A shed or other accessory building in Renton's Residential-6 zone needs at least 25 ft from the front lot line, at least 3 ft from the rear lot line, at least 3 ft from the side lot line, and at least 25 ft from the secondary front lot line. All buildings together can cover up to 45% of the lot.
Enter an address and Feasy draws these rules on your actual lot.
A setback is a distance a building has to stay back from a lot line. Here is what the code calls it, and how far a shed or other accessory building has to stay back from each line.
Front
At least 25 ft.
What the code says: Renton Municipal Code 4-2-110A
Rear
At least 3 ft.
What the code says: Renton Municipal Code 4-2-110E
Side
At least 3 ft.
What the code says: Renton Municipal Code 4-2-110E
Secondary front
At least 25 ft.
What the code says: Renton Municipal Code 4-2-110A
(Ord. 4869, 10-23-2000; Amd. Ord. 4963, 5-13-2002; Ord. 5100, 11-1-2004; Ord. 5132, 4-4-2005; Ord. 5153, 9-26-2005; Ord. 5306, 9-17-2007; Ord. 5355, 2-25-2008; Ord. 5383, 6-2-2008; Ord. 5387, 6-9-2008; Ord. 5401, 7-14-2008; Ord. 5450, 3-2-2009; Ord. 5473, 7-13-2009; Ord. 5518, 12-14-2009; Ord. 5526, 2-1-2010; Ord. 5528, 3-8-2010; Ord. 5529, 3-8-2010; Ord. 5531, 3-8-2010; Ord. 5590, 2-28-2011; Ord. 5649, 12-12-2011; Ord. 5650, 12-12-2011; Ord. 5675, 12-3-2012; Ord. 5702, 12-9-2013; Ord. 5726, 10-20-2014; Ord. 5744, 1-12-2015; Ord. 5759 (Att. C), 6-22-2015; Ord. 5790, 4-25-2016; Ord. 5791 (Att. A), 4-25-2016; Ord. 5798 (Att. A), 4-25-2016; Ord. 5841 (Att. A), 6-12-2017; Ord. 5867 (Att. B), 12-11-2017; Ord. 5899 (Att. B), 11-19-2018; Ord. 5960 (Att. B), 12-9-2019; Ord. 5981 (Att. A), 10-12-2020; Ord. 6048, 12-13-2021; Ord. 6049, 12-13-2021; Ord. 6076 (Att. A), 8-8-2022; Ord. 6091 (Att. A), 11-28-2022; Ord. 6128 (Att. C), 12-11-2023; Ord. 6154 (Att. A), 12-9-2024; Ord. 6160 (Exh. B-1), 6-16-2025) Please see Section 4-2-110I, Conditions Associated With Residential Development Standards Tables, for explanation of table footnotes.
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RC Minimum Net Density (per Net Acre)1, 2, 15 None {spans 3 columns} Maximum Net Density (per Net Acre, Except per Net 10 Acres in RC)2, 14, 15 1 dwelling unit Maximum Number of Dwellings (per Legal Lot)2 Single-family dwellings and cottage house dwelling units: 1 per legal or unit lot. / Accessory dwelling units (attached or detached): 2 per legal lot. / Middle housing See RMC 4-2-110F, Development Standards for Middle Housing Developments. {spans 5 columns} Minimum Lot Size2, 28, 31 10 acres Minimum Lot Width31 150 ft Minimum Lot Width31 (Corner Lots) 175 ft Minimum Lot Depth31 300 ft Minimum Front Yard4, 5, 31 30 ft Minimum Rear Yard4, 22, 31 35 ft Minimum Side Yard4, 31 25 ft Minimum Secondary Front Yard4, 5, 31 (applies to Corner Lots) 30 ft Maximum Building Coverage (including Primary and Accessory) 10% Maximum Impervious Surface Area 15% Maximum Number of Stories 3 {spans 3 columns} Maximum Wall Plate Height8, 9, 10, 12, 18, 19 32 ft. {spans 3 columns} Maximum Number of Units per Building2 4 dwelling units {spans 5 columns} Minimum Freeway Frontage Setback 10 ft. landscaped setback from the street property line. {spans 5 columns} Maximum Wireless Communication Facilities Height (including Amateur Radio Antennas) See RMC 4-4-140, Wireless Communication Facilities. Amateur radio antennas are allowed a maximum height of 6 feet without a Conditional Use Permit. Larger structures will have a maximum height determined by the Conditional Use Permit process, RMC 4-9-030, Conditional Use Permits. {spans 5 columns} Design Standards See RMC 4-2-115, Residential Design and Open Space Standards. {spans 5 columns} Landscaping See RMC 4-4-070, Landscaping. {spans 5 columns} Exterior Lighting See RMC 4-4-075, Lighting, Exterior On-Site. {spans 5 columns} Screening See RMC 4-4-095, Screening and Storage Height/Location Limitations. {spans 5 columns} Exception for Pre-Existing Legal Lots See RMC 4-10-010, Nonconforming Lots. {spans 5 columns}
(Ord. 6160 (Exh. B-4), 6-16-2025) Please see Section 4-2-110I, Conditions Associated With Residential Development Standards Tables, for explanation of table footnotes.
