Residential height in unincorporated San Mateo County varies by paired S-District — typically 28-36 feet or 2.5 stories, whichever is less. Residential Hillside (RH) zones generally limit height to 28 feet, measured from average natural grade to highest roof point. Chimneys, vents, antennas, and mechanical equipment have limited additional allowance. The Design Review (DR) combining district and the Scenic Road combining district impose additional height and bulk review.
Maximum building height is set by the S-District (Development Standards combining district) paired with the use district. Common S-District heights: S-100 (5,000 sq ft R-1): 36 feet and 2.5 stories; S-17 (20,000 sq ft R-1): 28 feet; Residential Hillside (RH): 28 feet with additional slope-setback requirements; Agricultural: varies. Height is measured from the average elevation of natural grade beneath the structure to the highest point of the roof (not including appurtenances). Chimneys may exceed the limit by up to 3 feet, antennas/flagpoles by the height necessary for function, mechanical equipment screening by 4 feet. Design Review combining district triggers staff or Design Review Officer approval of massing, height, and architectural character regardless of numeric compliance. Scenic Road combining districts along Highway 1, Highway 35 (Skyline), and La Honda Road impose additional ridge-line and view-corridor restrictions. Coastal Zone projects are subject to view-protection policies in the Local Coastal Program. Variances require Planning Commission hearing with findings of unique hardship.
Exceeding height limit during construction: stop-work order, required reduction or variance application. Penalties $250-$2,000 per §1.04. Design Review violation: permit revocation, architectural modifications required. Scenic corridor violation: denial and potential demolition.
Daly City, CA
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Daly City, CA
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Daly City, CA
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Daly City, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Mateo County.
See how Daly City's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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