San Benito County, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Rural Residential (RR)
- 35 ft max
- Single-Family (R-1)
- 30 ft max
- Residential Multiple (RM)
- 35 ft max
- Some features exempt
- chimneys, skylights, towers (§25.07.009)
- Governs
- unincorporated county only
Summary
Unincorporated San Benito County caps residential building height at 35 feet in the Rural Residential and Residential Multiple zones, but only 30 feet in the Single-Family Residential (R-1) zone, under Table 25.03-E of § 25.03.005.
(G) Residential district development standards... Table 25.03-E Development Standards - Residential Zones. Development Standard: Maximum building height (feet). Rural Residential (RR): 35. Single Family Residential (R-1): 30. Residential Multiple (RM): 35.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-28: current through Ordinance 1078).
Full Breakdown
Table 25.03-E in § 25.03.005(G) sets the maximum building height for every lot in the county's three residential zones: 35 feet in Rural Residential (RR), 30 feet in Single-Family Residential (R-1), and 35 feet in Residential Multiple (RM). Certain features, chimneys, skylights, elevator/stair towers, rooftop mechanical equipment, may project above these limits under the allowances in § 25.07.009, subject to coverage and setback conditions. These limits apply only to unincorporated county land; Hollister and San Juan Bautista set their own residential height limits under their separate municipal codes.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the zone height limit without a variance or specific-plan approval is a zoning code violation; the county can deny occupancy, require the structure be shortened, or refer the matter to code enforcement under Title 1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the height limit for a house in San Benito County's R-1 zone?
Can a chimney or antenna go above the height limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Benito County
California rules heatmap·Compare San Benito County to another location·View the California building setbacks & zoning overview
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