Tonawanda, NY Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Section 215-20.5's Table 20-b sets maximum building height for the Town of Tonawanda's three residential districts. A primary structure, meaning the main dwelling on the lot, may rise 35 feet in R-1 (single-family) and R-2 (two-family), and up to 45 feet in MR (mixed residential), reflecting the higher densities the MR district is meant to accommodate under its purpose statement in Section 215-20.2. Accessory structures such as sheds and detached storage buildings are capped at 12 feet in all three districts, and a private garage, attached or detached, is capped at 16 feet, also uniform townwide.

The table separately limits accessory-structure footprint to 180 square feet under a footnote, and cross-references Section 215-24.4 for the maximum number of accessory structures allowed per lot, so a homeowner adding a garage or shed must satisfy the height cap, the footprint cap and the count limit together. Because these are dimensional standards rather than discretionary approvals, the Building Department checks height against the table whenever it reviews a building permit application; a design that exceeds 35, 45, 12 or 16 feet as applicable cannot be issued a permit without first obtaining a variance from the Zoning Board of Appeals under the Town's variance procedure.