Santa Cruz IZO sets height limits by zone district in §24.10 (Land Use Districts). Most single-family districts cap at 28–35 ft; multifamily and commercial districts vary. ADU heights are set by §24.16.141.
Single-family R-1 generally allows up to 28 ft height; R-S Residential Suburban often allows 28–35 ft. Tourist Residential (R-T) subdistricts have varying limits. Mixed-Use districts allow taller buildings, including the MU-VH (Mixed-Use Visitor-Serving High-Density) and MU-VA (Additional Height) districts. The Central Business District (§24.10 Pt 24) has its own height rules. Height variations and exceptions are processed under §24.08 with Design Permit and Variance.
Building permit denial; stop-work orders; redesign required for noncompliant proposals.
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See how Santa Cruz's structure height limits rules stack up against other locations.
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