Building Setbacks & Zoning in Redding, CA

If you live in Redding 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. Redding has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of building setbacks & zoning, and some of them might surprise you.

Structure Height Limits

Redding limits building height in every "RE" and "RS" single-family zone to 35 feet, and allows up to 45 feet in the "RM-6" through "RM-18" multifamily districts and 50 feet in "RM-20" through "RM-30," under Schedule 18.31.030-C. Height is measured from finished grade to the highest roof point under Section 18.62.080, and towers, chimneys, and similar features can exceed the limit by up to 10 feet without discretionary review under Section 18.40.080.

Key details: RE/RS max height: 35 feet. RM-6 to RM-18 max height: 45 feet. RM-20 to RM-30 max height: 50 feet. Rooftop feature exception: up to 10 ft over limit, no review. Height measured from: finished grade to roof peak, § 18.62.080.

A structure built taller than its district's height limit without an approved zoning exception is a Title 18 zoning violation. Redding's general penalty at Section 1.12.010 makes it a misdemeanor, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and six months in county jail, or an infraction with escalating fines of $100 to $500 for repeat offenses within a year under Section 1.12.020. Each day the oversized structure remains stands as a separate violation under Section 1.12.030.

Lot Coverage Limits

Redding caps building coverage at 40 percent of the lot in every "RE" and "RS" single-family district, rising through the "RM" multifamily districts from 60 percent in RM-6 to 85 percent in RM-30, under Municipal Code Section 18.31.030. Section 18.62.040 defines what counts toward that ceiling, excluding small eaves, open trellises, and low decks and patios.

Key details: RE/RS max coverage: 40% of lot area. RM-6 max coverage: 60%. RM-30 max coverage: 85%. Governing section: RMC § 18.31.030. Coverage definition: RMC § 18.62.040.

Building beyond the coverage limit without approval violates Title 18 zoning and is enforced under the city's general penalty, Section 1.12.010: a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and six months in county jail, or an infraction carrying escalating fines of $100, $200, and $500 for repeat convictions within a year under Section 1.12.020. Each day the excess coverage remains is a separate violation under Section 1.12.030.

Setback Rules

Redding sets minimum yard setbacks by residential zoning district in Schedule 18.31.030-C: 25 feet in front in the "RE" estate districts, 15 feet in front in "RS" and "RM" districts, 15-foot rear and corner-side yards citywide, and side yards ranging from a 30-foot aggregate in "RE" down to 5 feet per side in the densest "RM" zones. Section 18.62.100 measures every setback from the building's foundation line.

Key details: RE district front yard: 25 feet minimum. RS/RM front yard: 15 feet minimum. RE side yard: 30 ft aggregate, 10 ft min each. RS side yard: 15 ft aggregate, 5 ft min. Rear & corner side, all districts: 15 feet minimum.

Building within a required setback without an approved zoning exception is a Title 18 zoning violation, enforced under the city's general penalty at Section 1.12.010: a misdemeanor carrying up to a $1,000 fine and six months in county jail, or, if reduced to an infraction, escalating fines of $100 for a first offense up to $500 for a third within a year under Section 1.12.020. Each day the encroaching structure remains is a separate violation under Section 1.12.030.

The Bottom Line

Redding'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 Redding is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Redding's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.