Building Setbacks & Zoning in Mendocino County, CA (2026)
3 rules for unincorporated Mendocino County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
Mendocino County sets front, rear and side yard setbacks by zoning district. The S-R Suburban Residential District requires 20 feet front and rear and 6 feet on each side under Sec. 20.044.035 and Sec. 20.044.040, while Rural Residential and Agricultural parcels scale up to 50 feet depending on lot size. Sec. 20.152.015 adds exceptions for sheds, decks, eaves and animal barns.
Mendocino County Yard Setback Minimums
Some RestrictionsMendocino County Code § 20.044.035 and § 20.044.040 (S-R Yards); § 20.152.015 (Setback Exceptions)
Sec. 20.044.035 - Minimum Front and Rear Yards. Twenty (20) feet each. See setback exceptions in section 20.152.015. ... Sec. 20.044.040 - Minimum Side Yards. Six (6) feet each. See setback exceptions in section 20.152.015. ... (F)A detached garage, detached storage shed, or similar detached accessory building not exceeding fifteen (15) feet in height at the ridge and five hundred (500) square ...
Structure Height Limits
In Mendocino County's unincorporated S-R Suburban Residential and R-R Rural Residential zoning districts, buildings are capped at 35 feet under Sec. 20.044.045 and Sec. 20.048.050 of the Zoning Code. The A-G Agricultural District allows a taller 50-foot limit under Sec. 20.052.050. Antennas, wind generators, and mineral-processing equipment get specific exceptions under Sec. 20.152.025, and taller structures otherwise need a Variance under Chapter 20.200.
Mendocino County Residential Building Height Limit
Some RestrictionsMendocino County Code § 20.044.045 (Building Height Limit) and § 20.152.025 (Height Exceptions)
Sec. 20.044.045 - Building Height Limit. Thirty-five (35) feet. See height exceptions in section 20.152.025. ... Sec. 20.152.025 - Height Exceptions. (A)Height limitations shall not apply to electric transmission lines and towers.(B)A Variance pursuant to Chapter 20.200 is not required for the following Height Exceptions:(1)Radio and television aerials and antennae, and similar utility structur...
Lot Coverage Limits
In Mendocino County's Coastal Zone Agricultural (AG) District, Zoning Code Section 20.356.045 caps how much of a parcel can be covered with buildings on a sliding scale tied to parcel size: twenty percent on parcels under two acres, fifteen percent on parcels from two to five acres, and ten percent on parcels over five acres.
Mendocino County AG District Lot Coverage Limits
Some RestrictionsMendocino County Code § 20.356.045
Twenty (20) percent for parcels less than two (2) acres in size. Fifteen (15) percent for parcels from two (2) acres to five (5) acres in size. Ten (10) percent for parcels over five (5) acres in size.
All Mendocino County ordinances
See every category we cover for Mendocino County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Mendocino County Ordinance Hub →