Structure Height Limits: Altadena vs Los Angeles
How do structure height limits rules compare between Altadena, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Altadena and Los Angeles have similar restriction levels.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Altadena R-1 max height: 35 ft on lots ≥20,000 sf; 30 ft on lots <20,000 sf and flag lots. Maximum 2 stories above grade. No portion of any structure may exceed 23 ft if within 15 ft of any property line.
View full Altadena rules →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Height limits in LA are controlled by height districts overlaid on zoning. The R1 zone in Height District 1 allows 36 feet / 3 stories. Hillside R1 lots are governed by the Baseline Hillside Ordinance (LAMC 12.21 C.10) with limits of 18-36 feet depending on slope. The Baseline Mansionization Ordinance further limits R1 residential scale. Commercial height varies by district (C2-1 allows 75 ft).
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | Altadena CSD 22.306.070.A.2 | LAMC 12.21 C.10, 12.21.1 |
| Max Height ≥20k sf | 35 ft | - |
| Max Height <20k sf | 30 ft | - |
| Flag Lots | 30 ft | - |
| Max Stories | 2 above grade | - |
| Within 15 ft of PL | 23 ft | - |
| R1 Standard | - | 36 ft / 3 stories in Height District 1 |
| Hillside | - | 18-36 ft based on slope (BHO) |
| C2-1 | - | 75 ft commercial |
| Mansionization | - | BMO limits R1 scale |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
How tall can a house be in Altadena?
35 ft on lots 20,000 sq ft and larger, 30 ft on smaller lots, with a maximum of 2 stories above grade (Altadena CSD 22.306.070.A.2).
Los Angeles FAQ
What is the max height for a house?
Typically 35 feet or 2.5 stories in residential zones. Check Los Angeles zoning code for your specific district.
Do chimneys count toward height?
Chimneys and similar projections are usually exempt up to a limited additional height above the roof.
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