Upland, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- RS-20 through RS-4 zones
- 35 ft. maximum
- MH mobile-home zone
- 16 ft. maximum
- RM-10 zone
- 40 ft. maximum
- RM-20 / RM-30 zones
- 40 ft., more only by CUP
- RM-40 zone
- 50 ft., more only by CUP
- Architectural feature projection
- up to 5 ft. above limit
Summary
Upland caps primary residential structure height at 35 feet in every single-family zone (RS-20 through RS-4) and 16 feet in the MH mobile-home zone, rising to 40 to 50 feet in the RM multifamily zones. Height is measured from average finished grade under the structure per Municipal Code § 17.10.050.
Primary Structure Height (max.): RS-20 35 ft.; RS-15 35 ft.; RS-10 35 ft.; RS-7.5 35 ft.; RS-4 35 ft.; MH 16 ft.; RM-10 40 ft.; RM-20 40 ft.[5]; RM-30 40 ft.[5]; RM-40 50 ft.[5]. Note [5] Consideration of greater height only by CUP. Section 17.10.050. -- Height Measurement. The height of a structure shall be measured as the vertical distance from the average level of the highest and lowest point of the portion of finished grade covered by the structure to the highest point of the structure.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4480959; v4 updated 2025-09-22).
Full Breakdown
5 and RS-4 single-family zones, 16 feet for the MH mobile-home zone, 40 feet for RM-10, 40 feet (with Note [5]) for RM-20 and RM-30, and 50 feet (Note [5]) for RM-40. Note [5] states "Consideration of greater height only by CUP," meaning the taller RM-20/RM-30/RM-40 figures require a conditional use permit rather than being by-right. " Subsection B allows limited exceptions: mechanical accessories, utility structures and roof features such as chimneys, vents and antennas may project above the limit if kept to the minimum height needed and screened by architectural elements, and towers, gables, spires and similar architectural features may project up to 5 feet above the limit if the projection covers 15 percent or less of the building footprint, the space above the top habitable floor is not habitable, and the feature does not conflict with FAA Part 77 navigable-airspace rules.
These height standards apply citywide within the base residential zones under Title 17, the Zoning Ordinance of Upland, California; they are distinct from the older single-family development standards printed in Title 18 (Specific Plans), which govern only within a specific-plan area and are not the citywide rule.
Violations & Fines
A structure that exceeds the applicable height limit without an approved exception or, for RM-20/RM-30/RM-40 heights above the base figure, without an approved conditional use permit, is out of compliance with Title 17 and subject to Upland's standard zoning enforcement and building-permit review process administered by the Community Development Department; unpermitted construction can be red-tagged and required to be brought into conformance or removed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a house be in an Upland single-family zone?
How is building height measured in Upland?
Can a roof feature exceed the height limit?
Can multifamily buildings in Upland exceed 40 feet?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Upland
California rules heatmap·Compare Upland to another location·View the California building setbacks & zoning overview
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