Apple Valley · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in Apple Valley
Apple Valley sets fence heights by yard and fence type, with lower limits for solid fences in front yards and at corners. The city ties accessory structure height and size to the main structure and lists businesses not allowed at home.
Key points
- Fence height: Apple Valley limits solid fences to 48 inches in the required front yard and 6 feet elsewhere; open decorative fencing in front, 6 feet.
- Accessory structures: Apple Valley limits one-story accessory structures in residential districts to the main structure's height or 16 feet, whichever is lesser.
- Home business: Apple Valley does not allow home businesses such as animal hospitals, vehicle repair, barber and beauty shops, massage parlors, junk yards, or welding.
Each rule below is marked Apple Valley code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Fences and walls
Apple Valley code Apple Valley limits solid fences to 48 inches in the required front yard and 6 feet elsewhere; open decorative fencing in front, 6 feet.
All 10 Apple Valley rules on fences and walls, with the code text →
Sheds, garages and other accessory structures
Apple Valley code Apple Valley limits one-story accessory structures in residential districts to the main structure's height or 16 feet, whichever is lesser.
All 10 Apple Valley rules on sheds, garages and other accessory structures, with the code text →
Running a business from home
| Businesses not allowed |
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RV and boat parking
| Where it may be parked |
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| Screening and surface |
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Solar panels and EV chargers
| Solar permit process |
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Building on a hillside
| Grading and retaining walls |
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| Height on hillside lots |
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| When hillside rules apply |
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Noise and construction hours
Apple Valley code 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. Not allowed at any time on weekends or holidays.
All 9 Apple Valley rules on noise and construction hours, with the code text →
Garage and yard sales
Apple Valley code Each sale may last no more than 3 days in a row. Register the sale date and time with the Finance Department before the sale.
All 6 Apple Valley rules on garage and yard sales, with the code text →
Family child care homes
| Zoning | A small or large family child care home is a residential use and a use by right under all local ordinances, including zoning |
|---|---|
| Business license or fee | A city or county may not charge a business license, fee or tax to run a family child care home |
| Local rules | Local limits on height, setbacks, lot size, health and safety must be the same as for every other home in the same zone |
| Small home | Up to eight children, counting the provider's own children under 10 who live there |
| Large home | 7 to 14 children, counting the provider's own children under 10 who live there |
Group homes and residential care
Apple Valley code Conditional Use Permit required. Conditional Use Permit required.
All 9 Apple Valley rules on group homes and residential care, with the code text →
Parking spaces required for homes
Apple Valley code Extra parking may go in a side setback or front setback beside the driveway, nearest the side property line. Additional parking must be paved to the required standards.
All 8 Apple Valley rules on parking spaces required for homes, with the code text →
Signs on homes
Apple Valley code Display no more than 45 days before an election, except primary and run-off signs. Remove within 7 days after. No more than 50 days unless a permit is issued.
All 11 Apple Valley rules on signs on homes, with the code text →
Trash and recycling carts
Apple Valley code Remove containers from the street after collection on the scheduled collection day On the premises of the person receiving the container.
All 3 Apple Valley rules on trash and recycling carts, with the code text →
Other Apple Valley rules on this
Apple Valley's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- Animal limits by zone (§ 15.01.125)
- Keeping animals in residential zones (§ 9.29.030)
- SB 9 two-unit projects (§ 9.29.220)
- SB 9 urban lot splits (§ 9.71.170)
- Permit to remove a Joshua tree (§ 9.76.040) — Joshua trees only
- Flood hazard overlay rules (Ch. 9.62)
- Development impact fees (§ 9.71.055)
- Fire facilities development fee (Ch. 3.32)
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I run a business from my home in Apple Valley?
Apple Valley does not allow home businesses such as animal hospitals, vehicle repair, barber and beauty shops, massage parlors, junk yards, or welding.
Can I park an RV or boat at my home in Apple Valley?
Apple Valley's code: At least 5 feet from side and rear lines; not in required front or street side setbacks or recorded easements. (Applies to a carport, shelter or enclosure for storing cars, boats, RVs or trailers. A building permit is required.) (§ 9.29.022); Solid, opaque siding, with no more than a 4-foot gap between the ground and the siding. (Applies to a permanent or semi-permanent enclosure or shelter for an RV or other large vehicle.) (§ 9.29.022).
Do I need a permit for solar panels or an EV charger in Apple Valley?
Apple Valley's code: A building or nondiscretionary permit, issued within a reasonable time after a complete application meeting the checklist and standard plan. (Applies to small home rooftop solar energy systems.) (§ 8.38.040).
What extra rules apply to a hillside lot in Apple Valley?
Apple Valley's code: Hillside rules apply when the development has slopes of 15% or more. (§ 9.71.060); Conventional mass grading is not allowed in hillside areas. (§ 9.71.060).
Can I run a family child care home in Apple Valley?
California law sets this for every city, including Apple Valley: Zoning: A small or large family child care home is a residential use and a use by right under all local ordinances, including zoning (Health & Safety Code § 1597.45(a)); Business license or fee: A city or county may not charge a business license, fee or tax to run a family child care home (Health & Safety Code § 1597.45(b)); Local rules: Local limits on height, setbacks, lot size, health and safety must be the same as for every other home in the same zone (Health & Safety Code § 1597.45(e)); Small home: Up to eight children, counting the provider's own children under 10 who live there (Health & Safety Code § 1596.78(c)); Large home: 7 to 14 children, counting the provider's own children under 10 who live there (Health & Safety Code § 1596.78(b)).
General information, not legal advice.
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