Structure Height Limits: Berkeley vs Hayward
How do structure height limits rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Hayward, CA?
Hayward has fewer restrictions than Berkeley.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley caps residential heights at 28 feet in R-1 zones with average height 25 feet, while downtown zones permit high-rise buildings up to 180 feet under the Downtown Area Plan.
View full Berkeley rules →Hayward, CA
Alameda County
Hayward limits single-family residential structures to 30 feet and 2 stories in most RS zones. Downtown and mixed-use districts permit taller buildings per the Hayward Downtown Specific Plan.
View full Hayward rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Hayward |
|---|---|---|
| R-1 max height | 28 feet | - |
| R-1 average | 25 feet | - |
| R-2 max | 35 feet | - |
| Downtown max | Up to 180 feet | - |
| ADU state law | 16-25 feet | - |
| RS max | - | 30 ft and 2 stories |
| Accessory | - | 15 ft typical |
| ADU | - | 16 ft baseline state law |
| Downtown | - | Up to 105 ft+ |
| Airport zone | - | FAA Part 77 limits |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
Can I add a second story?
Yes within 28-foot height limit and applicable height planes; larger additions may require Use Permit and neighbor notice.
Are rooftop solar panels counted in height?
Panels generally may extend above height limits subject to reasonable design controls under Civil Code 714.
Hayward FAQ
How tall can I build my ADU?
State law baseline is 16 feet, with 18-25 feet allowed near transit or for two-story additions per AB 2221 and SB 897.
Do rooftop HVAC units count toward height?
Mechanical equipment can exceed the limit if properly screened and in line with specific zoning exceptions.
Compare other topics
See how Berkeley and Hayward compare on other ordinance categories.
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