Ridgecrest, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- R-1 zone cap
- 35 feet
- CUP variance
- up to 75 feet
- Extra setback
- 1 ft per ft over
- Accessory building cap
- 16 feet
Summary
Single-family homes in Ridgecrest's R-1 zone are capped at 35 feet; the city can approve up to 75 feet by conditional use permit, with an extra foot of setback for each foot over the base limit.
(d)Building height. Building height shall not exceed 35 feet.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 6).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 106-318(d) caps R-1 single-family structures at 35 feet. Section 106-18 lets the city grant a conditional use permit for buildings up to 75 feet, but requires an extra foot of setback on all sides for every foot above the base limit. Detached accessory buildings are capped separately at 16 feet under § 106-18(3), regardless of how tall the main house is allowed to be. Kern County's unincorporated desert around Ridgecrest follows its own, different county height rules.
Violations & Fines
Building above 35 feet without an approved conditional use permit and the required extra setback is a code violation; the city can deny final inspection or require the structure be shortened.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can I build my house in Ridgecrest?
Does the height limit apply to sheds and garages?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ridgecrest
California rules heatmap·Compare Ridgecrest to another location·View the California building setbacks & zoning overview
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Structure Height Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Kern County handle structure height limits.