San Clemente limits building height by residential zone: RVL to 30 feet and two stories, the RL, RML and RM zones to 25 feet, and the high-density RH zone to 45 feet, under Table 17.32.040.
SCMC Section 17.32.040 and Table 17.32.040 set the maximum building height for each residential zone. The RVL (very low density) zone is limited to 30 feet and two stories. The RL (single-family), RML and RM zones are each limited to 25 feet. The RH (high density) zone is limited to 45 feet. Height limits protect San Clemente's hillside topography and coastal street scenes by keeping primary structures visible. Structures in the front-yard setback are separately restricted to 42 inches under SCMC 17.32.050. Because much of the city lies in the Coastal Overlay Zone, coastal projects may face additional design and view review through the Coastal Land Use Plan, though the base residential height limits come from Table 17.32.040.
Constructing a building taller than the zone maximum, or adding a story beyond the limit, without a variance or discretionary approval violates SCMC 17.32.040. The Planning Division (949-361-6100) reviews height on permit plans; over-height construction can be denied.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle structure height limits.
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