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Building Setbacks & Zoning

Building Setbacks & Zoning in Clovis, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

If you live in Clovis or are thinking about moving there, building setbacks & zoning are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Clovis has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of building setbacks & zoning, and some of them might surprise you.

Lot Coverage Limits

Clovis lot coverage limits by zone per CMC Title 9: R-1 single-family 40% maximum building coverage; R-A 30%; R-2/R-3 50-60%. Coverage includes all structures, pools excluded.

Key details: R-1: 40% max. R-A: 30% max. R-2: 50% max. R-3: 60% max. Code: CMC Title 9.

Exceeding coverage: plan rejection, required to redesign; after-the-fact violations may require demolition.

Setback Rules

Clovis R-1 setbacks (CMC Title 9): front 20 ft, rear 15 ft, side 5 ft interior / 10 ft street side. R-A: front 25 ft, rear 25 ft, side 10 ft. ADUs allowed at 4 ft side/rear per state law.

Key details: R-1 Front: 20 ft. R-1 Rear: 15 ft. R-1 Side: 5 ft. ADU Setback: 4 ft (state). Code: CMC Title 9.

Setback encroachment: plan denial, demolition order, survey required for resolution.

Structure Height Limits

Clovis R-1/R-A height limit 35 ft / 2.5 stories; R-2 40 ft / 3 stories; R-3 45-55 ft; CBD 65 ft. Accessory structures 15 ft. ADUs up to 16 ft (18 ft per SB 897 if multistory near transit).

Key details: R-1: 35 ft / 2.5 stories. R-2: 40 ft / 3 stories. R-3: 45-55 ft. ADU: 16-18 ft. Accessory: 15 ft.

Height violation requires redesign or variance; variance only for hardship per CMC §9.88.

The Bottom Line

Clovis's building setbacks & zoning rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Clovis is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Clovis can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.