San Clemente RML zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

RML 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 RML

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	25 ft § 17.32.040 · code text Table row “Building Height, Maximum”, column “RML”: 25 ft.
Minimum front setback	20 ft § 17.32.040 · code text Table row “To Primary Structure:”, column “RML”: 20 ft.
Minimum side setback	10% of average lot width, or 6 ft, whichever is smaller § 17.32.040 · code text Table row “Interior-Side Yard Setback, Minimum 6”, column “RML”: 10% of avg. lot width; or 6 ft., whichever is smaller
Minimum rear setback	10 ft Applies: SFR § 17.32.040 · code text Table row “Rear Yard Setback, Minimum 8”, column “RML”: SFR: 10 ft. Duplex: 5 ft.
Minimum lot size	6,000 sq ft Applies: SFR § 17.32.040 · code text Table row “Lot Area, Minimum”, column “RML”: SFR: 6,000 s.f. Duplex: 9,000 s.f.
Maximum lot coverage	50% § 17.32.040 · code text Table row “Lot Coverage, Maximum”, column “RML”: 50%
Maximum density	7.0 units per gross acre Applies: counted on gross acres; single-family home: 1 unit per lot, duplex: 1 unit per 4,500 sq ft of lot area § 17.32.040 · code text Table row “Density, Maximum”, column “RML”: 7.0 units per gross acre 10.0 units per net acre

Uses in RML

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

Single-family home — Allowed
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 RML:

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
Minimum rear setback: 5 ft — Duplex § 17.32.040
Minimum lot size: 9,000 sq ft — Duplex § 17.32.040
Maximum density: 10.0 units per net acre — counted on net acres § 17.32.040

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, FAR limit for RML 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

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in San Clemente's RML zone?

25 ft — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.32.040.

What is the minimum front setback in San Clemente's RML zone?

20 ft — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.32.040.

What is the minimum side setback in San Clemente's RML zone?

10% of average lot width, or 6 ft, whichever is smaller — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.32.040.

What is the minimum rear setback in San Clemente's RML zone?

10 ft (sFR) — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.32.040.

What is the minimum lot size in San Clemente's RML zone?

6,000 sq ft (sFR) — San Clemente Municipal Code § 17.32.040.

General information, not legal advice.