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MAXIMUM NUMBER AND SIZE {spans 2 columns} RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 Accessory structures shall only be allowed on lots in conjunction with a primary use. / The total floor area of all accessory buildings shall not be greater than the floor area of the primary residential uses. / The lot coverage of the primary residential structure combined with all accessory buildings shall not exceed the maximum lot coverage of the Zoning District.17 RC and R-1 2 structures – max. 720 sq. ft. per structure, or / 1 structure – max. 1,000 sq. ft. / In addition, 1 barn or stable – max. 2,000 sq. ft., provided the lot is 5 acres or more R-4, R-6, and R-8 2 structures – max. 720 sq. ft. per structure, or / 1 structure – max. 1,000 sq. ft R-10 and R-14 1 structure per residential unit – max. 400 sq. ft.; provided, that they are architecturally consistent with the principal structure. / Except greenhouses, sheds, or other similar accessory structures – max. 150 sq. ft MAXIMUM HEIGHT18, 19 {spans 2 columns} General {spans 2 columns} RC 12 ft R-1, R-4, R-6, and R-8 12 ft. / Animal husbandry or agricultural related structures are subject to the maximum wall plate height of RMC 4-2-110A, and associated conditions. Additionally, the structure shall not be taller than the primary dwelling R-10 and R-14 12 ft. / Agricultural related structures are subject to the maximum wall plate height of RMC 4-2-110A, and associated conditions, except that the structure shall not be taller than the primary dwelling RMF and RMF-2 25 ft.20, except that the structure shall not be taller than the primary building(s) Public Facilities {spans 2 columns} RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 Maximum height for public facilities shall be determined through site plan review Wireless Communication Facilities (Including Amateur Radio Antennas) {spans 2 columns} RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 See RMC 4-4-140, Wireless Communication Facilities, for maximum height requirements. Freestanding vertical monopole amateur radio antennas are allowed a maximum height of 45 ft. without a Conditional Use Permit. Taller structures will have maximum height determined pursuant to RMC 4-9-030, Conditional Use Permits Clear Vision Area {spans 2 columns} RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 In no case shall a structure over 42 in. in height intrude into the 20 ft. clear vision area defined in RMC 4-11-030 LOCATION {spans 2 columns} RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 4 ft. from any residential structure. If sited closer than 4 ft., the structure shall be considered to be attached RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, and R-14 For any lot that abuts an alley, vehicular access to garages or carports shall be through the alley R-14 When lots do not abut an alley, all garages and carports shall be located in the rear yard or side yard MINIMUM SETBACKS {spans 2 columns} Front Yard and Secondary Front Yard {spans 2 columns} RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 Setbacks applied to the primary structure also apply to accessory structures. Accessory structures shall not be located between the primary structure and a street.4 Side Yards for Accessory Buildings {spans 2 columns} RC and R-1 5 ft., unless located between the rear of the house and the rear property line, then 0 ft. side yard is allowed R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 3 ft., unless located between the rear of the house and the rear property line, then 0 ft. side yard is allowed Rear Yards for Accessory Buildings {spans 2 columns} RC 5 ft R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 3 ft., unless located between the rear of the house and the rear property line, then 0 ft. rear yard is allowed. / When located within 10 ft. of the rear property line, at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the lineal length of the rear yard shall remain unoccupied from accessory structures, except when the rear property line abuts an alley. / Except for garages/carports accessed through alleys: to ensure adequate vehicular maneuvering area, garages and carports that are accessed through alleys shall be set back as follows / 1. 9 ft. garage doors shall be at least 26 ft. from the back edge of the alley, or / 2. 16 ft. garage doors shall be at least 24 ft. from the back edge of the alley Special Setbacks for Animal Husbandry or Agricultural Related Structures {spans 2 columns} RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, and R-14 Agricultural related structures – 50 ft. from any property line. / Stables and other animal husbandry related structures, see RMC 4-4-010, Animal Keeping and Beekeeping Standards RMF and RMF-2 n/a CRITICAL AREAS {spans 2 columns} RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 See RMC 4-3-050, Critical Areas Regulations, and 4-3-090, Shoreline Master Program Regulations
Height
Renton measures from the average ground level along the building's walls. Check with a design professional to confirm your height.
