Structure Height Limits: Garden Grove vs Midway City
How do structure height limits rules compare between Garden Grove, CA and Midway City, CA?
Garden Grove has fewer restrictions than Midway City.
Garden Grove, CA
Orange County
Garden Grove Zoning Code Title 9.16 limits building height by zoning district. In R-1 single-family residential zones, the maximum building height is 35 feet or 2 stories, whichever is less. Accessory structures are limited to 15 feet. Height is measured from finished grade to the highest point of the roof.
View full Garden Grove rules →Midway City, CA
Orange County
The Orange County Zoning Code limits fence and wall heights to 3.5 feet in front setback areas and 6 feet in side and rear setback areas. Primary residential structures in most zones are limited to 35 feet. The code includes specific visibility triangle requirements at intersections.
View full Midway City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Garden Grove | Midway City |
|---|---|---|
| R-1 Max Height | 35 feet or 2 stories | - |
| Accessory Structures | 15 feet, 1 story maximum | - |
| ADU Height | Up to 16 feet (state law) | - |
| Measurement | Finished grade to highest roof point | - |
| Variances | Planning Commission approval required | - |
| Residential Max | - | 35 feet |
| Front Fence | - | 3.5 feet max |
| Side/Rear Fence | - | 6 feet max |
| Visibility Triangle | - | 3.5 feet max |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Garden Grove FAQ
How tall can I build my house in Garden Grove?
In R-1 residential zones, the maximum is 35 feet or 2 stories, whichever is less. Height is measured from finished grade to the highest point of the roof. Contact Community Development at (714) 741-5312 for your specific zoning district limits.
What is the height limit for a detached garage or shed?
Accessory structures in residential zones are limited to 15 feet and one story. This includes detached garages, workshops, sheds, and similar structures.
Can I build a taller ADU than the zoning allows?
California Government Code Section 65852.2 allows ADUs up to 16 feet in height, which may preempt Garden Grove's local 15-foot accessory structure limit for qualifying ADU projects. Contact Community Development for ADU-specific height standards.
Midway City FAQ
How tall can I build a house in unincorporated Orange County?
Most single-family residential zones allow a maximum structure height of 35 feet measured from finished grade. Hillside lots may have additional restrictions. Variances may be requested through the Board of Zoning Adjustment.
What are the fence height limits in front yards?
Fences, walls, and hedges in front setback areas are limited to 3.5 feet. Side and rear setbacks allow up to 6 feet. Visibility triangles at intersections must also maintain the 3.5-foot maximum.
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