Santa Clara County, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Height limits in the unincorporated county come from the property development standards tables for each base district. Under the urban residential standards in Zoning Ordinance Table 2.30-3, the R1, R1E, RHS, R2, and R1S districts cap building height at 35 feet, generally with a two-story limit (RHS allows up to three stories, R1S up to two-and-a-half), while the R3 district allows 45 feet. Under the rural base district standards in Table 2.20-3, the maximum height is likewise 35 feet, with story limits varying by district. On a flag lot of less than 20,000 square feet, dwelling height is restricted to 21 feet and one story. Height is measured under the definitions in Chapter 1.30, with attics, basements, and half-stories treated under specific rules. Accessory buildings are held to lower limits under Section 4.20.020; in urban residential districts detached accessory buildings are generally capped at 12 feet and one story, with a 16-foot ridge allowance for hip or gable roofs. Section 4.20.110 grants height exceptions above the dwelling maximum for certain features: chimneys may add up to 10 feet, decorative features such as cupolas and weather vanes up to 5 additional feet, and roof-mounted solar photovoltaic panels up to 5 additional feet. Because the exact cap and story count depend on district, overlays, and lot configuration, confirm height with County Planning before designing.