Turlock, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- R-E/R-L/R-L4.5/R-M limit
- 35 feet
- R-H limit
- 40 feet
- Over-limit path
- CUP if over 25% or 50 ft
- Minor exceptions
- Chimneys, antennas via MAA
Summary
Turlock caps residential building height at 35 feet in the R-E, R-L, R-L4.5, and R-M districts, rising to 40 feet in R-H, with a limited administrative path to exceed the cap.
R DISTRICTS (Residential Districts) ... R-E R-L R-L4.5 R-M R-H ... Maximum height (ft.) 35 35 35 35 40 (4) [(4) See TMC 9-2-108 (Exceptions to height limits).]
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4937289; v6 updated 2026-06-25).
Full Breakdown
The property development table at TMC § 9-3-203 sets maximum building height at 35 feet in the R-E, R-L, R-L4.5, and R-M districts, and 40 feet in R-H. Under the cross-referenced § 9-2-108, minor accessory features like chimneys and antennas may exceed the limit administratively, and a structure exceeding the district height limit by more than 25% or 50 feet, whichever is greater, needs a conditional use permit from the Planning Commission. This is a locally-set zoning limit, separate from the state Building Code height/story rules under Title 8.
Violations & Fines
Building above the district height limit without an approved minor administrative approval or conditional use permit is a zoning violation and can block occupancy or building-permit sign-off until the structure is brought into compliance or a permit is obtained.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a house be built in Turlock?
Can a Turlock homeowner build taller than the district limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Turlock
California rules heatmap·Compare Turlock to another location·View the California building setbacks & zoning overview
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Structure Height Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle structure height limits.