Vallejo, CA Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- RR/RLD main building cap
- 35 feet
- RR/RLD accessory building cap
- 14 feet
- RMD main building cap
- 50 feet
- RHD main building cap
- 75 feet
- Measurement start point
- Average lot elevation under structure
- Dormers
- Excluded from height calculation
Summary
Vallejo limits residential building height to 35 feet for the main structure and 14 feet for accessory buildings in the Rural Residential and Low Density districts, measured under Section 16.104.13 from the average elevation of the ground beneath the building to the highest point of the roof, with special rules for parapet, gambrel, and mansard roofs.
16.104.13 - Measuring building height. A.The height of a proposed residential structure or addition is measured from the average elevation of that portion of the lot covered by the proposed residential structure or addition to the highest point of the roof with the following exceptions:1.In the case of a roof with parapet walls, height is measured to the top of the parapet wall;2.In the case of a gambrel roof, the average height of the roof is measured to a point between the ridge and the point where the uppermost change in the roof slope occurs; and3.In the case of a mansard roof, height is measured to the upper level of the roof deck.B.Dormers, as defined in Chapter 16.701, Land Use Terms and Definitions, shall not be included in the average height calculation.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Update 12 - 25).
Full Breakdown
13 sets the method for measuring building height: from the average elevation of the portion of the lot covered by the structure to the highest point of the roof, except that a parapet wall is measured to its top, a gambrel roof is measured to a point between the ridge and the uppermost change in slope, and a mansard roof is measured to the upper level of the roof deck. 701, are excluded from the average height calculation entirely. The numeric limits then come from the district development tables.
202-A caps the main building at 35 feet and accessory buildings at 14 feet in both the Rural Residential (RR) and Residential Low Density (RLD) districts, a limit repeated in the additional standards note that height 'shall not exceed thirty-five feet' with accessory structures capped at fourteen feet. 202-B allows taller construction as density rises: Residential Medium Density (RMD) tops out at 50 feet and Residential High Density (RHD) at 75 feet for the main building, with accessory buildings still capped at 14 feet in both.
501-A, including architectural spires and chimneys up to five feet above the limit and elevator or stair towers up to twelve feet above the limit, but no portion of a structure above the height limit may be used for sleeping quarters or advertising.
Violations & Fines
Constructing above the height limit for your zoning district without an approved height exception under Section 16.501.05 or a Table 16.501-A allowance is a Zoning Code violation. The director can order the owner to modify or remove the excess height under Section 16.615.02(C), and an unpermitted structure built above the limit is a public nuisance subject to abatement under Section 16.615.03, in addition to any building-permit stop-work action for unpermitted construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can I build a house in Vallejo?
How does Vallejo measure building height?
Do dormers or rooftop equipment count toward my height limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Vallejo
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How other cities in Solano County handle structure height limits.