Frost Line Depth in Lincoln, California
- Lincoln’s adopted code
- Checked Oct 2026
- Sources
Verified
0in
No frost depth required
Set in the building code Lincoln has adopted.
Footings still go at least 12 in (30 cm) below undisturbed ground (IRC R403.1.4).
Source and how we checked
Document: lincolnca.gov
Climate: 20 nights a year at or below 32 °F (NOAA 1991–2020, Auburn, 11.5 mi).
Checked Oct 2026. Report a correction
How deep is the frost line in Lincoln?
Lincoln's building authority sets the frost line depth at 0 in (0 cm). Footings, piers and other permanent supports still go at least 12 in below undisturbed ground (IRC R403.1.4).
Who sets the frost line depth in Lincoln?
California leaves the frost line depth to each city or county, and Lincoln fills it in when it adopts the residential code. The value above comes from Lincoln’s own document on lincolnca.gov. Placer County, which covers the unincorporated land around Lincoln, uses 18–24 in Above 5,000 ft, so check which one issues your permit. See how California sets frost line depth.
How deep do footings, decks and water lines need to be in Lincoln?
House or garage footing in Lincoln: dig at least 12 in (30 cm). Below the frost line and at least 12 in deep (IRC R403.1.4).
| Project | Depth | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| House or garage footing | 12 in | Below the frost line and at least 12 in deep (IRC R403.1.4) |
| Deck footing (attached) | 12 in | Below the frost line and at least 12 in deep (IRC R507.3) |
| Water service line | 12 in | 6 in below the frost line and at least 12 in deep (IRC P2603.5) |
| Fence post bottom | 12 in | No code rule; common practice is below the frost line |
Work out posts, concrete and footing sizes with the fence post depth calculator or the deck footing calculator.
How cold does it get in Lincoln?
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- F
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- D
Lincoln never averages a low below freezing. 20 nights a year reach 32 °F or colder; Dec is coldest, with an average low of 37.2 °F.
NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, Auburn station, 11.5 mi away, elevation 1,292 ft.
Monthly temperatures as a table
| °F | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 37.8 | 40 | 42.3 | 44.8 | 51.5 | 57.5 | 63.4 | 62.8 | 59.5 | 51.6 | 43.1 | 37.2 |
| High | 56.3 | 59.4 | 63.1 | 68.1 | 76.9 | 85.7 | 92.7 | 92 | 86.8 | 76.9 | 63.8 | 55.8 |
Lincoln has more freezing nights than 179 of the 208 other California places we track. The California median is 3. Coldest: El Dorado County; mildest: San Diego.
What frost line depth do towns near Lincoln use?
2 official codes near Lincoln are verified; each links to its document.
| Place | Verified frost line | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Placer County | 18 in | 33 mi away |
| Brentwood | 30 in | 69 mi away |
How likely is the soil in Lincoln to heave?
USDA rates the sampled soil around Lincoln as 100% none for frost action (main soils: Xerofluvents, Rubble land, Pits and dumps).
USDA NRCS soil survey, 9 sample points within 2 mi. Higher frost action means more risk of heave; see frost heave.
How do you confirm the frost line before you dig in Lincoln?
Lincoln at a glance
- Frost line depth
- 0 in
- County
- Placer County
- Population (2023 est.)
- 54,538
- Mean annual temperature
- 61.2 °F
- ZIP codes (3)
- 95648 · 95650 · 95765