height limits in residential zones
Building height is defined as the vertical distance measured from the average level of the highest and lowest point of the portion of the lot covered by the building to the topmost point of the roof. This measurement excludes chimneys, elevators, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment, and parapet walls [Section 17.12.050, p. 5].
Base Residential Zone Limits
- RR (Rural Residential), R1 (Single-Family Residential), and R2 (Multiple-Family Residential): The maximum height for a principal building is 35 feet. Accessory buildings in these zones are restricted to a maximum height of 15 feet [Section 17.20.050, p. 19; Section 17.24.050, p. 20; Section 17.28.050, p. 24].
- R3 (High Density Multiple-Family Residential): Building heights are determined on a site-specific basis but are generally capped at 40 feet or three stories, whichever is less [Section 17.30.050, p. 26].
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs
- General ADU Height: New accessory dwelling units are generally limited to 16 feet in height [Section 17.72.026.I.2, p. 86].
- ADU Over Garage: If an ADU is constructed over an existing, permitted garage or carport, the height may extend up to 25 feet [Section 17.72.026.B.2.b, p. 83].
- Streamlined/Ministerial Projects: For projects qualifying for streamlined processing, an ADU constructed over a garage must not exceed the height of the primary residence or 35 feet [Section 17.82.030.B.6, p. 122].
Two-Unit Housing Developments (SB 9)
For ministerial housing developments consisting of no more than two residential units on a single-family zone parcel, new construction is limited to a maximum height of 16 feet [Section 17.74.010.C.2, p. 98].
Objective Design Standards for Roofs
Residential units must adhere to specific roof pitch standards that influence the overall building profile. The primary roof pitch must be between 6:12 and 12:12. Secondary roof pitches, such as those over porches, must be at least 4:12 and cannot exceed the pitch of the primary roof [Section 17.82.030.C.2, p. 122].
General Exceptions and Modifications
Height limits stipulated in the code do not apply to specific structures such as barns or silos, provided they are located at least 50 feet from every lot line. Other exemptions include church spires, belfries, domes, monuments, water towers, flagpoles, and radio transmission towers [Section 17.84.030, p. 127].
Sections Cited
- 17.12.050 - Building, height of (p. 5)
- 17.20.050 - Height regulations [RR Zone] (p. 19)
- 17.24.050 - Height regulations [R1 Zone] (p. 20)
- 17.28.050 - Height regulations [R2 Zone] (p. 24)
- 17.30.050 - Height regulations [R3 Zone] (p. 26)
- 17.72.026 - Accessory dwelling units—Development standards (p. 83, 86)
- 17.74.010 - Two-unit housing development (p. 98)
- 17.82.030 - Objective Residential Design Standards (p. 122)
- 17.84.030 - Height limits (p. 127)