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

Because the entire county is unincorporated, building setbacks are governed by the zoning district that applies to each parcel under Title 18 of the Alpine County Code. Setbacks vary by zone, so the controlling figures depend on your parcel's classification (for example RE Residential Estate, Chapter 18.32, or RN Residential Neighborhood, Chapter 18.36, among agricultural, commercial, and special-area zones). For the RN Residential Neighborhood zone, Chapter 18.36 specifies a minimum lot width of eighty feet, minimum lot depth of one hundred feet, a front yard of thirty feet, and rear yards of twenty feet; the chapter also specifies side-yard requirements (confirm the exact figure for your situation with Planning). The RE Residential Estate zone (Chapter 18.32) sets its own yard requirements and refers to Chapter 18.68 for general provisions. Two general rules in Chapter 18.68 apply across zones: where a setback or building line was established as part of an approved subdivision or planned development, yards must be at least that established distance; and the corner-lot sight-distance area must be kept clear. Required setbacks must be maintained whether or not a structure needs a permit. Building permit and planning submittals must show all structure-to-property-line setback dimensions. Relief from a setback requires a variance under Chapter 18.80, which Alpine County allows for area, height, yard, and space requirements.