Leander, TX Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Leander's Composite Zoning Ordinance limits building height in Article VIII, Section 8: no building or structure height may exceed 35 feet, except as provided in the exceptions section. The exceptions (Section 9) exclude rooftop appurtenances - such as church spires, water and fire towers, chimneys, flagpoles, elevator bulkheads, and necessary mechanical appurtenances - from the height limit unless they extend more than 20 feet above the district maximum. Public or semi-public service buildings, hospitals, institutions, and schools may be erected up to 60 feet, and churches and other places of worship up to 75 feet, provided each required yard is increased by one foot for every two feet of additional height above the district limit. No structure may exceed the height permitted by Federal Aviation Administration regulations for the area. For non-residential and multifamily districts, development incentives allow taller buildings (up to 40, 45, or even 90 feet) only with increased masonry percentages and increased setbacks stepped back from single-family or two-family districts - for example, height near a single-family district is limited to 40 feet at 30 feet from the district, scaling up with distance. The Building Official and Director of Planning may approve variations of up to 5 percent in building height and related architectural standards.