San Bernardino County, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- RL / RS zones
- 35 ft. maximum
- RM zones
- 45 ft. maximum
- Height measured from
- highest adjoining grade
- Governing section
- Development Code § 83.02.040
- Applies to
- unincorporated county only
Summary
Unincorporated homes cap out at 35 feet in RL and RS zones and 45 feet in RM zones, measured from the highest adjoining grade to the roofline.
(a) Maximum Height Allowed. The height of buildings/structures shall not exceed the standards established by the applicable land use zoning district, except as otherwise provided in this Section. (b) Height Measurement. Height shall be measured as the vertical distance above a referenced datum measured to the highest point of the coping of a flat roof or to the deck line of mansard roof or to the average height of the highest gable of a pitched or hipped roof or the highest part of a structure.
Full Breakdown
The Development Code caps building height by land use zoning district, not a flat countywide number. In the Valley and Mountain Regions, Rural Living (RL) and Single Residential (RS) parcels top out at 35 feet; Multiple Residential (RM) parcels get 45 feet (Tables 82-9A and 82-9B). Height is measured under Section 83.02.040 from a reference datum, the highest adjoining sidewalk or ground surface within 5 feet of the wall, to the highest point of a flat roof's coping, a mansard's deck line, or a pitched roof's average gable height. Chimneys, cupolas, solar collectors, and similar roof features can exceed the district limit under listed exceptions.
Violations & Fines
Building without a valid permit for the approved height triggers Building Code enforcement and can require modification or removal of the noncompliant portion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can I build a house in unincorporated San Bernardino County?
How is building height measured?
Does this apply inside cities like San Bernardino or Fontana?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Bernardino County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Bernardino County to another location·View the California building setbacks & zoning overview
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