Baton Rouge's Unified Development Code (Title 7) and Chapter 11 Dimensional Regulations establish maximum building heights by zoning district. Single-family residential zones (A1, A2, A3) generally cap structures at 35 feet or 2.5 stories; commercial and mixed-use zones allow greater heights.
Title 7 (Planning and Zoning) of the Baton Rouge–East Baton Rouge Parish Code of Ordinances incorporates the Unified Development Code (UDC), with Chapter 11 (Dimensional Regulations) setting height limits by zoning district. Single-family residential districts A1 (low density) and A2 permit structures up to 35 feet or 2.5 stories. Multifamily districts A3 and higher allow up to 45 feet. Commercial districts C1–C2 typically permit up to 35–45 feet without special approval; CBD zones may exceed these limits with conditional use. Height is measured from average finished grade to the highest roof point. Accessory structures are generally limited to 15 feet. Variances are reviewed by the Board of Zoning Adjustments. The UDC is administered by the EBR Department of Development.
Building above permitted height without a variance results in stop-work orders, mandatory removal or modification, and civil fines. Unpermitted structures may be red-tagged and owners required to obtain retroactive approval or demolish the violation.
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See how Baton Rouge's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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