Zoning explained · Palm Beach County

Medium Density Residential Delray Beach, Florida

The City of Delray Beach RM District is a residential district with a base density of six units per acre, a maximum standard density of 12 units per acre, and a maximum incentive density of 24 units per acre in designated areas, subject to Article 4.7 and Section 4.3.3(BB). Permitted uses are single-family, duplex and multiple family dwellings plus limited community and institutional uses.

9 buildings zoned RM21 permitted business types
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Insights › Zoning & land use › Delray Beach — RM
Permitted uses

What you can operate in RM, Delray Beach

The businesses the RM district in Delray Beach allows. The ones on the left are permitted by right; the ones on the right need a special approval first. (Zoning codes are set by each municipality, so RM here means specifically Delray Beach's RM district.)

Allowed by right
Single family detached dwellingsDuplex structuresMultiple family structuresAn abused spouse residence with 12 or fewer residentsCommunity Residence housing four to ten individuals, except as required by state law (at least 660 linear feet from closest existing community residence of four or more individuals; operator licensed/certified by State of Florida, nationally accredited, or recognized by Congress)Parking lots not associated with a use, pursuant to an adopted neighborhood or redevelopment planPocket parksPublic educational facilities of The School District of Palm Beach County (pursuant to Section 4.3.3(HH))Assisted Living Facilities that do not comport with the definition of community residence, and Continuing Care FacilitiesNursing Homes (within multi-family structures only)
With special approval
Child care and adult day carePrivate educational facilities (subject to Section 4.3.3(HHH))Churches, or places of worship, and their attendant educational, nursery, Sunday school, recreational, and columbarium facilities (does not allow elementary school or general day care)Use of common recreational facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, and golf courses (associated with a subdivision) for club or commercial purposesSingle family detached residences in zero lot developmentsYacht club with facilitiesDock master facilities (when associated with a multi-family development which has a marina)Private beach clubs with attendant recreational, dining, and related accessory facilities (only in defined areas east of State Road A1A south of Atlantic Dunes Park, or south of Casurina Road/north of Bucida Road and east of A1A)Bed and Breakfast Inns (subject to LDR Section 4.3.3(Y))Large Family Child Care Home (subject to Section 4.3.3(TT))Community Residence housing four to ten individuals, except as required by state law (less than 660 linear feet from closest existing community residence, or operator not state-licensed/accredited/recognized)
Build envelope

Development standards

Headline dimensional limits for this district. Confirm exact figures against the current code for your specific parcel.

Densitybase 6 du/ac; maximum standard 12 du/ac (only after finding of substantial compliance with Section 4.3.3(BB) performance standards); up to 24 du/ac in designated incentive areas (e.g., Southwest Neighborhood and Carver Estates overlays) subject to Article 4.7
StandardSingle family detached dwellings follow R-1-A District regulations; duplex/multi-family follow Section 4.3.4 except as modified
Workforce housing overlays/areas (Article 4.7)setbacks front 15 ft, side street 15 ft, side interior 10 ft (1-2 stories) / 15 ft (3rd story+), rear 10 ft; garage setback 20 ft
Duplex/multi-family east of the Intracoastal Waterwaymax FAR 0.70 (lot up to 30,000 sf) or 0.75 (30,000 sf and above); five-foot step-back above second story and/or 26 ft of height; facade articulation for elevations over 25 ft
StandardHistoric districts/sites subject to Section 4.5.1
Accessory usesUses and structures normally associated with residences (bird aviaries, dog houses and dog runs, detached garages, greenhouses, playhouses, pool houses, slat houses, storage sheds, tennis courts, swimming pools, workshops) (subject to Section 4.3.3(QQ)); Home-based businesses (subject to Section 4.3.3(K)); Family day care home (pursuant to Section 4.3.3(T)); Recreational facilities attendant to a subdivision operated under a homeowners association (tennis courts, swimming pools, exercise area, clubhouse, private golf courses); Boat docks (subject to Article 7.9; rental or lease allowed when dock is assigned one-to-one to a residential use); Guest cottages (subject to Section 4.3.3(Q)); Community Gardens (subject to Section 4.3.3(D))
StandardRead from LDR Sec. 4.4.6; permitted = by right, conditional = needs conditional-use / special-exception approval
The fine print

In plain English

BY RIGHT No hearing needed

If your business is on the by-right list, you can occupy a space in this district and open — no zoning hearing. Building permits and licensing still apply, but the use itself is already allowed.

SPECIAL Approval first

Special-approval uses can work here too, but they go through a public review before opening. Plan for extra time and possible conditions — we'll tell you which path a space needs.

Looking for space zoned RM in Delray Beach?

Tell us what you'll run in it — we'll match you to the right building in Delray Beach and flag anything that needs approval.

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Based on the Delray Beach zoning code.
Educational content — not legal or zoning advice. Verify permitted uses with the municipality for your specific parcel.