San Diego County, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Building height in unincorporated San Diego County is governed by the Height Regulations (Sections 4600-4699) and the Height Schedule (Schedule B) at Section 4610, which assigns a maximum height in feet and a maximum number of stories to each lettered Height Designator. The schedule runs from designator 'A' (15 feet / 1 story) through 'B' (20 ft / 2), 'C' (25 ft / 2), 'E' (30 ft / 2), 'G' (35 ft / 2), 'I' (35 ft / 4), 'J' (40 ft / 3), 'L' (45 ft / 4), 'N' (50 ft), 'P' (60 ft / 4), and 'Q' (60 ft), up to 'R,' which allows heights greater than 60 feet only with a Major Use Permit. A property's allowed height is whichever designator appears in its zoning. Section 4615 allows an additional story in limited circumstances - on a downhill lot where the average slope exceeds one foot of rise/fall in 7 feet, or by Administrative Permit for a primary dwelling - but in no case may the building exceed the height in feet set by its designator. Section 4620 exempts certain structures from the height limit entirely, including home radio/TV antennas up to 200 feet, flagpoles up to 50 feet, chimneys extending up to 3 feet above the roof, agricultural silos and water tanks up to 50 feet, and rooftop solar equipment extending up to 5 feet above the roof. Section 4622 allows other structures (taller antennas, penthouses, towers, spires) above the limit with a Minor Use Permit.