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

Mariposa County is entirely unincorporated, so building height is governed by the County's zoning ordinance (Title 17). In the adopted Mariposa Town Planning Area, Mariposa County Code Section 17.336.020 provides that no building or structure shall exceed its present height, or two stories or 35 feet as measured from natural grade (as defined in Section 17.108.140(C)), whichever constitutes the greatest height. These are maximums, and lesser heights may be required for buildings and structures subject to design review standards, particularly in the design-review and historic overlay zones around the Town of Mariposa. A 35-foot maximum building height is consistently reflected in the County's development standards for residential, agricultural, and resource zones as well. Height is measured from natural grade, so significant grading or fill can affect the calculation and may trigger separate hillside and grading provisions in the same chapter (Sections 17.336.040 and 17.336.080). Certain architectural projections such as eaves, canopies, and balconies are addressed separately and may project limited distances. Because exact height limits and measurement points can vary by zone and overlay, confirm your parcel's standard with the Planning Department before designing a tall structure.