Antioch, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- R-4/R-6
- 35 ft max height
- R-10 through R-35
- 45 ft max height
- C-3 and M-2
- 70 ft max height
- Exempt features
- Spires, chimneys, flag poles, water towers
- Measurement
- Average grade to topmost point of roof
Summary
Antioch's zoning height table at AMC § 9-5.601 fixes maximum structure height by district: 35 feet in the R-4 and R-6 single-family zones, 45 feet in R-10 through R-35, and up to 70 feet in the C-3 and M-2 zones, measured from average grade to the roof's topmost point.
b Height shall mean the vertical distance from the average level of the highest and lowest point of that portion of the lot covered by the structure, excluding below ground basements, to the topmost point of the roof. Exceptions to the specified height limitation shall include the spires, belfries, cupolas and domes of religious facilities (e.g., churches, mosques, temples), monuments, water towers, fire and hose towers, observation towers, distribution and transmission towers, lines and poles, chimneys, smokestacks, flag poles, radio towers, excluding wireless communications facilities subject to § 9-5.3846, equipment penthouses encompassing less than 20% of total roof area and less than eight feet in height, and parapets less than 30 inches in height, unless otherwise governed by this chapter.
Full Breakdown
601 table, as the vertical distance from the average level of the highest and lowest point of that portion of the lot covered by the structure, excluding below-ground basements, to the topmost point of the roof. Reading the table itself: R-4 and R-6 are capped at 35 feet; R-10, R-20, R-25, and R-35 step up to 45 feet; the C-0, C-1, and C-2 commercial districts sit at 35 feet, while C-3 climbs to 70 feet and the H (Hospital) district matches the C-0 zone; M-1 industrial is capped at 45 feet and M-2 at 70 feet.
3846) are exempt, as are rooftop equipment penthouses under 20% of roof area and eight feet tall, and parapets under 30 inches. Anything taller than the district maximum, and not covered by one of those named exceptions, requires either a rezoning or a discretionary modification approved by the Planning Commission with findings that the added height will not harm neighborhood character or block sunlight and air to adjoining residential uses.
Violations & Fines
Constructing a residential structure above the height listed for its zone without an approved modification or one of the § 9-5.601 footnote (b) exemptions is a zoning violation under Antioch's general penalty, § 1-2.01, punishable as a misdemeanor unless reduced to an infraction, with the noncompliant portion of the structure ordered removed or reduced as a public nuisance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a house be in Antioch's R-6 zone?
Does a chimney or flagpole count toward my house's height limit?
What's the tallest building allowed anywhere in Antioch?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Antioch
California rules heatmap·Compare Antioch to another location·View the California building setbacks & zoning overview
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Structure Height Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Contra Costa County handle structure height limits.