Apple Valley, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Building height in the Town of Apple Valley is regulated by zone under the Development Code's residential site development standards (Chapter 9.28 and related sections). Across the Town's single-family and lower-density residential zones, the maximum building height is generally about 35 feet, which accommodates typical one- and two-story homes on the Town's large rural, estate, and equestrian lots. In the Multi-Family Residential (R-M) zone, the Town updated its standards in 2021 to allow building heights of 35 feet for small and medium-sized projects of 2 to 15 units per project, and up to 50 feet for large projects of 16 or more units. That effectively permits three-story structures for smaller multi-family projects and four-story structures for large ones, supporting the higher densities (20 to 30 units per acre) allowed in the Multi-Family and Mixed-Use zones. Accessory structures, fences, and walls have their own separate height rules and are not counted as primary-building height. Because the Town's rural character emphasizes low-profile development on large parcels, height is measured and applied per the Development Code, and special overlays or specific plans can modify the standard in certain areas. Owners planning a tall addition or multi-story project should confirm the exact height limit and measurement method for their zone with the Community Development Department before designing.