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

The Maximum Height row of Table 2-2 in § 9102.01.030 treats the three single-family zones differently. R-M prints 25 ft for lots less than 71-foot lot width, adds 1 ft of height for every additional 1 ft of lot width up to a 75 ft lot (30 ft height), then lists 31 ft for 80-85 ft lot width, 32 ft for 85'-1"-90 ft, 33 ft for 90'-1"-95 ft, 34 ft for 95'-1"-100 ft, and 35 ft for 100'-1"+ ft. R-0 allows 25 ft for lots with less than 75-foot lot width and 30 ft for 75-foot width or greater, and R-1 prints the same two tiers as a citywide rule.

Every zone is limited to two stories, and exposed basements shall be considered a story. Street-facing porches top out at 14 ft, measured to the uppermost point of a projecting feature including roof ridges, railings, and cornices (§ 9102.01.040.H). Homeowners association columns in Table 2-3-2(1) refine the R-1 numbers in the Highlands: 25 ft under 75 ft lot width, 27 ft for 75-94 ft, 29 ft for 94'-1"-114 ft, and 30 ft for larger lots. Santa Anita Village is 25 ft, and Lower Rancho, Santa Anita Oaks and Upper Rancho use 25 ft under 75-foot width and 30 ft at 75 feet or more.

Section 9103.01.050.B measures height from the average level of the highest and lowest existing grade elevation points of the portion of the site covered by the building to the highest portion of the roof, excluding chimneys, with existing grade established by the Director. Chimneys and roof-mounted vents can exceed the limit only to the minimum extent Article VIII requires (§ 9102.01.040.D). Detached accessory structures are one story and 16 ft, and cannot exceed the dwelling's maximum height (Table 2-5). Multifamily Table 2-6 sets 30 ft in R-2, 18 ft in R-3-R and 30 ft in R-3.

Hillside lots must keep 30 feet of vertical separation between the top of the structure and the top of the ridge or knoll (§ 9102.01.040.I).