Up to 12 ft. to the average height of the roof.
(Ord. 6160 (Exh. B-4), 6-16-2025) Please see Section 4-2-110I, Conditions Associated With Residential Development Standards Tables, for explanation of table footnotes.
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MAXIMUM NUMBER AND SIZE {spans 2 columns} RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 Accessory structures shall only be allowed on lots in conjunction with a primary use. / The total floor area of all accessory buildings shall not be greater than the floor area of the primary residential uses. / The lot coverage of the primary residential structure combined with all accessory buildings shall not exceed the maximum lot coverage of the Zoning District.17 RC and R-1 2 structures – max. 720 sq. ft. per structure, or / 1 structure – max. 1,000 sq. ft. / In addition, 1 barn or stable – max. 2,000 sq. ft., provided the lot is 5 acres or more R-4, R-6, and R-8 2 structures – max. 720 sq. ft. per structure, or / 1 structure – max. 1,000 sq. ft R-10 and R-14 1 structure per residential unit – max. 400 sq. ft.; provided, that they are architecturally consistent with the principal structure. / Except greenhouses, sheds, or other similar accessory structures – max. 150 sq. ft MAXIMUM HEIGHT18, 19 {spans 2 columns} General {spans 2 columns} RC 12 ft R-1, R-4, R-6, and R-8 12 ft. / Animal husbandry or agricultural related structures are subject to the maximum wall plate height of RMC 4-2-110A, and associated conditions. Additionally, the structure shall not be taller than the primary dwelling R-10 and R-14 12 ft. / Agricultural related structures are subject to the maximum wall plate height of RMC 4-2-110A, and associated conditions, except that the structure shall not be taller than the primary dwelling RMF and RMF-2 25 ft.20, except that the structure shall not be taller than the primary building(s) Public Facilities {spans 2 columns} RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 Maximum height for public facilities shall be determined through site plan review Wireless Communication Facilities (Including Amateur Radio Antennas) {spans 2 columns} RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 See RMC 4-4-140, Wireless Communication Facilities, for maximum height requirements. Freestanding vertical monopole amateur radio antennas are allowed a maximum height of 45 ft. without a Conditional Use Permit. Taller structures will have maximum height determined pursuant to RMC 4-9-030, Conditional Use Permits Clear Vision Area {spans 2 columns} RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 In no case shall a structure over 42 in. in height intrude into the 20 ft. clear vision area defined in RMC 4-11-030 LOCATION {spans 2 columns} RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 4 ft. from any residential structure. If sited closer than 4 ft., the structure shall be considered to be attached RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, and R-14 For any lot that abuts an alley, vehicular access to garages or carports shall be through the alley R-14 When lots do not abut an alley, all garages and carports shall be located in the rear yard or side yard MINIMUM SETBACKS {spans 2 columns} Front Yard and Secondary Front Yard {spans 2 columns} RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 Setbacks applied to the primary structure also apply to accessory structures. Accessory structures shall not be located between the primary structure and a street.4 Side Yards for Accessory Buildings {spans 2 columns} RC and R-1 5 ft., unless located between the rear of the house and the rear property line, then 0 ft. side yard is allowed R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 3 ft., unless located between the rear of the house and the rear property line, then 0 ft. side yard is allowed Rear Yards for Accessory Buildings {spans 2 columns} RC 5 ft R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 3 ft., unless located between the rear of the house and the rear property line, then 0 ft. rear yard is allowed. / When located within 10 ft. of the rear property line, at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the lineal length of the rear yard shall remain unoccupied from accessory structures, except when the rear property line abuts an alley. / Except for garages/carports accessed through alleys: to ensure adequate vehicular maneuvering area, garages and carports that are accessed through alleys shall be set back as follows / 1. 9 ft. garage doors shall be at least 26 ft. from the back edge of the alley, or / 2. 16 ft. garage doors shall be at least 24 ft. from the back edge of the alley Special Setbacks for Animal Husbandry or Agricultural Related Structures {spans 2 columns} RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, and R-14 Agricultural related structures – 50 ft. from any property line. / Stables and other animal husbandry related structures, see RMC 4-4-010, Animal Keeping and Beekeeping Standards RMF and RMF-2 n/a CRITICAL AREAS {spans 2 columns} RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 See RMC 4-3-050, Critical Areas Regulations, and 4-3-090, Shoreline Master Program Regulations
Structure coverage
Up to 45%.
