Building Setbacks & Zoning in Modesto, CA (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Modesto, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
Modesto's Table 4.1-1 sets minimum yard setbacks for the R-1, R-2 and R-3 residential zones: 15 feet in front, 5 feet on an interior side for a one-story wing, and 10 feet in the rear. Second- and third-story additions push the side and rear numbers up sharply, especially next to an R-1 lot.
Modesto Residential Yard Setbacks by Zone
Some RestrictionsModesto Code of Ordinances § 10-4.102, Table 4.1-1; § 10-4.106
SETBACK REQUIREMENTS Front and Street-Side(corner lot) (minimum in feet) [...] Buildings (except garage, carport, parking space) 15 15 15 Garage, Carport, Parking Space (Side facing/front facing) 15/20 15/20 15/20 Side (interior) (minimum in feet) [...] Buildings, Main - One Story Portion 5 5 5 - Two Story Portion Adjacent to R-1 (2) 10 15 15 [...] Not Adjacent to R-1 (2) 10 10 10 - Three Story...
Structure Height Limits
Modesto caps main dwellings at 2 stories or 30 feet, whichever is less, in the R-1 and R-2 zones, and at 3 stories or 42 feet in R-3. A conditional use permit can push a church, government, or utility building higher, and roof equipment gets a separate allowance.
Modesto Residential Structure Height Limits
Some RestrictionsModesto Code of Ordinances § 10-4.102, Table 4.1-1; § 10-4.109
HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS Structure (maximum height in stories/feet, whichever is less) 2/30 2/30 3/42 See Sections 10-4.109 and 10-4.110 [...] Exceeding the maximum height may be permitted by a conditional use permit for structures occupied by the following uses: church, building or facility operated by a governmental agency, building or facility operated by a utility company. See Section 10-4.401 f...
Lot Coverage Limits
Modesto caps lot coverage in its residential zones at 50 percent on an R-1 interior lot, 55 percent in R-2 and 60 percent in R-3. Corner lots get 5 more points in each zone: 55, 60 and 65 percent. Coverage counts roofed structures, including patios, porches, garages and covered parking, and Table 4.1-1 sets the limits.
Modesto Residential Lot Coverage Limits
Some RestrictionsModesto Code of Ordinances § 10-4.102, Table 4.1-1
The development standards for the residential zones are found in Table 4.1-1. The specific residential development standards provided after the table apply to all residential zones unless otherwise specified. ... Table 4.1-1 Residential Development Standards ... Zoning Districts Notes R-1 R-2 R-3 ... Coverage (maximum in %) Interior Lot 50 55 60 See Section 10-2.141 For accessory dwelling units...
Looking for Stanislaus County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Modesto city rules.
Building Setbacks & Zoning in Stanislaus County →