San Carlos RM-59 zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

RM-59 (Residential Multifamily District) is a zoning district in San Carlos. Every value below was read from the San Carlos 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-59

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	50 ft § 18.04.050 · code text Table row “Maximum Height”, column “RM-59”: 50 ft. (A)
Maximum number of stories	4 stories § 18.04.050 · code text Table row “Maximum Stories”, column “RM-59”: 4 (B)
Minimum front setback	15 ft Applies: may be less where 75% or more of the lots in the block are built: the block average or 15 ft, whichever is less § 18.04.050 · code text Table row “Front”, column “RM-59”: 15 ft. (C)
Minimum side setback	5 ft § 18.04.050 · code text Table row “Interior Side”, column “RM-59”: 5 ft. (A)
Minimum rear setback	15 ft § 18.04.050 · code text Table row “Rear”, column “RM-59”: 15 ft. (A)
Minimum lot size	10,000 sq ft Applies: new subdivision lots follow Table 17.16.030 § 18.04.050 · code text Table row “Minimum Lot Size (sq. ft.)”, column “RM-59”: 10,000*
Maximum lot coverage	75% § 18.04.050 · code text Table row “Maximum Lot Coverage (Percent of Lot)”, column “RM-59”: 75%
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)	No maximum FAR Applies: residential buildings § 18.04.050 · code text Table row “Maximum Floor Area Ratio (FAR)”, column “RM-59”: No maximum FAR for residential buildings.
Maximum density	59 units per acre § 18.04.050 · code text Table row “Maximum Density (units/net acre)”, column “RM-59”: 59

Uses in RM-59

Uses the code's use tables allow in RM-59, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.

Apartment building — Allowed
Senior or assisted living — Needs a conditional use permit
Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs a minor use permit
Child care center — Allowed
Private school — Needs a conditional use permit

When a different number applies

The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RM-59:

Maximum building height: 28 ft — at the rear setback line where adjacent to an RS district § 18.04.050
Maximum building height: 28 ft — at the side setback line facing an RS district § 18.04.050
Minimum side setback: 10 ft — from an RS boundary; side transition § 18.04.050
Minimum rear setback: 20 ft — where adjacent to an RS district; rear transition § 18.04.050

Other San Carlos zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in San Carlos's RM-59 zone?

50 ft — San Carlos Municipal Code § 18.04.050.

What is the maximum number of stories in San Carlos's RM-59 zone?

4 stories — San Carlos Municipal Code § 18.04.050.

What is the minimum front setback in San Carlos's RM-59 zone?

15 ft (may be less where 75% or more of the lots in the block are built: the block average or 15 ft, whichever is less) — San Carlos Municipal Code § 18.04.050.

What is the minimum side setback in San Carlos's RM-59 zone?

5 ft — San Carlos Municipal Code § 18.04.050.

What is the minimum rear setback in San Carlos's RM-59 zone?

15 ft — San Carlos Municipal Code § 18.04.050.

General information, not legal advice.