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

Schedule 18.31.030-C of the Redding Municipal Code fixes maximum building height by residential zoning district. The "RE-1" and "RE-2" estate districts and every "RS-2" through "RS-4" single-family district top out at 35 feet. The "RM-6" through "RM-18" multifamily districts allow 45 feet, and the highest-density "RM-20" through "RM-30" districts allow 50 feet. Note 2 to that schedule adds a transition rule: where an "RM" district abuts an "RE" or "RS" district, no building may exceed two stories within 50 feet of that boundary without a zoning exception under Chapter 18.15, and any second or higher story in that transition zone needs a setback of at least 25 feet, which the approving body can push to 50 feet for a discretionary project.

Section 18.62.080 defines how that height is measured: as the vertical distance from the finished grade adjacent to the structure to the highest point of the roof. A flat roof is measured to the top of its parapet, or to the highest point of the roof if there is no parapet; a mansard roof is measured to its deck line; and a pitched or hipped roof is measured to the highest gable. Domed, vaulted, or pyramidal roofs are measured to their single highest point.

Section 18.40.080 carves out narrow exceptions for rooftop features. Towers, spires, cupolas, chimneys, elevator penthouses, water tanks, monuments, theater scenery lofts, and similar mechanical appurtenances covering no more than 20 percent of the top-floor roof area may exceed the district's height limit by up to 10 feet with no discretionary review at all. Exceeding the limit by more than 10 feet for those same features requires an approved zoning exception under Chapter 18.15, including specific findings.