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 Portion Adjacent ...
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 for hei...
Lot Coverage Limits
Modesto caps residential lot coverage at 50 to 60 percent for interior lots and 55 to 65 percent for corner lots, scaling up from the R-1 to the R-3 zone, under Table 4.1-1 of Section 10-4.102 of the Municipal Code. Buildings and required parking spaces both count toward the cap, and accessory dwelling units under 800 square feet are exempt from it.
Modesto Residential Lot Coverage: 50-65% Cap by Zone
Some RestrictionsModesto Code of Ordinances § 10-4.102, Table 4.1-1
10-4.102 - Development Standards. 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: Development Standards, Zoning Districts (R-1, R-2, R-3), Notes. LOT REQUIREMENTS... Coverage (maximum in %)...
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 →