Santa Rosa, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Primary structure height limit (RR/R-1)
- 35 feet
- Accessory structure height limit (RR/R-1)
- 16 feet
- Measured from
- Natural grade to parallel plane
- Tower/spire exception
- 15% of footprint, Design Review
- Commercial-zone increase
- Minor Conditional Use Permit
Summary
Table 2-4 of Santa Rosa's Zoning Code caps primary residential structures at 35 feet and accessory structures at 16 feet in the RR and R-1 districts, measured under Section 20-30.070 from natural grade to a parallel plane at the allowed height.
Height limit Maximum allowable height of structures. See Sections 20-30.070 (Height Limits and Exceptions) for height measurement requirement and height limit exception and 20-52.060 (Minor Adjustments, Minor Variances and Variances). Primary structures 35 ft 35 ft [RR-40 / RR-20] ... Accessory structures 16 ft 16 ft
Full Breakdown
5, R-1-9, and R-1-15 districts. 070 defines how that height is measured: as the vertical distance from the natural grade of the site to an imaginary plane located the allowed number of feet above and parallel to the grade, with the Director fixing natural grade in a manner consistent with the surrounding parcels so a lot cannot be artificially built up to gain extra building height. The same section carves out limited exceptions: towers, gables, spires, cupolas, water tanks, and similar mechanical appurtenances can rise above the district height limit with Design Review approval, provided the portion above the limit covers no more than 15 percent of the building footprint and is never used for sleeping, eating, or any commercial purpose beyond what is incidental to the building's habitable space.
A structure in a commercial zoning district can exceed the height limit with Minor Conditional Use Permit approval. 060. Telecommunication facilities also fall outside this exception and are instead governed by Chapter 20-44. E.
Violations & Fines
A structure built above the 35-foot primary or 16-foot accessory limit without Design Review or a Minor Conditional Use Permit is out of compliance and can be red-tagged by the Building Official. Section 20-50.080 blocks the Director from accepting any further permit application on the parcel until the excess height is corrected or a Variance is obtained under Section 20-52.060.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a house be in Santa Rosa's R-1 districts?
Can I build a tower or cupola above the height limit?
Does the height limit apply to fences?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Rosa
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Structure Height Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Sonoma County handle structure height limits.