How is building height calculated in Blythe?

Building height is the vertical distance from the finished grade at the exterior wall to the highest point of the roof structure. For sloping lots, it is measured from a point midway between the property lines.

What is the maximum height for a fence in a residential front yard?

Fences, walls, or hedges in a residential front yard setback cannot exceed four feet in height. Near intersections, this is further restricted to three feet for visibility.

How tall can a detached ADU be?

A standard detached ADU is limited to 16 feet. However, it can be 18 feet if it is near a major transit stop or located on a lot with an existing multi-family building.

Are there height limits for wireless towers in residential areas?

Yes, wireless communication towers in residential zones are strictly limited to a maximum height of 60 feet.

Blythe, CA Height and Screening Regulations

The City of Blythe regulates the height of structures, screening, and landscaping based on the type of use and the zoning district. These regulations define how height is measured and set maximum limits for buildings, accessory units, fences, and telecommunications facilities.

Building Height Regulations

Residential Structures

Single-Family Dwellings: Any single-family residential structure is limited to a maximum of two stories from finished grade [§ 17.10.040(A)].
Residential Accessory Structures: These structures cannot exceed 18 feet from finished grade [§ 17.10.040(A)].
Recreational Vehicle Parks: Principal buildings are limited to two stories, while accessory buildings are limited to 15 feet in height [§ 17.42.060].

Commercial and Industrial Structures

General Limit: Most non-residential buildings are restricted to three stories or a maximum height of 34 feet [§ 17.10.040(B)].
Industrial Zones (I-S and I-G): Unmanned structures in these zones may reach up to 75 feet. Any height exceeding this requires a variance from the city council [§ 17.10.040(D)].

Measurement and Definitions

Building Height: Height is measured as the vertical distance from the finished grade at the exterior wall to the highest point of the roof structure. For sloping lots, measurement is taken from a point midway between property lines [§ 17.04.020].
Basements: A basement is considered a "story" if the finished floor level directly above it is more than six feet above grade at any point [§ 17.04.020].
Foundations: Perimeter foundations must be at least eight inches above the highest adjacent curb height [§ 17.10.060].

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Height

Height limits for ADUs vary based on their location and relationship to the primary residence [§ 17.33.060(B)]:

Detached ADUs: Generally limited to 16 feet.
Transit-Adjacent Detached ADUs: May reach 18 feet (with an additional 2 feet permitted to align roof pitch with the primary dwelling) if located within a half-mile of a major transit stop.
Multi-family Lot Detached ADUs: Limited to 18 feet.
Attached ADUs: Limited to 25 feet or the height limit of the applicable zone, whichever is lower. These may not exceed two stories.

Fences, Hedges, and Walls

Screening heights are measured at the sidewalk grade for street-abutting lines, or at the highest elevation of adjacent finished grade for interior lines [§ 17.14.060].

Residential Zones

Rear and Side Property Lines: Maximum height of six feet [§ 17.14.010].
Front Yard Setback: Maximum height of four feet [§ 17.14.010(A)].
Intersection Visibility: No obstruction (fence, wall, or hedge) higher than three feet above grade is permitted within the triangular area of an intersection [§ 17.12.050, § 17.14.010(C)].
Special Exceptions: Fences for swimming pools or game areas in the rear half of a lot may exceed six feet with planning director approval [§ 17.14.010(B)].

Commercial and Industrial Zones

Height limits for screening depend on the use and the abutting zone [§ 17.14.050]:

Trash Storage/Commercial Operations: Generally 6 to 8 feet.
General Storage/Industrial Operations: Generally 6 to 8 feet.
Street Abutting: Generally 0 to 3 feet (except for trash/storage, which may be 6 to 8 feet).

Wireless Telecommunications Facilities

Towers (Residential Zones): Maximum height is 60 feet [§ 17.47.080(A)].
Towers (Non-Residential Zones): Maximum height is 75 feet, though additional height may be approved if technical data justifies the need [§ 17.47.090(A)].
Stealth "Monopalms": When using artificial palm trees for screening, accompanying real palms must have a height within 15 feet of the tower height [§ 17.47.080(B), § 17.47.090(B)].
Accessory Buildings: Buildings housing equipment for antennas may not exceed 12 feet in height [§ 17.47.080(J), § 17.47.090(K)].

Landscaping and Signs

Trees: Shade trees for residential or commercial yards must have a minimum branching height of 6 feet and a total height of 12 to 14 feet at the time of planting [§ 17.22.050, § 17.22.060].
Grass: Must be mowed regularly and cannot exceed a maximum height of 8 inches [§ 17.22.080(C)].
Signs: Building-mounted sign height is measured from the average finished grade directly beneath the sign. Freestanding sign height is measured from the top of the curb of the nearest street to the highest point of the sign [§ 17.26.090(B)].

Blythe, CA Height and Screening Standards