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

Building height in unincorporated Tulare County is set by zone in Ordinance No. 352. Both the 'R-1' Single-Family Residential Zone (Section 6.B) and the 'R-A' Rural Residential Zone (Section 4.B) limit buildings to 'two and one-half (2-1/2) stories and not to exceed thirty-five (35) feet to uppermost part of roof, except as provided in Sections 15 and 16.' Section 15.B provides the exceptions. A one-family dwelling in a 35-foot height zone 'may be increased in height by not more than ten (10) feet when two (2) side yards of not less than fifteen (15) feet each are provided,' but the dwelling still may not exceed three stories. Public or semi-public buildings, schools, hospitals, and institutions may reach up to six stories or 75 feet, provided the required front, side, and rear yards are increased by one additional foot for each four feet of height above 35 feet. Section 15 also allows rooftop appurtenances - elevator housings, parapet walls, chimneys, flagpoles, antennas, and similar structures - to extend above the height limit, but not to create additional floor space. Height is measured to the uppermost part of the roof. Other zones have their own limits, and any height beyond what the code allows requires a variance from the Planning Commission under Section 16. Confirm the applicable zone and height with the Tulare County RMA.