Seaside RM zoning: height, setbacks and lot size

RM (Medium Density Residential) is a zoning district in Seaside. Every value below was read from the Seaside 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	24 ft Applies: single dwellings, duplexes, triplexes See note 1 below the table in the code. The code attaches note 2 to this value. This page does not show it; read the code before relying on the number. § 17.12.050 · code text Table row “Maximum height”, column “RM Medium Density Residential”: 24 ft (1)(2) for single dwellings, duplexes, triplexes; 36 ft for multi-family. Note 1: See Chapter 17.52 (Standards for Specific Land Uses).
Minimum front setback	15 ft § 17.12.050 · code text Table row “Front”, column “RM Medium Density Residential”: 15 ft
Minimum side setback	5 ft on each side Applies: single dwellings, structures 24 ft or less § 17.12.050 · code text Table row “Side – Interior”, column “RM Medium Density Residential”: Single dwellings: 5 ft on each side for structures 24 ft or less; 15 ft combined with a minimum of 5 ft on one side for structures greater than 24 ft in height; 10 ft on one side for common wall or zero lot line development. Other buildings: 5 ft on each side for structures 24 ft or less; 30 ft combined, with 12 ft minimum on one side for structures greater than 24 ft in height.
Maximum lot coverage	65% § 17.12.050 · code text Table row “Maximum coverage”, column “RM Medium Density Residential”: 65%
Maximum floor area ratio (FAR)	0.45 § 17.12.050 · code text Table row “Maximum FAR”, column “RM Medium Density Residential”: 0.45

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
Child care center — Needs a minor use permit
Church or place of worship — Needs an use permit
Private school — Needs an use permit

When a different number applies

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

Maximum building height: 36 ft — multi-family § 17.12.050
Minimum side setback: 15 ft combined, minimum 5 ft on one side — single dwellings, structures greater than 24 ft in height § 17.12.050
Minimum side setback: 10 ft on one side — single dwellings, common wall or zero lot line development § 17.12.050
Minimum side setback: 30 ft combined, with 12 ft minimum on one side — other buildings, structures greater than 24 ft in height § 17.12.050

Not on this page

We did not find a general stories, rear setback, lot size, density limit for RM in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Seaside Municipal Code.

Other Seaside zoning districts

Who this affects

HomeownersArchitects and designersDevelopersReal estate agents

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum building height in Seaside's RM zone?

24 ft (single dwellings, duplexes, triplexes) — Seaside Municipal Code § 17.12.050. The code attaches notes or conditions to this value; read the section before relying on it.

What is the minimum front setback in Seaside's RM zone?

15 ft — Seaside Municipal Code § 17.12.050.

What is the minimum side setback in Seaside's RM zone?

5 ft on each side (single dwellings, structures 24 ft or less) — Seaside Municipal Code § 17.12.050.

What is the maximum lot coverage in Seaside's RM zone?

65% — Seaside Municipal Code § 17.12.050.

What is the maximum floor area ratio (far) in Seaside's RM zone?

0.45 — Seaside Municipal Code § 17.12.050.

General information, not legal advice.