Building Setbacks & Zoning in Riverside County, CA (2026)

3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 6 cities in Riverside County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Riverside County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Setback Rules

In unincorporated Riverside County's R-1 One-Family Dwelling zone, homes need a 20-foot front setback, side yards at least 10 percent of lot width (minimum 3 feet), and a 10-foot rear yard. Every residential zone chapter sets its own numbers.

Riverside County R-1 Zone Yard Setbacks

Some Restrictions

Riverside County Code § 17.24.020(E)

E.Minimum yard requirements are as follows:1.The front yard shall be not less than twenty (20) feet, measured from the existing street line or from any future street line as shown on any specific plan of highways, whichever is nearer the proposed structure.2.Side yards on interior and through lots shall be not less than ten (10) percent of the width of the lot, but not less than three feet in w...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Structure Height Limits

In unincorporated Riverside County's R-A zone, one-family homes are capped at 40 feet, other buildings at 50 feet without an exception, and 75 feet is the absolute ceiling even with a variance.

Riverside County Residential Height Cap

Some Restrictions

Riverside County Code § 17.32.020

One-family residences shall not exceed forty (40) feet in height. No other building or structure shall exceed fifty (50) feet in height, unless a greater height is approved pursuant to section 17.172.230. In no event, however, shall a building exceed seventy-five (75) feet in height or any other structure exceed one hundred five (105) feet in height, unless a variance is approved pursuant to Ch...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Lot Coverage Limits

In the R-1 one-family zone across unincorporated Riverside County, no more than 50 percent of a lot can be covered by the dwelling and attached structures, leaving at least half the parcel open.