Chicopee, MA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

The Residential C District rule reads that height shall be limited to 40 feet for all principal uses (the code spells it principle). Section 275-54(D)(7)(a) adds that accessory structures attached to principal structures must comply with the height limitations and setbacks for principal structures, so an attached garage or addition does not get a separate allowance.

The Residential A yard table in § 275-52(C)(5) lists a Heights column of 40 feet for permitted uses and 30 feet for accessory buildings and for garages and stables not accessory to a permitted use. The Residential B table in § 275-53(C)(5) prints 40 feet for the permitted uses row. Detached accessory structures in Residential C have their own maximum of 20 feet under § 275-54(D)(7)(b)(3), covered under the shed rule.

Height is measured under § 275-4, which defines HEIGHT, BUILDING as the vertical distance from the grade to the highest point of the roof, excluding the parapet wall. Section 275-27 exempts some features from the height provisions in all districts: parapets, cupolas, belfries, chimneys, flag- and radio poles, gas holders, grain elevators, water towers, bulkheads, hose towers, elevator enclosures, water tanks, scenery lofts or towers, silos, farm buildings, churches, municipal or governmental buildings, and reception and transmission antenna facilities less than 25 feet in length. The City Council can grant a special permit for antenna facilities greater than 25 feet in length.

Downtown the limit is higher. In the Central Business District, § 275-61(D)(3) says no building shall exceed a height of 60 feet, except by special permit from the City Council.