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

Under the County Zoning Ordinance, maximum height in the R1 single-family and R-HS hillside residential zones is generally 35 feet, measured from the lowest point of natural grade within 5 feet of the foundation to the highest point of the roof, excluding approved rooftop equipment, chimneys less than 4 feet wide, and vent pipes. In the HS Hillside combining district and within the Ridgeline Combining District the maximum drops to 25 or 28 feet, and buildings must be sited to avoid ridgeline silhouettes from designated public viewsheds including Highway 9 and Mount Umunhum Road. Accessory dwelling units are capped by state law under Government Code 66323 at 16 feet detached, 18 feet on a lot with transit, or 25 feet when attached, and local caps cannot override those minimums. Two-story homes in hillside areas must use stepped foundations to follow existing topography rather than cutting and filling flat pads. Roof pitch is not regulated directly, but steeper pitches can increase apparent mass under Design Review. Height variances are heard by the Zoning Administrator. Non-compliant construction may be ordered modified or demolished under Division B28 administrative enforcement.