(Ord. 4869, 10-23-2000; Amd. Ord. 4963, 5-13-2002; Ord. 5100, 11-1-2004; Ord. 5132, 4-4-2005; Ord. 5153, 9-26-2005; Ord. 5306, 9-17-2007; Ord. 5355, 2-25-2008; Ord. 5383, 6-2-2008; Ord. 5387, 6-9-2008; Ord. 5401, 7-14-2008; Ord. 5450, 3-2-2009; Ord. 5473, 7-13-2009; Ord. 5518, 12-14-2009; Ord. 5526, 2-1-2010; Ord. 5528, 3-8-2010; Ord. 5529, 3-8-2010; Ord. 5531, 3-8-2010; Ord. 5590, 2-28-2011; Ord. 5649, 12-12-2011; Ord. 5650, 12-12-2011; Ord. 5675, 12-3-2012; Ord. 5702, 12-9-2013; Ord. 5726, 10-20-2014; Ord. 5744, 1-12-2015; Ord. 5759 (Att. C), 6-22-2015; Ord. 5790, 4-25-2016; Ord. 5791 (Att. A), 4-25-2016; Ord. 5798 (Att. A), 4-25-2016; Ord. 5841 (Att. A), 6-12-2017; Ord. 5867 (Att. B), 12-11-2017; Ord. 5899 (Att. B), 11-19-2018; Ord. 5960 (Att. B), 12-9-2019; Ord. 5981 (Att. A), 10-12-2020; Ord. 6048, 12-13-2021; Ord. 6049, 12-13-2021; Ord. 6076 (Att. A), 8-8-2022; Ord. 6091 (Att. A), 11-28-2022; Ord. 6128 (Att. C), 12-11-2023; Ord. 6154 (Att. A), 12-9-2024; Ord. 6160 (Exh. B-1), 6-16-2025) Please see Section 4-2-110I, Conditions Associated With Residential Development Standards Tables, for explanation of table footnotes.
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RC Minimum Net Density (per Net Acre)1, 2, 15 None {spans 3 columns} Maximum Net Density (per Net Acre, Except per Net 10 Acres in RC)2, 14, 15 1 dwelling unit Maximum Number of Dwellings (per Legal Lot)2 Single-family dwellings and cottage house dwelling units: 1 per legal or unit lot. / Accessory dwelling units (attached or detached): 2 per legal lot. / Middle housing See RMC 4-2-110F, Development Standards for Middle Housing Developments. {spans 5 columns} Minimum Lot Size2, 28, 31 10 acres Minimum Lot Width31 150 ft Minimum Lot Width31 (Corner Lots) 175 ft Minimum Lot Depth31 300 ft Minimum Front Yard4, 5, 31 30 ft Minimum Rear Yard4, 22, 31 35 ft Minimum Side Yard4, 31 25 ft Minimum Secondary Front Yard4, 5, 31 (applies to Corner Lots) 30 ft Maximum Building Coverage (including Primary and Accessory) 10% Maximum Impervious Surface Area 15% Maximum Number of Stories 3 {spans 3 columns} Maximum Wall Plate Height8, 9, 10, 12, 18, 19 32 ft. {spans 3 columns} Maximum Number of Units per Building2 4 dwelling units {spans 5 columns} Minimum Freeway Frontage Setback 10 ft. landscaped setback from the street property line. {spans 5 columns} Maximum Wireless Communication Facilities Height (including Amateur Radio Antennas) See RMC 4-4-140, Wireless Communication Facilities. Amateur radio antennas are allowed a maximum height of 6 feet without a Conditional Use Permit. Larger structures will have a maximum height determined by the Conditional Use Permit process, RMC 4-9-030, Conditional Use Permits. {spans 5 columns} Design Standards See RMC 4-2-115, Residential Design and Open Space Standards. {spans 5 columns} Landscaping See RMC 4-4-070, Landscaping. {spans 5 columns} Exterior Lighting See RMC 4-4-075, Lighting, Exterior On-Site. {spans 5 columns} Screening See RMC 4-4-095, Screening and Storage Height/Location Limitations. {spans 5 columns} Exception for Pre-Existing Legal Lots See RMC 4-10-010, Nonconforming Lots. {spans 5 columns}
5. The minimum front yard and secondary front yard setback for lots that abut required turnarounds (cul-de-sacs and hammerheads) may be reduced, excluding garage setbacks, to no less than five feet (5'), subject to the following:
M. SETBACK: The minimum required distance between the building footprint and the property line and any private access easement or tract. For lots containing private access easements, setbacks are the minimum required distance between the building footprint and the easement. A setback is measured perpendicularly from a lot line or private easement access to the outer wall of the structure. In the case where a structure does not have an outer wall, such as a carport, the measurement shall be to the posts of such structure, unless otherwise determined by the Department of Community and Economic Development.
