Sacramento County, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Base height cap
- 30 ft (1-2 story)
- Three-story cap
- 40 ft, permit required
- Permit for 3rd story
- Special Development Permit, Zoning Administrator
- Side yard, 3-story
- 10 ft (vs. 5 ft at 1-2 story)
- Front yard setback
- 20 ft (24 ft with easement)
- Eligible zones for 3rd story
- AG, AR, RD-1 through RD-7
Summary
Single-family, duplex and halfplex homes in unincorporated Sacramento County are capped at 30 feet for one or two stories and 40 feet for three stories under Zoning Code Table 5.7.C. A third story, and the taller cap, is allowed only in AG, AR and RD-1 through RD-7 zones with a Special Development Permit from the Zoning Administrator.
Minimum Interior Side Yard [1][2]: 5 ft (1-2 story) / 10 ft (3 story) [3] Maximum Building Height [4]: 30 ft (1-2 story) / 40 ft (3 story) [4] In AG, AR, and RD-1 through RD-7 zones, maximum height may be increased to three stories only with issuance of a Special Development Permit approved by the Zoning Administrator. Height criteria shall consider factors as prescribed in Section 5.2.2.D.
Full Breakdown
C, sets the project development standards for single-family attached and detached homes and duplex/halfplex residences in every zone where they're allowed and not superseded by a specific plan, special planning area, or neighborhood preservation area. The baseline maximum building height is 30 feet for one- and two-story construction, rising to 40 feet for a three-story building (footnote 4). D before signing off. 5-foot side street yard setback, and a rear yard setback equal to 20 percent of average lot depth on lots 125 feet deep or less.
Cornices, eaves, canopies, and similar architectural features may project up to 24 inches into any required yard without affecting the height or setback calculation. A. Homes within 25 feet of an arterial or thoroughfare right-of-way carry an added acoustical standard, requiring façade construction that keeps future interior noise below 45 dB Ldn regardless of building height.
Violations & Fines
Constructing a residential structure above the applicable height cap without an approved Special Development Permit is a misdemeanor under Zoning Code Section 6.6.9, punishable per Sacramento County Code Section 1.09.190, with each day the violation continues treated as a separate offense. The Director issues a written Notice of Violation under Section 6.6.8.D setting a deadline to correct the height before further enforcement follows.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a house be built in unincorporated Sacramento County?
Do I need a permit to build a third story?
Does going to three stories change my setbacks?
What happens if a house is built taller than allowed?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sacramento County
California rules heatmap·Compare Sacramento County to another location·View the California building setbacks & zoning overview
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