Campbell · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in Campbell
Campbell sets fence heights by distance from the front and street property lines and limits the height and size of accessory structures. Home businesses need a permit, and some uses are not allowed.
Key points
- Fence height: City rule: fences within 15 feet of the front property line are limited to 3½ feet; in interior side and rear yards, 6 feet.
- Accessory structures: Accessory structures are limited to one story or 14 feet, and to 1,000 square feet for one and 200 for each additional one.
- Home businesses: A home business needs a home occupation permit; barber shops, animal breeding, building contractors, seamstresses and vehicle repair are not allowed in residential zones.
Each rule below is marked Campbell code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Fences and walls
Campbell code City rule: fences within 15 feet of the front property line are limited to 3½ feet; in interior side and rear yards, 6 feet.
All 5 Campbell rules on fences and walls, with the code text →
Sheds, garages and other accessory structures
Campbell code Accessory structures are limited to one story or 14 feet, and to 1,000 square feet for one and 200 for each additional one.
All 5 Campbell rules on sheds, garages and other accessory structures, with the code text →
Running a business from home
| Permit |
|
|---|---|
| Businesses not allowed |
|
Lot splits under SB 9
Campbell code New lots must be about equal in area; no lot can be smaller than 40% of the original lot. Each new lot must be at least 1,200 square feet.
All 11 Campbell rules on lot splits under SB 9, with the code text →
RV and boat parking
| Where it may be parked |
|
|---|---|
| Screening and surface |
|
| Living in an RV |
|
Solar panels and EV chargers
Campbell code One ready-to-use Level 1 110V 20A NEMA 1-20 outlet and one Level 2 208/240V 40A NEMA 14-40 outlet. One Level 1 110V 20A NEMA 1-20 outlet and one Level 2 208/240V 40A NEMA 14-40 outlet.
All 4 Campbell rules on solar panels and EV chargers, with the code text →
Tree removal
Campbell code Dead or dying protected trees can be removed without a tree removal permit, after a zoning clearance by the director. Yes, a permit is required.
Swimming pools
Campbell code Rear yard only, at least 5 feet from any property line; 6 inches if enclosed by an approved sound barrier. The pool's circulation and purification systems must run whenever the pool is in use.
All 4 Campbell rules on swimming pools, with the code text →
Pets, chickens and bees
Campbell code Horses may be kept only in an enclosure at least 40 feet from any inhabited or habitable home. Give written notice to the City Manager within 5 days after the move begins.
All 4 Campbell rules on pets, chickens and bees, with the code text →
Park and impact fees for new homes
| How the park fee is set |
|
|---|---|
| Parkland per 1,000 residents |
|
Outdoor lighting
| Shielding |
|
|---|
Garage and yard sales
| How long a sale may last |
|
|---|---|
| Sales per year |
|
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 |
Affordable units in new housing (inclusionary)
Campbell code Rental or for-sale projects with a recorded government affordability restriction on all units except manager's units are exempt. Set by City Council resolution.
All 6 Campbell rules on affordable units in new housing (inclusionary), with the code text →
Group homes and residential care
Campbell code 1 parking space for each 5 residents, plus 1 for each live-in caregiver; at least 2 spaces covered. 1 parking space for each 5 residents, plus 1 for each caregiver, employee or doctor on-site at one time.
All 7 Campbell rules on group homes and residential care, with the code text →
Parking spaces required for homes
Campbell code Of the 2 spaces for each unit, 1 must be covered. 1 designated onsite guest space for every 10 onsite parking spaces provided, at least.
All 9 Campbell rules on parking spaces required for homes, with the code text →
Signs on homes
Campbell code Signs may be posted for no more than 75 days. Remove signs within 15 days after the event they relate to.
All 11 Campbell rules on signs on homes, with the code text →
Historic homes
Campbell code The Historic Preservation Board reviews exterior changes under a Tier 1 Permit, within 30 days. The Community Development Director reviews any exterior alteration or material change.
All 7 Campbell rules on historic homes, with the code text →
Other Campbell rules on this
Campbell's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- Flood damage prevention (Ch. 21.22)
- Construction hours and noise limits (§ 18.04.052)
- General noise limits (§ 21.16.070)
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I run a business from my home in Campbell?
A home business needs a home occupation permit; barber shops, animal breeding, building contractors, seamstresses and vehicle repair are not allowed in residential zones.
Can I park an RV or boat at my home in Campbell?
Campbell's code: On private property. (Residential zones; not on or over a public sidewalk.) (§ 21.28.120); A paved surface is required. (Residential zones.) (§ 21.28.120).
What park or impact fees apply to a new home in Campbell?
Campbell's code: Park acreage not met by land dedication is multiplied by the cost of land and improvements. (Applies to a subdivision that does not dedicate and improve enough park land.) (§ 20.24.080); 3 acres of parkland per 1,000 future residents. (New subdivisions: land dedicated and improved, or an equivalent fee.) (§ 20.24.050).
What are the outdoor lighting rules for homes in Campbell?
Campbell's code: Outdoor lights must be placed so no light or glare spills onto adjoining properties. (Outdoor lights.) (§ 21.16.060).
What are the garage sale rules in Campbell?
Campbell's code: No more than 5 per calendar year. (Not counting the citywide community garage sale.) (§ 21.36.090); No more than 3 consecutive days. (§ 21.36.090).
Can I run a family child care home in Campbell?
California law sets this for every city, including Campbell: 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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