Modesto's Title 10 Zoning Code sets minimum yard setbacks and maximum lot coverage for residential zones. R-1 single-family lots are limited to 50% coverage (55% on corner lots), with front, side, and rear setback minimums based on building height and adjacency.
Modesto Municipal Code Title 10, Chapter 4 (Development Standards), Article 1 – Residential Zones R-1, R-2, R-3 (Table 4.1-1) governs setbacks and lot coverage. For R-1 single-family zones: front setback minimum 15 feet; interior side setback 5 feet (one-story) or 10 feet (two-story); street-side setback 15 feet; rear setback 10 feet (one-story) or 15 feet (two-story); garage with alley access 5 feet rear. Maximum lot coverage: 50% for interior lots, 55% for corner lots. Two-story dwellings and second-story additions require development plan review per § 10-4.110. Garages facing the street require a 20-foot front setback. Violations are enforced via building permit review and code enforcement.
Structures built in violation of setbacks or lot coverage require correction or removal; unpermitted structures subject to administrative citations up to $2,500 per day.
Modesto, CA
Modesto's noise ordinance (MMC Title 4, Ch. 9) bans 'loud and raucous noise' citywide, including from industrial operations. Certain continuous industrial ac...
Modesto, CA
Modesto enforces a 72-hour street-parking limit citywide under MMC Title 3, Chapter 2, Article 10. Designated residential areas also operate Residential Park...
Modesto, CA
Modesto Municipal Code Title 5, Chapter 4 permits backyard hens in R-1 residential zones. Up to 12 hens are allowed; roosters are prohibited. Coop placement ...
Modesto, CA
Modesto has one of the lowest pet limits in California, allowing a maximum of two dogs or cats per household under MMC Title 5, Chapter 4. Animal hoarding is...
Modesto, CA
Modesto sits on the Central Valley floor outside CAL FIRE's State Responsibility Area and is not mapped as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, so the wild...
Modesto, CA
Modesto does not regulate year-round residential lawn ornaments (statues, gnomes, flamingos, religious figures, sports themes) by size, quantity, or content....
See how Modesto's lot coverage limits rules stack up against other locations.
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