RM-1 Zone in Oakland, CA
RM-1 zoning district rules in Oakland, CA. Permitted uses, setbacks, height limits, and lot coverage requirements.
The RM-1 zone in Oakland, CA is a residential district (Residential Mixed Density). Permits a range of residential density from single-family through multi-family, often applied in transition areas between low-density and higher-density zones. This zone requires a 15 ft front setback, 5 ft side setback, and 15 ft rear setback. Maximum building height is 35 feet (3 stories). Maximum lot coverage is 55%.
Common Permitted Uses
- Single-family homes
- Duplexes
- Small apartment buildings
Permits a range of residential density from single-family through multi-family, often applied in transition areas between low-density and higher-density zones.
Setback Requirements
| Setback Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 15 feet |
| Side Setback | 5 feet |
| Rear Setback | 15 feet |
Oakland Municipal Code. Low-density Multifamily zone — 2-4 units typical. Common in inner Oakland neighborhoods.
Height Limits
- Max Height
- 35 feet
- Max Stories
- 3
Oakland Municipal Code. Low-density multifamily allows 3-story buildings.
Lot Coverage
- Max Coverage
- 55%
Oakland Municipal Code. Low-density multifamily — higher coverage reflects urban lot size.
Parking Requirements
Single-family: 1–2 spaces per dwelling unit depending on zone. Oakland reduced parking minimums in 2019 — many flatland zones require only 1 space per single-family home. Multi-family: 0.5–1.5 spaces per unit depending on zone and proximity to BART. Transit-adjacent sites (within 0.25 miles of BART) may have no minimum parking requirement per Oakland TOD Ordinance.
Source: Oakland Municipal Code Title 17, Section 17.103 — Accessory Dwelling Units; California Government Code §§66314–66333 (Stats. 2024 Ch. 7 §20). Last verified April 6, 2026. View source