Modesto's zoning code caps building height by district: single-family and medium-density residential zones are limited to 2 stories or 30 feet; high-density residential allows 3 stories or 42 feet; commercial height ranges from 35 feet to 90 feet depending on zone and proximity to residential.
Modesto Municipal Code Title 10, Chapter 4, Article 1 (§10-4.102, Table 4.1-1) establishes maximum heights for residential zones: R-1 and R-2 zones are capped at 2 stories or 30 feet (whichever is less); R-3 allows 3 stories or 42 feet. Commercial standards appear in §10-4.202 (Table 4.2-1): P-O, C-1, and C-3 zones cap structures at 2–3 stories or 35–45 feet. C-2 (General Commercial) allows up to 8 stories or 90 feet when not adjacent to residential, but is restricted to 3 stories or 45 feet when adjacent to residential. Industrial zones (C-M, M-1, M-2) have no general height cap but are limited to 45 feet when abutting residential property under §10-4.304. Height exceptions for churches, government buildings, and
Structures exceeding zone height limits without approval are zoning violations enforceable by Modesto Code Enforcement. Penalties include stop-work orders, fines up to $2,500 per day, and required removal or modification of non-compliant structures.
Modesto, CA
Modesto's noise ordinance (MMC Title 4, Ch. 9) bans 'loud and raucous noise' citywide, including from industrial operations. Certain continuous industrial ac...
Modesto, CA
Modesto enforces a 72-hour street-parking limit citywide under MMC Title 3, Chapter 2, Article 10. Designated residential areas also operate Residential Park...
Modesto, CA
Modesto Municipal Code Title 5, Chapter 4 permits backyard hens in R-1 residential zones. Up to 12 hens are allowed; roosters are prohibited. Coop placement ...
Modesto, CA
Modesto has one of the lowest pet limits in California, allowing a maximum of two dogs or cats per household under MMC Title 5, Chapter 4. Animal hoarding is...
Modesto, CA
Modesto sits on the Central Valley floor outside CAL FIRE's State Responsibility Area and is not mapped as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, so the wild...
Modesto, CA
Modesto does not regulate year-round residential lawn ornaments (statues, gnomes, flamingos, religious figures, sports themes) by size, quantity, or content....
See how Modesto's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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