Structure Height Limits: Berkeley vs San Leandro
How do structure height limits rules compare between Berkeley, CA and San Leandro, CA?
San Leandro 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 →San Leandro, CA
Alameda County
San Leandro caps residential height at 28-30 ft / 2 stories in RS zones. Accessory structures limited to 15 ft; ADUs to 16-25 ft per state law.
View full San Leandro rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | San Leandro |
|---|---|---|
| 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 height | - | ~28-30 ft / 2 stories |
| RM height | - | 35-40 ft |
| Accessory | - | ~15 ft |
| ADU height | - | 16-25 ft per state |
| FAA Part 77 | - | Airport proximity trigger |
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.
San Leandro FAQ
Can I build a 3-story house?
Not in most RS zones. Multifamily zones may allow taller buildings subject to design review.
Does Oakland Airport affect my project?
Tall structures in west San Leandro may require FAA Form 7460-1 notification.
Compare other topics
See how Berkeley and San Leandro compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool