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

Redding's residential setback rules sit within Title 18 of the Redding Municipal Code (the Zoning Ordinance). (1) Districts: RMC Chapter 18.31 establishes the RE (Residential Estate), RS (Residential Single-Family), and RM (Residential Multiple-Family) districts; Chapter 18.32 covers commercial districts; Chapter 18.33 covers industrial districts. RMC §18.31.030 sets the site development regulations and performance standards for each residential district, including front-yard, side-yard, and rear-yard minimums in the bulk schedule. (2) Specific rules: in the RE and RS districts on lots less than 40,000 square feet, the maximum front-yard setback is 50 feet, or 40 percent of the lot depth, whichever is greater, unless a zoning exception is obtained. Where a dwelling fronts on a side yard, that side yard must be a minimum of 15 feet. Where a RM district abuts an RE or RS district, the minimum setback to any second or higher story is 25 feet. Where garage doors face a street, the linear feet of garage front cannot exceed 45 percent of the lot width at the proposed building setback line. (3) Accessory structures: RMC §18.43.020 (Accessory uses and structures) requires detached accessory structures to meet the same setback requirements as the main building, with certain exceptions for low-height structures. (4) Variances and minor exceptions: applicants seeking relief from setback standards use the RMC Chapter 18.15 Zoning Exception process or the Variance process before the Board of Administrative Review or Planning Commission as appropriate. (5) ADUs: detached accessory dwelling units follow California Government Code §65852.2 protections — 4-foot side and rear setbacks are protected statewide.