Imperial County, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Primary dwelling max
- 3 stories or 40 feet
- Detached accessory max
- 2 stories or 25 feet
- Antenna/chimney max
- 60 feet
- Measured from
- Average ground level (AGL)
Summary
In Imperial County's R-1 low-density residential zone, primary homes are capped at three stories or 40 feet, detached accessory structures at two stories or 25 feet, and antennas or chimneys at 60 feet.
The following height limits shall apply to all R-1 zones (all heights measured from AGL (average ground level) of lot): A.Primary residential buildings shall not exceed three stories in height, or forty (40) feet whichever is less.B.Detached accessory structures shall not exceed two stories or twenty-five (25) feet whichever is less.C.Radio and/or television antenna incidental to the structure, or chimneys, or any other architectural feature shall not exceed sixty (60) feet in height.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 62 - 9-25).
Full Breakdown
County Code § 90502.07 sets height limits for the R-1 (low-density residential) zone, measured from average ground level. Primary residential buildings may not exceed three stories or 40 feet, whichever is less. Detached accessory structures, garages, sheds, workshops, are capped at two stories or 25 feet, whichever is less. Radio or television antennas, chimneys, and similar architectural features may rise no higher than 60 feet. These limits sit alongside the zone's separate setback and minimum-distance-between-structures rules in the same chapter.
Violations & Fines
A structure built taller than these caps without an approved variance or specific-plan exception is a zoning violation and can be ordered modified or removed by the Planning and Development Services Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a house be in Imperial County's R-1 zone?
What about a detached garage or workshop?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Imperial County
California rules heatmap·Compare Imperial County to another location·View the California building setbacks & zoning overview
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