Modesto, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Front setback (all residential zones)
- 15 ft
- Side, one-story portion
- 5 ft
- Side, two-story, adjacent to R-1
- 10-15 ft
- Rear, one-story portion
- 10 ft
- Rear, two-story portion
- 15 ft
- Pre-1955 corner lot street side
- 7.5 ft
Summary
Modesto's Table 4.1-1 sets minimum yard setbacks for the R-1, R-2 and R-3 residential zones: 15 feet in front, 5 feet on an interior side for a one-story wing, and 10 feet in the rear. Second- and third-story additions push the side and rear numbers up sharply, especially next to an R-1 lot.
SETBACK REQUIREMENTS Front and Street-Side(corner lot) (minimum in feet) Buildings (except garage, carport, parking space) 15 15 15 Garage, Carport, Parking Space (Side facing/front facing) 15/20 15/20 15/20 Side (interior) (minimum in feet) Buildings, Main - One Story Portion 5 5 5 - Two Story Portion Adjacent to R-1 (2) 10 15 15 Not Adjacent to R-1 (2) 10 10 10 - Three Story Portion Adjacent to R-1 (2) - - 20 Not Adjacent to R-1 (2) - - 10 Rear (minimum in feet) Buildings, Main - One Story Portion 10 10 10 - Two Story Portion 15 15 15 - Three Story Portion Adjacent to R-1 (2) - - 20 Not Adjacent to R-1 - - 15 On corner lots legally created prior to July 7, 1955, the minimum street side setback for a dwelling, accessory building, or fencing is seven and one-half (7.5) feet.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 71).
Full Breakdown
102, fixes the setback grid that applies across all three residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3) unless a specific section says otherwise. 106; a garage, carport, or parking space needs 15 feet on the side-facing orientation and 20 feet if it faces the front. 107 start at 5 feet for a one-story portion of the main dwelling in all three zones. Add a second story and the number jumps: 10 feet in the R-1 zone (or in R-2/R-3 when not adjacent to an R-1 lot), rising to 15 feet in R-2 or R-3 when the lot sits next to R-1.
A third story, allowed only in R-3, needs 20 feet of side setback next to R-1 or 10 feet when it is not. 108 run 10 feet for a one-story portion, 15 feet for a two-story portion, and for R-3's third story, 20 feet next to R-1 or 15 feet otherwise. 106(d). 108(a). The Director can also permit a trash enclosure up to 52 inches tall inside the front or street-side setback where no practical alternative exists, provided it fully screens the cans and sits as far from the property line as feasible.
Violations & Fines
The Building Safety Division checks every building permit application against the Table 4.1-1 setback grid before issuing a permit; a plan that shows a structure encroaching into the required front, side, or rear setback is rejected outright. A property owner who builds without the required setback risks a stop-work order and must apply for a variance through the Board of Zoning Adjustment or bring the structure into compliance, since Section 10-4.107(a) allows a reduced 5-foot second-story side setback only when the Director finds it consistent with the Neighborhood Compatibility Guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far must a Modesto house sit from the front property line?
Does adding a second story change my side setback in Modesto?
Are older Modesto corner lots exempt from the standard setback?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Modesto
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