Davenport, IA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential Districts
- 35 feet maximum
- Multi-Family (R-MF)
- Up to 70 feet
- Coverage of Limit
- R-1 through R-4C
- Measurement
- Per Sec. 17.02.040
- Relief
- Board of Adjustment variance
Summary
Davenport caps building height at 35 feet in every single-family and two-family residential district (R-1 through R-4C). Multi-family buildings in the R-MF district rise up to 70 feet. Table 17.04-1 governs.
Maximum Building Height 35 feet
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4820400; v43 updated 2026-03-11; through 03-11-2026).
Full Breakdown
Table 17.04-1 of the Davenport Zoning Ordinance (Sec. 17.04.030) sets a maximum building height of 35 feet across all single-family and two-family residential districts, from the low-density R-1 through the central R-4C. In the R-MF multi-family district, single-family, two-family, and townhouse structures stay at 35 feet while multi-family buildings reach 70 feet. Building height is measured under the methodology in Section 17.02.040. In the R-MF district, structures over 45 feet abutting a residential district must add one foot of side setback for every three feet of height above 45 feet. Height variances require Board of Adjustment approval.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the district height limit triggers a stop-work order; the structure must be reduced to the maximum or an approved variance obtained. Continued noncompliance brings municipal infraction fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a house be in Davenport?
Can buildings be taller than 35 feet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Davenport
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