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

Modoc County establishes maximum building heights in each zone's development standards. The Residential-Low Density (RL) zone, §18.32.060(C), sets a maximum building height of 50 feet. The Residential-High Density (RH) zone, §18.36.060(C), allows buildings of two stories not to exceed 50 feet and other structures up to 50 feet. The Rural Residential (RR) zone defers height to the general rules in Chapter 18.110 (§18.30.060(D)). 'Building height' is defined in §18.06.160 as the vertical distance from grade to the highest point of a flat roof's coping, a mansard roof's deck line, or the average height of the highest gable of a pitched or hipped roof. The general height provisions in §18.110.060 allow several exceptions: roof structures for elevators, stairways, tanks, vents, chimneys, antennae, flagpoles and similar features may exceed the limit if not used for additional floor space; churches may reach 75 feet provided each yard is increased one foot for every foot over the zone limit; where average grade under a dwelling exceeds 15 percent, the maximum height increases by 15 feet on the downhill side; and any structure may exceed the zone limit if a use permit is first obtained (Chapter 18.128). Public-utility transmission lines and towers are exempt from height limits. Always confirm the height ceiling for your specific zone with the Planning Department.