Building Setbacks & Zoning in San Clemente, CA (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for San Clemente, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
San Clemente's residential setback table sets front, side and rear yard minimums by density zone, from a 10-foot front yard in the highest-density RH zone up to a 20-foot front yard in the lower-density RL and RML zones. Street-facing garages need 20 or 18 feet depending on the door type.
San Clemente Residential Yard Setback Minimums
Some RestrictionsSan Clemente Municipal Code § 17.32.040, Table 17.32.040
Standards RVL RL RML RM RH ... Front Yard Setback, Minimum 3 To Primary Structure: Determined through discretionary review process 20 ft. 20 ft. 15 ft. 10 ft. To Street-Facing Garage or Carport: 4,5,9 Determined through discretionary review process 20/18 ft. 20/18 ft. 20/18 ft. 20/18 ft. ... Interior-Side Yard Setback, Minimum 6 Determined through the discretionary review process 10% of avg. lo...
Structure Height Limits
San Clemente's residential zones cap building height at 30 feet with a 2-story limit in the RVL zone, and 25 feet in the RL, RML and RM zones, rising to 45 feet in the RH zone, per Table 17.32.040. Height is generally measured from grade to the average top of each roof element.
San Clemente Residential Building Height Limits
Some RestrictionsSan Clemente Municipal Code § 17.24.110(C)(1); Table 17.32.040
C.Height Limits in Residential Zones.1.Height Limits. The maximum building height limits for structures in residential zones are described in Table 17.32.040, Residential Zone Development Standards, of this title. ... Standards RVL RL RML RM RH ... Building Height, Maximum 30 ft; 2 stories 25 ft. 25 ft. 25 ft. 45 ft.
Lot Coverage Limits
San Clemente caps lot coverage at 50 percent in the RL and RML residential zones and 55 percent in the higher-density RM and RH zones, set in the same development standards table as building height and setbacks. Height maxes out at 45 feet in the RH zone.
San Clemente Residential Lot Coverage Limits
Some RestrictionsSan Clemente Municipal Code § 17.32.040, Table 17.32.040
Lot Coverage, Maximum 50% 50% 55% 55% Building Height, Maximum 30 ft; 2 stories 25 ft. 25 ft. 25 ft. 45 ft.
Looking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Clemente city rules.
Building Setbacks & Zoning in Orange County →