Ceres · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in Ceres
Ceres sets fence heights by yard and fence type, limits accessory structures in the R-1 zone, and limits home businesses. A fence in a public right-of-way in a residential zone needs an encroachment permit.
Key points
- Fence height: City rule: in front and street-side setbacks, solid fences are limited to 3 feet and see-through ones to 4 feet; outside them, 7 feet.
- Accessory structures: In the R-1 zone, accessory structures are limited to one story or 15 feet, whichever is less.
- Home businesses: A home business needs a permit and may use one room or 20% of the main floor, whichever is greater, but not the garage.
Each rule below is marked Ceres code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Fences and walls
Ceres code City rule: in front and street-side setbacks, solid fences are limited to 3 feet and see-through ones to 4 feet; outside them, 7 feet.
Sheds, garages and other accessory structures
Ceres code In the R-1 zone, accessory structures are limited to one story or 15 feet, whichever is less.
All 5 Ceres rules on sheds, garages and other accessory structures, with the code text →
Running a business from home
Ceres code A home business needs a permit and may use one room or 20% of the main floor, whichever is greater, but not the garage.
All 7 Ceres rules on running a business from home, with the code text →
RV and boat parking
Ceres code In the side or rear yard setback, or the front yard setback if parked perpendicular to the street. No more than 2 RVs, parked perpendicular to the street; exceptions for curved driveways and corner lots.
All 6 Ceres rules on RV and boat parking, with the code text →
Solar panels and EV chargers
Ceres code Panels cannot be taller than the maximum legal building height for the system to qualify. Permits are issued administratively for a complete application meeting the checklist. Apply in person or electronically if available, with fees.
All 4 Ceres rules on solar panels and EV chargers, with the code text →
Pets, chickens and bees
| Pet limit |
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Park and impact fees for new homes
| How the park fee is set |
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| Parkland per 1,000 residents |
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| When the fee applies |
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Garage and yard sales
Ceres code A permit is required; apply to the Finance Department and pay the fee set by the city. A conditional use permit is required, and all fees must be paid.
All 4 Ceres 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 |
Trash and recycling carts
| Required collection service |
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|---|---|
| Sorting organics and green waste |
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Historic homes
Ceres code Applications for work go to the Director of Community Development, who presents them to the Planning Commission. Approval is required. The work must not detrimentally alter, destroy, or adversely affect exterior architectural features.
Other Ceres rules on this
Ceres's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- Floodplain management rules (Ch. 18.40)
- Loud and unnecessary noise (Ch. 9.04)
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What park or impact fees apply to a new home in Ceres?
Ceres's code: The fee is the land to be dedicated times its appraised value per acre, plus 20% for off-site improvements. (Fee paid instead of dedicating park land in a subdivision.) (§ 17.13.060); The park standard is 4 net acres for each 1,000 residents. (§ 17.13.030).
Can I run a family child care home in Ceres?
California law sets this for every city, including Ceres: 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)).
When can trash carts go out to the curb in Ceres?
Ceres's code: Every owner, tenant and occupant must consent to waste collection and pay monthly charges, whatever amount of waste is generated. (Except as provided in sections 6.01.080 and 6.01.060.) (§ 6.01.070); Willfully putting garbage or rubbish in organic or recycling carts, or waste unsuited to that cart, is not permitted. (§ 6.01.170).
General information, not legal advice.
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