San Rafael, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Height limit
- 30 feet, all R districts
- EA overlay limit
- 17 feet to peak
- Multi-family limit
- 30-36 ft, DR/MR/HR districts
- Relief mechanism
- Chapter 14.24 height exception
Summary
San Rafael caps single-family homes at 30 feet in every R district, R2a, R1a, R20, R10, R7.5 and R5, under Table 14.04.030, with a lower 17-foot peak allowed only in the -EA Environmental/Architectural combining district.
Table 14.04.030 — R2a R1a R20 R10 R7.5 R5: "Maximum height of structure (ft.) 30 30 30 30 30 30 (E), (H)" ... (E) In the -EA Combining District, maximum height of seventeen feet (17′) to peak, and one habitable floor.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 37).
Full Breakdown
Table 14.04.030 sets a flat 30-foot maximum structure height across all six single-family residential districts, R2a, R1a, R20, R10, R7.5 and R5, regardless of minimum lot size, which ranges from 5,000 square feet up to two acres. The only carve-out is the -EA Environmental/Architectural combining district, where new construction is capped at 17 feet to the peak and one habitable floor. The Duplex, Medium and High Density Residential districts (Table 14.04.040) run higher, 30 to 36 feet depending on district. A height bonus may be granted under SRMC § 14.16.190, and § 14.16.282 sets a different standard for SB 9 two-unit housing developments.
Violations & Fines
Building above the 30-foot cap without an approved exception under Chapter 14.24 is a zoning violation; the city can withhold approvals, require modification, and enforce as a misdemeanor under the zoning code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the height limit for a house in San Rafael?
Are any San Rafael neighborhoods capped lower than 30 feet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Rafael
California rules heatmap·Compare San Rafael to another location·View the California building setbacks & zoning overview
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