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

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Max height
35 feet
Max stories
2 stories
Applies to
All R-R and R-1 zones
Code section
§ 90-314(e)

Summary

Hemet caps residential structures at 35 feet and two stories across every single-family zone, from the large-lot R-R and R-1-40 zones down to the small-lot R-1-5 zone.

ZONE R-R R-1-40 R-1-20 R-1-10 R-1-7.2 R-1-6 R-1-5

1. Minimum net lot area (square feet) 20,000 40,000 20,000 10,000 7,200 6,000 5,000

2. Minimum lot width (linear feet)

a. Standard 100 100 100 100 70 60 55

b. Cul-de-sac (frontage) 40 40 40 40 35 35 35

c. Flag lot/width of access strip 100/20 100/20 100/20 85/20 72/20 60/20 —

d. Corner lot 100 100 100 100 75 65 60

3. Minimum lot depth (linear feet) 120 100 100 100 100 90 90

4. Minimum front yard setback (linear ft.)

a. Minimum except as provided for in b and c 20 20 20 20 18 18 18

b. Single-story side-on garage 20 20 20 20 15 15 15

c. Average of homes on one side of the street in a block 20 20 20 20 20 20 20

5. Minimum rear yard setback (linear ft.) including detached garages 20 20 20 20 15 10 10 a. Attached non-enclosed patios 20 20 20 5 5 5 5 b. Detached non-enclosed patios 20 20 20 5 5 5 5 6. Minimum side yard setback

(linear ft.)

a. Interior side yard 15 15 15 15 5 5 5 (1) Building separation — — — — 15 — — b. Street side 15 15 15 15 10 10 10 7. Maximum lot coverage (percent) a. One story 40 40 40 40 45 50 50 b. Two stories 35 35 35 40 40 45 45 8. Maximum structure height (linear ft.) 35 35 35 35 35 35 35 Maximum stories 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

9. Minimum livable area (square feet) 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,200 1,200

10. Design standards Pursuant to section 90-315

11. Fencing and wall requirements Pursuant to section 90-316

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 69 Update 2).

Full Breakdown

Hemet's general development standards table for the single-family residential zones sets one uniform height ceiling: 35 linear feet and a maximum of two stories, applied identically to the R-R, R-1-40, R-1-20, R-1-10, R-1-7.2, R-1-6, and R-1-5 zones. Lot size, setbacks, and coverage vary sharply by zone, but the height and story limits do not. Roof-mounted equipment enclosures, towers, chimneys, and similar features may exceed the limit under section 90-319, but only for their narrow structural purpose, not for usable floor space.

Violations & Fines

Building plans exceeding 35 feet or two stories are rejected at plan check by the building division; built structures found to exceed the limit are a zoning code violation subject to code enforcement correction.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can a house be in Hemet?
Up to 35 feet and two stories under Hemet's single-family zone development standards, regardless of which R-zone the lot is in.
Can a chimney or antenna exceed 35 feet in Hemet?
Yes: narrow roof structures like chimneys, towers, and vents may exceed the limit, but not for usable floor space.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hemet

All Hemet rules

California rules heatmap·Compare Hemet to another location·View the California building setbacks & zoning overview

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