 ft. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 25 ft Applies: Valley or Desert Region; in the Mountain Region 15 ft on lots under 14,000 sq ft, 25 ft on larger lots. See note 2 below the table in the code. § 82.04.060 · code textTable row “Front”, column “RM Multiple Residential”: 25 ft. (2) Note 2: A Final Map or Parcel Map may establish front yard setbacks of no less than 22 feet, provided that the average setback of all parcels in the subdivision is 25 feet. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft on one side, 10 ft on other Applies: Valley or Desert Region; Mountain Region: 20 percent of lot width, up to 15 ft. § 82.04.060 · code textTable row “Side - Interior (each)”, column “RM Multiple Residential”: 5 ft. on one side, 10 ft. on other |
| Minimum rear setback | 15 ft § 82.04.060 · code textTable row “Rear”, column “RM Multiple Residential”: 15 ft. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 60% § 82.04.060 · code textTable row “Maximum coverage”, column “RM Multiple Residential”: 60 percent |
| Maximum density | 20 units per acre See note 5 below the table in the code. § 82.04.060 · code textTable row “Maximum density (5)”, column “RM Multiple Residential”: 20 units per acre; accessory dwellings as allowed by Chapter 84.36 (Accessory Dwelling Units) Note 5: The maximum density may be greater when modified by Chapter 83.03 (Affordable Housing Incentives - Density Bonus). |
Uses in RM
Uses the code's use tables allow in RM, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed — see note
- Child care center — Needs a minor use permit (conditional use permit if the project does not qualify for a minor use permit)
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
- Community garden — Allowed
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot size, FAR limit for RM in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the San Bernardino County Municipal Code.
Other San Bernardino County zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in San Bernardino County's RM zone?
45 ft — San Bernardino County Municipal Code § 82.04.060.
What is the minimum front setback in San Bernardino County's RM zone?
25 ft (valley or Desert Region; in the Mountain Region 15 ft on lots under 14,000 sq ft, 25 ft on larger lots) — San Bernardino County Municipal Code § 82.04.060.
What is the minimum side setback in San Bernardino County's RM zone?
5 ft on one side, 10 ft on other (valley or Desert Region; Mountain Region: 20 percent of lot width, up to 15 ft) — San Bernardino County Municipal Code § 82.04.060.
What is the minimum rear setback in San Bernardino County's RM zone?
15 ft — San Bernardino County Municipal Code § 82.04.060.
What is the maximum lot coverage in San Bernardino County's RM zone?
60% — San Bernardino County Municipal Code § 82.04.060.
General information, not legal advice.
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