Greenville County, SC Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Residential max height
- 45 feet
- Height-for-yard trade
- 1 ft yard per 3 ft height
- Exempt projections
- Chimneys, spires, towers, tanks
- Governing table
- Table 7.3
- Extra rule
- Sec. 7:3.7 Height
Summary
Table 7.3 of the Greenville County Zoning Ordinance sets a 45-foot maximum height in residential districts. Buildings may exceed the limit only if side and rear yards are widened 1 foot for each 3 feet of extra height.
All buildings may exceed the height limitations of the district if the minimum depth of rear yards and the minimum width of side yards required in the district regulations are increased 1 foot for each 3 feet by which the height of such building exceeds the prescribed height limit.
Full Breakdown
Maximum building height in Greenville County's residential zoning districts is 45 feet, per Table 7.3 of the Zoning Ordinance. Section 7:3.7 allows a building to exceed the district height limit only if the minimum rear-yard depth and side-yard width are each increased by 1 foot for every 3 feet the building exceeds the prescribed limit. Non-occupied projections such as chimneys, elevators, poles, spires, tanks, and towers may exceed the district height limit. Height limits differ in commercial and special districts, so check the applicable district in Table 7.3 or Table 7.4.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the height limit without the required yard increase violates the Zoning Ordinance, a misdemeanor under Sec. 13:3 punished in magistrate's court, each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall can a house be in Greenville County?
Do chimneys count toward the height limit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Greenville County
Compare Greenville County to another location·View the South Carolina building setbacks & zoning overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.