Building heights in Fairfield are capped by zoning district under Section 25.20 (Residential) and Section 25.30 (General Development Regulations). Single-family residential districts allow 35 feet typical; multi-family and commercial districts allow taller subject to overlay zone rules. Section 25.51 governs how height is measured.
Fairfield's height limits depend on the zoning district. Under Section 25.20, R-L (low-density single-family) and R-M (medium-density) zones generally cap principal dwelling height at 35 feet or 2.5 stories, whichever is less. R-MH (high-density multifamily) and R-VH zones allow up to 45-55 feet. Commercial districts (Section 25.22) and the Heart of Fairfield Plan zoning (Section 25.23, downtown) have higher limits—often 50 to 75 feet—with form-based code requirements. Section 25.30 governs encroachments above the height plane: chimneys, parapets, antennas, mechanical equipment, and similar appurtenances may extend up to 10 feet above the maximum height of the district, subject to screening. Height is measured under Section 25.51 as the vertical distance from the average finished grade at the building footprint to the highest point of the roof structure (ridge for sloped roofs, parapet for flat roofs). Accessory dwelling units have separate state-mandated maximum heights: 16 feet detached, 18-25 feet under specific provisions of Government Code 65852.2 depending on lot configuration.
Constructing above the height limit results in stop-work orders, required modification or demolition of the over-height portion, and refusal of certificate of occupancy. Variance applications must demonstrate special hardship under Section 25.43 and are subject to Planning Commission review. Administrative citations under Chapter 27 can also apply.
Fairfield, CA
Residential pools in Fairfield must be enclosed by a barrier between 60 and 72 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates that open away from the poo...
Fairfield, CA
Fairfield does not prescribe specific residential fence materials beyond prohibiting barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fencing in residential zones. C...
Fairfield, CA
Fairfield follows California Civil Code §841, the Good Neighbor Fence Law: adjoining owners are presumed to share equally in the cost of building, maintainin...
Fairfield, CA
Fairfield requires a building permit for fences and freestanding walls over 7 feet tall and for retaining walls over 4 feet measured from the bottom of the f...
Fairfield, CA
Fairfield Municipal Code Section 25.30 caps front-yard fences at 42 inches within 15 feet of the front property line and 7 feet beyond that. Street side yard...
Fairfield, CA
Fairfield Municipal Code does not set a hard numeric cap on dogs or cats per household. Animals must be licensed, vaccinated, and kept in conditions that do ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Solano County.
See how other cities in Solano County handle structure height limits.
See how Fairfield's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.