(Ord. 6160 (Exh. B-4), 6-16-2025) Please see Section 4-2-110I, Conditions Associated With Residential Development Standards Tables, for explanation of table footnotes.
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MAXIMUM NUMBER AND SIZE {spans 2 columns} RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 Accessory structures shall only be allowed on lots in conjunction with a primary use. / The total floor area of all accessory buildings shall not be greater than the floor area of the primary residential uses. / The lot coverage of the primary residential structure combined with all accessory buildings shall not exceed the maximum lot coverage of the Zoning District.17 RC and R-1 2 structures – max. 720 sq. ft. per structure, or / 1 structure – max. 1,000 sq. ft. / In addition, 1 barn or stable – max. 2,000 sq. ft., provided the lot is 5 acres or more R-4, R-6, and R-8 2 structures – max. 720 sq. ft. per structure, or / 1 structure – max. 1,000 sq. ft R-10 and R-14 1 structure per residential unit – max. 400 sq. ft.; provided, that they are architecturally consistent with the principal structure. / Except greenhouses, sheds, or other similar accessory structures – max. 150 sq. ft MAXIMUM HEIGHT18, 19 {spans 2 columns} General {spans 2 columns} RC 12 ft R-1, R-4, R-6, and R-8 12 ft. / Animal husbandry or agricultural related structures are subject to the maximum wall plate height of RMC 4-2-110A, and associated conditions. Additionally, the structure shall not be taller than the primary dwelling R-10 and R-14 12 ft. / Agricultural related structures are subject to the maximum wall plate height of RMC 4-2-110A, and associated conditions, except that the structure shall not be taller than the primary dwelling RMF and RMF-2 25 ft.20, except that the structure shall not be taller than the primary building(s) Public Facilities {spans 2 columns} RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 Maximum height for public facilities shall be determined through site plan review Wireless Communication Facilities (Including Amateur Radio Antennas) {spans 2 columns} RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 See RMC 4-4-140, Wireless Communication Facilities, for maximum height requirements. Freestanding vertical monopole amateur radio antennas are allowed a maximum height of 45 ft. without a Conditional Use Permit. Taller structures will have maximum height determined pursuant to RMC 4-9-030, Conditional Use Permits Clear Vision Area {spans 2 columns} RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 In no case shall a structure over 42 in. in height intrude into the 20 ft. clear vision area defined in RMC 4-11-030 LOCATION {spans 2 columns} RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 4 ft. from any residential structure. If sited closer than 4 ft., the structure shall be considered to be attached RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, and R-14 For any lot that abuts an alley, vehicular access to garages or carports shall be through the alley R-14 When lots do not abut an alley, all garages and carports shall be located in the rear yard or side yard MINIMUM SETBACKS {spans 2 columns} Front Yard and Secondary Front Yard {spans 2 columns} RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 Setbacks applied to the primary structure also apply to accessory structures. Accessory structures shall not be located between the primary structure and a street.4 Side Yards for Accessory Buildings {spans 2 columns} RC and R-1 5 ft., unless located between the rear of the house and the rear property line, then 0 ft. side yard is allowed R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 3 ft., unless located between the rear of the house and the rear property line, then 0 ft. side yard is allowed Rear Yards for Accessory Buildings {spans 2 columns} RC 5 ft R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 3 ft., unless located between the rear of the house and the rear property line, then 0 ft. rear yard is allowed. / When located within 10 ft. of the rear property line, at least twenty-five percent (25%) of the lineal length of the rear yard shall remain unoccupied from accessory structures, except when the rear property line abuts an alley. / Except for garages/carports accessed through alleys: to ensure adequate vehicular maneuvering area, garages and carports that are accessed through alleys shall be set back as follows / 1. 9 ft. garage doors shall be at least 26 ft. from the back edge of the alley, or / 2. 16 ft. garage doors shall be at least 24 ft. from the back edge of the alley Special Setbacks for Animal Husbandry or Agricultural Related Structures {spans 2 columns} RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, and R-14 Agricultural related structures – 50 ft. from any property line. / Stables and other animal husbandry related structures, see RMC 4-4-010, Animal Keeping and Beekeeping Standards RMF and RMF-2 n/a CRITICAL AREAS {spans 2 columns} RC, R-1, R-4, R-6, R-8, R-10, R-14, RMF, and RMF-2 See RMC 4-3-050, Critical Areas Regulations, and 4-3-090, Shoreline Master Program Regulations