Under Ordinance No. 348, most residential zones in unincorporated Riverside County cap principal structures at 35 feet or 2.5 stories. Accessory structures are generally limited to 18 feet. Height is measured from finished grade to the highest point of the roof, with stricter limits near the Mt. Palomar Observatory dark-sky zone.
Ordinance No. 348 sets maximum building heights by zone classification. In R-1, R-2, R-3, R-R, and R-A zones, principal dwellings cannot exceed 35 feet or 2.5 stories, whichever is less. Commercial zones (C-1, C-P, C-R) generally allow 50 feet, while industrial zones permit 50-75 feet depending on sub-zone. Accessory structures such as detached garages, workshops, and sheds are limited to 18 feet or one story in residential zones. Height is measured from the finished grade at the building footprint to the highest ridge point. Chimneys, antennas, and solar arrays may extend above the limit but are regulated separately. In the Mt. Palomar Observatory Dark-Sky Zone (Ordinance 655), height limits interact with exterior lighting restrictions to protect astronomical observations. Hillside Development Standards under Ordinance 348.4728 further reduce height on slopes exceeding 15%. Variances require Planning Commission approval, and CEQA review may be triggered for non-ministerial projects.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Riverside County code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Anza, CA
Anza is an unincorporated community in Riverside County governed by Riverside County Ordinance 787 (Fire Code) and the California Fire Code §307. Backyard re...
Riverside County, CA
California Penal Code section 647(c) prohibits accosting people for money in public. Riverside County supplements the state rule with Ordinance 743 restricti...
Riverside County, CA
Riverside County Ordinance 847 allows the Sheriff to declare a gathering an unruly disturbance and bill responsible parties for response costs. Repeat unruly...
Riverside County, CA
California Government Code section 7597 bans smoking in state parks and beaches. Riverside County Ordinance 539 prohibits smoking in regional parks and open ...
Riverside County, CA
California Health and Safety Code section 11362.3 prohibits smoking or consuming cannabis in public places. Riverside County applies the rule across unincorp...
Riverside County, CA
California Business and Professions Code section 25620 prohibits possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in public places. Riverside County Ordina...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Riverside County.
See how other cities in Riverside County handle structure height limits.
See how Anza's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.