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

Tulare County does not use a single countywide setback figure; required yards depend on the zoning district, and the standards are written as percentages of lot dimensions. For the 'R-1' Single-Family Residential Zone (Section 6) and the 'R-A' Rural Residential Zone (Section 4), the Zoning Ordinance specifies: a front yard 'of not less than twenty-five (25) percent of the depth of the lot,' which 'need not exceed twenty-five (25) feet'; an interior side yard on each side 'of not less than ten (10) percent of the width of the lot,' which 'shall be not less than three (3) feet and need not exceed five (5) feet'; and a rear yard 'of not less than twenty-five (25) percent of the depth of the lot,' which 'need not exceed twenty-five (25) feet.' On a reversed corner lot, the street-side yard must be at least 50% of the front yard required on the lots to the rear. Section 15 adds exceptions: required yards must stay 'open and unobstructed from the ground to the sky,' but cornices, eaves, and similar features may project up to 2 feet into a side yard and up to 6 feet into a front or rear yard (no closer than 3 feet to a side or rear lot line). Other zones (agricultural, commercial, industrial) have their own standards, and where setbacks conflict, the greater requirement applies. Always confirm the zone and exact yard depths with the Tulare County RMA.