Alhambra, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- RL height limit
- 25 feet, 2 stories
- RM height limit
- 35 feet, 3 stories
- RH height limit
- 45 feet, 5 stories
- RH overlay near freeway
- 75 feet, 6 stories
- Flexible standards deviation
- Up to 20% on qualifying RH lots
- Governing table
- Table 23.04.030, Zoning Code
Summary
Alhambra caps residential building height at 25 feet and two stories in the Low Density (RL) zone, 35 feet and three stories in Medium Density (RM), and 45 feet and five stories in High Density (RH). A mapped area bounded by Atlantic, Woodward, Commonwealth, and Chapel raises the RH cap to 75 feet and six stories near freeway interchanges, per Table 23.04.030 of the Zoning Code.
Maximum height (feet) 25 35 Area bounded by Atlantic Blvd on the west, Woodward Ave on the north, Commonwealth Ave on the south, and Chapel Ave on the east, and parcels on major arterial streets within 1,300 feet of a freeway interchange: 75. Other areas: 45. ... Maximum number of stories 2 3 [same area]: 6. Other areas: 5.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-25: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 4851, passed 10-27-25).
Full Breakdown
030 of Alhambra's Zoning Code sets the maximum building height by residential district. In the Low Density (RL) zone, the cap is 25 feet and two stories; in Medium Density (RM), 35 feet and three stories; and in High Density (RH), 45 feet and five stories. A single mapped area bounded by Atlantic Boulevard on the west, Woodward Avenue on the north, Commonwealth Avenue on the south, and Chapel Avenue on the east, along with parcels on major arterial streets within 1,300 feet of a freeway interchange, raises the RH ceiling to 75 feet and six stories.
These are baseline limits under standards adopted by Ordinance 4823 (passed January 22, 2024) and amended by Ordinance 4831 (August 26, 2024). 080. 060, approved administratively by the Director of Community Development rather than through a variance hearing.
Violations & Fines
Every structure requires a building permit under § 20.05.010 (§ 107.1), and plan check will reject drawings that exceed the district's height table. Building without a permit, or building above the approved height, exposes the owner to a stop-work order and correction or removal at the owner's expense. Because Title 23 carries no separate height penalty, a knowing violation falls under the citywide general penalty of § 1.12.010: a fine set by City Council resolution or up to six months in jail, with each day of continuing violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alhambra's maximum building height in the RH zone?
Can a roof feature go above the height limit?
Do RH apartment projects ever get more height than the table allows?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Alhambra
California rules heatmap·Compare Alhambra to another location·View the California building setbacks & zoning overview
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Structure Height Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle structure height limits.