San Clemente · Zoning · RH
San Clemente RH zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In San Clemente's RH zone, buildings can be up to 45 ft tall and the front setback is 10 ft (San Clemente code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 45 ft
- Minimum front setback: 10 ft
- Minimum side setback: 5 ft
- Minimum rear setback: 5 ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 55%
- Maximum density: 24.0 units per gross acre (counted on gross acres; also at most 1 unit per 1,200 sq ft of lot area)
RH is a zoning district in San Clemente. Every value below was read from the San Clemente 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 RH
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 § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “Building Height, Maximum”, column “RH”: 45 ft. |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 10 ft § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “To Primary Structure:”, column “RH”: 10 ft. |
| Minimum side setback | 5 ft § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “Interior-Side Yard Setback, Minimum 6”, column “RH”: 5 ft. |
| Minimum rear setback | 5 ft § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “Rear Yard Setback, Minimum 8”, column “RH”: 5 ft. |
| Maximum lot coverage | 55% § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “Lot Coverage, Maximum”, column “RH”: 55% |
| Maximum density | 24.0 units per gross acre Applies: counted on gross acres; also at most 1 unit per 1,200 sq ft of lot area § 17.32.040 · code textTable row “Density, Maximum”, column “RH”: 24.0 units per gross acre 36.0 units per net acre |
Uses in RH
Uses the code's use tables allow in RH, or allow with a permit. Each links to its page with the code section.
- Single-family home — Allowed
- Rooming or boarding house — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
- Child care center — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RH:
- Minimum side setback: 8 ft — Dwelling unit in RML, RM, or RH with front entrance located along the side property line; applies to the story containing the front entrance and qualifying portions below § 17.32.050
- Maximum density: 36.0 units per net acre — counted on net acres § 17.32.040
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, lot size, FAR limit for RH in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the San Clemente Municipal Code.
Other San Clemente zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in San Clemente's RH zone?
45 ft — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.32.040.
What is the minimum front setback in San Clemente's RH zone?
10 ft — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.32.040.
What is the minimum side setback in San Clemente's RH zone?
5 ft — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.32.040.
What is the minimum rear setback in San Clemente's RH zone?
5 ft — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.32.040.
What is the maximum lot coverage in San Clemente's RH zone?
55% — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.32.040.
General information, not legal advice.
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