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

Del Norte County sets building setbacks by zoning district in Title 20 (inland) and Title 21 (coastal), so the exact numbers depend on the parcel's zone. In the R-1 One Family Residence district, Section 20.16.80 requires a 25-foot front yard, Section 20.16.90 requires 6-foot side yards (reduced to not less than 5 feet where the building site is under 60 feet wide), and Section 20.16.100 requires a 20-foot rear yard for main buildings and 5 feet for accessory buildings. Independently, Section 20.48.90 (Yards and Setbacks) establishes larger front-yard setbacks measured by road type for development along county and state roads - generally on the order of 60 to 70 feet from major highways and 40 to 50 feet from major county roads, with smaller figures for minor roads - so frontage on a classified road can control over the base district number. Section 20.48.90 also sets default minimums of 5 feet for side yards and 10 feet for rear yards where a district does not specify, and allows limited projections into required yards: cornices, eaves, canopies and similar architectural features up to 3 feet, and uncovered porches, stairs, and fire escapes further into front/rear yards. Within the coastal zone, Title 21 and the certified Local Coastal Program apply, and structures may also need a Coastal Development Permit and must respect coastal bluff, stream, and resource setbacks. Always confirm your district, road classification, and coastal status with the Planning Division.