Waterford · Zoning · RM
Waterford RM zoning: height, setbacks and lot size
In Waterford's RM zone, buildings can be up to 35 ft tall, the front setback is 15 ft and the minimum lot size is 6,000 sq ft (Waterford code, read October 2026).
Key points
- Maximum building height: 35 ft
- Minimum front setback: 15 ft
- Minimum side setback: 6 ft (Minimum width; average yard width shall be 10 ft)
- Minimum rear setback: 10 ft
- Minimum lot size: 6,000 sq ft
- Maximum lot coverage: 45%
- Maximum density: 6 to 12 units per acre (general plan density per gross acre; the code sets a range: at least 6, at most 12)
RM is a zoning district in Waterford. Every value below was read from the Waterford 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 | 35 ft § 17.20.050 · code textTable row “Maximum height (ft.)”, column “RM”: 35 |
|---|---|
| Minimum front setback | 15 ft § 17.20.050 · code textTable row “Front (ft.)”, column “RM”: 15 |
| Minimum side setback | 6 ft Applies: Minimum width; average yard width shall be 10 ft § 17.20.050 · code textTable row “Side (ft.)”, column “RM”: 6/10 |
| Minimum rear setback | 10 ft § 17.20.050 · code textTable row “Rear (ft.)”, column “RM”: 10 |
| Minimum lot size | 6,000 sq ft § 17.20.050 · code textTable row “Minimum site area (sq. ft.)”, column “RM”: 6,000 |
| Maximum lot coverage | 45% § 17.20.050 · code textTable row “Maximum coverage”, column “RM”: 45% |
| Maximum density | 6 to 12 units per acre Applies: general plan density per gross acre; the code sets a range: at least 6, at most 12 § 17.20.050 · code textTable row “GP density/gross acre”, column “RM”: 6-12 |
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
- Apartment building — Allowed — see note
- Residential care home (7 or more) — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
- Child care center — Needs an administrative use permit — see note
- Church or place of worship — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
- Private school — Needs a conditional use permit — see note
When a different number applies
The code sets other values for particular lots, buildings or locations in RM:
- Minimum front setback: 20 ft — From the entrance of a garage or carport § 17.20.050
- Minimum side setback: 10 ft — Average yard width in the RM district § 17.20.050
Not on this page
We did not find a general stories, FAR limit for RM in the zoning tables we read. The code may still set one elsewhere — check the Waterford Municipal Code.
Other Waterford zoning districts
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum building height in Waterford's RM zone?
35 ft — Waterford Municipal Code § 17.20.050.
What is the minimum front setback in Waterford's RM zone?
15 ft — Waterford Municipal Code § 17.20.050.
What is the minimum side setback in Waterford's RM zone?
6 ft (minimum width; average yard width shall be 10 ft) — Waterford Municipal Code § 17.20.050.
What is the minimum rear setback in Waterford's RM zone?
10 ft — Waterford Municipal Code § 17.20.050.
What is the minimum lot size in Waterford's RM zone?
6,000 sq ft — Waterford Municipal Code § 17.20.050.
General information, not legal advice.
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