Bryan, TX Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- R-NC/RD-7/RD-5 max height
- 35 feet, no exceptions
- A-O district max height
- 50 feet
- MF/commercial trade-up
- 1 ft setback per 2 ft over 35'
- Exempt rooftop features
- chimneys, cooling towers, steeples
- General penalty
- up to $2,000/day (Sec. 1-14)
Summary
Bryan limits homes in its R-NC, RD-7, and RD-5 residential districts to 35 feet, with no setback trade-up option: the flat cap applies citywide except for A-O lots, which allow 50 feet.
Zoning Districts A-O R-NC RD-7 RD-5 ... Maximum height(6) 50' 35' 35' 35' ... (2) Structures over 35 feet in height are permitted with the additional setback of one foot additional setback for each two feet in height over 35 feet.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 31).
Full Breakdown
The city's zoning table in Chapter 62, Article IV sets maximum building height by district: 50 feet in Agricultural-Open (A-O) and 35 feet in the R-NC, RD-7, and RD-5 single-family districts. Unlike multifamily and commercial zones, which can exceed 35 feet by adding one extra foot of setback for every two feet of additional height, the residential districts carry no such trade-up, 35 feet is a hard ceiling there. Section 62-166 exempts non-occupied rooftop features like chimneys, cooling towers, and steeples from the height count. Building height itself is measured from the grade plane to the average height of the highest roof structure.
Violations & Fines
Building over the district cap without an approved variance violates Chapter 62 and is enforced through permit denial, a stop-work order, or citation; Sec. 1-14's general penalty allows fines up to $2,000 per day the violation continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can I build a house in Bryan?
Does the height limit include the chimney or a roof vent?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bryan
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Bryan to another location·View the Texas building setbacks & zoning overview
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