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Clark County, WA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

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

Key Facts

Max height
35 feet (rural residential)
Applies to
Residential buildings only
Districts
R-20, R-10, R-5
Code section
CCC 40.210.020, Table -3
Overlays
Scenic review may reduce

Summary

In Clark County's rural residential districts (R-20, R-10, R-5), the maximum building height for residential buildings is 35 feet, per Table 40.210.020-3 of the Unified Development Code. Urban zones and scenic-review areas may set different limits.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Clark County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Maximum Building Height (feet): 35. [Footnote 3] Residential buildings only.

Full Breakdown

Clark County Code 40.210.020, Table 40.210.020-3, caps residential building height in the R-20, R-10, and R-5 rural districts at 35 feet (the table's footnote 3 notes the 35-foot figure applies to residential buildings only). This limit sits alongside the 50-foot front, 25/20-foot side, and 20-foot rear setbacks for those districts. Urban low-density residential zones in CCC Chapter 40.220 carry their own height standards, and scenic or shoreline overlays may impose stricter limits. Fence and screening-wall height is governed separately by CCC 40.320.010, which caps fences at six feet.

Violations & Fines

Structures exceeding the height limit are code violations; the county may withhold occupancy, deny permits, or require modification of the structure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can a house be in rural Clark County?
Up to 35 feet in the R-20, R-10, and R-5 rural residential districts, per Table 40.210.020-3, footnote 3, which applies the limit to residential buildings.
Is the height limit the same everywhere in the county?
No. Urban residential zones (CCC Chapter 40.220) and scenic or shoreline overlay areas may set different height limits. Verify your zone with Community Development.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Clark County

All Clark County rules

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