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

Mariposa County has no incorporated cities, so County setback rules apply throughout. The County Planning Department advises that, outside of adopted Town Specific/Planning Plan areas, new residential construction setbacks are generally 25 feet from all property lines and at least 55 feet from the center lines of public access roads or easements. A 10 percent rule applies to small parcels (less than 250 feet in length or width), so owners of small lots should confirm exact figures with a planner. Separately, CAL FIRE enforces a defensible-space setback of 30 feet from property lines through the building permit process. Inside an adopted Town Planning Area, the zoning ordinance sets specific numbers. In the Mariposa Town Planning Area, Mariposa County Code Section 17.336.010.A requires a residential front-yard setback of at least 50 feet from the centerline of a local street or state highway and at least 20 feet from the front property line or right-of-way edge; a side-yard setback of at least 5 feet; and a rear-yard setback of at least 20 feet (reduced to 5 feet on parcels with two or more front yards). Septic systems, wells, mailboxes, retaining walls not part of a building, uncovered walkways, and driveways are among the uses allowed within setback areas (Section 17.336.010.C). Because setbacks vary by zone and Town Planning Area, verify your parcel's standards before designing.