Calaveras County, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Setbacks in unincorporated Calaveras County are set in the development-standards tables of the Zoning Code (Title 17, adopted July 16, 2024) and depend on the zoning district. Under Table 17.05.030 for Residential Zones, the front and street-side setback is '20 from property line or 50 from centerline of the road right-of-way or easement, whichever results in a greater setback,' the rear setback is 20 feet in RR, R1, R2, and R3, and the interior side setback is 10 feet in RR, 5 feet in R1 and R2, and 10 feet in R3. Under Table 17.04.030 for Resource Zones (GF, TP, A1, AP, RA), the front and street-side setback is '30 from property line or 60 from centerline of the road right-of-way or easement, whichever results in a greater setback,' and the interior side and rear setbacks are each 30 feet. Section 17.16.080 governs setbacks generally, stating they 'shall be unobstructed from the ground to the sky except where allowed' and listing allowed encroachments such as eaves projecting up to one-third of the setback (no closer than 3 feet to the line), fences, retaining walls, mechanical equipment (3 feet minimum), and a small shed under 120 square feet and 12 feet tall in interior side and rear setbacks. Additional setbacks apply near streams and wetlands (50 feet, Section 17.16.080.B) and at intersections and driveways (Section 17.16.140). Because exact setbacks turn on the parcel's zone, verify the zoning designation with the Planning Department.