Cloverdale · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in Cloverdale
Cloverdale sets fence heights by yard, limits the height and yard coverage of accessory structures in residential zones, and limits home businesses. A home business needs a permit and a city business license.
Key points
- Fence height: City rule: fences are limited to 3 feet in a required front yard and 7 feet in interior side, rear and street side yards.
- Accessory structures: In residential zones, accessory structures are limited to 14 feet and may be no higher than the main structure.
- Home businesses: A home business is limited to 25% of floor area or 400 square feet, whichever is greater, and 2 nonresident employees.
Each rule below is marked Cloverdale code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Fences and walls
Cloverdale code City rule: fences are limited to 3 feet in a required front yard and 7 feet in interior side, rear and street side yards.
All 6 Cloverdale rules on fences and walls, with the code text →
Sheds, garages and other accessory structures
Cloverdale code In residential zones, accessory structures are limited to 14 feet and may be no higher than the main structure.
All 4 Cloverdale rules on sheds, garages and other accessory structures, with the code text →
Running a business from home
Cloverdale code A home business is limited to 25% of floor area or 400 square feet, whichever is greater, and 2 nonresident employees.
All 7 Cloverdale rules on running a business from home, with the code text →
RV and boat parking
Cloverdale code In a front yard off-street parking area, or in the backyard but not within the rear setback. Allowed on a hardscape surface, not grass or dirt, parked perpendicular to the home front; at most 1 RV.
All 5 Cloverdale rules on RV and boat parking, with the code text →
Solar panels and EV chargers
Cloverdale code Permits issue when the application meets the checklist; electronic submittal allowed; no power on until county or utility approval. Administrative review; permit issued when complete application meets checklist and standard plan; 1 inspection, scheduled within 1 business day.
All 3 Cloverdale rules on solar panels and EV chargers, with the code text →
Tree removal
Cloverdale code Yes, removing a protected tree needs a tree removal permit. Black oak (Quercus kelloggii), 24 inches DBH (diameter at breast height) or greater.
All 23 Cloverdale rules on tree removal, with the code text →
Pets, chickens and bees
| Permit |
|
|---|
Building in a flood zone
| Floodplain permit |
|
|---|---|
| Height of the lowest floor |
|
Building on a hillside
| Soils or geology report |
|
|---|---|
| When hillside rules apply |
|
Park and impact fees for new homes
| How the park fee is set |
|
|---|
Outdoor lighting
| Shielding |
|
|---|
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 |
Parking spaces required for homes
Cloverdale code 1 unrestricted shared parking space per unit. 1 unrestricted shared parking space per unit.
All 8 Cloverdale rules on parking spaces required for homes, with the code text →
Trash and recycling carts
| Required collection service |
|
|---|
Other Cloverdale rules on this
Cloverdale's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- Swimming pool setbacks and permit (§ 18.09.250)
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What are the rules for building in a Cloverdale flood zone?
Cloverdale's code: A development permit is needed before construction or development begins in special flood hazard, flood-related erosion or mudslide areas. (§ 15.20.140); Lowest floor at least 1 foot above the base flood elevation. (New or substantially improved homes in an A zone or any other flood zone except Zone AO.) (§ 15.20.150).
What extra rules apply to a hillside lot in Cloverdale?
Cloverdale's code: A site is a hillside site if any part has slopes over 20%. (Hillside sites need a grading and erosion control plan; development should go on land under 20% slope if feasible.) (§ 18.09.040); Hillside applications need a geotechnical study, including geologic and seismic hazards. (Areas with known significant geologic hazards, or where the city engineer finds such hazards may exist.) (§ 18.09.040).
What park or impact fees apply to a new home in Cloverdale?
Cloverdale's code: Set by city council resolution after a public hearing. (Park land fee on new development not subject to Quimby Act fees.) (§ 17A.16.020).
What are the outdoor lighting rules for homes in Cloverdale?
Cloverdale's code: Outdoor lights must aim down or toward buildings and be maintained to prevent glare, light trespass and light pollution. (§ 18.09.050).
Can I run a family child care home in Cloverdale?
California law sets this for every city, including Cloverdale: 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 Cloverdale?
Cloverdale's code: All occupied premises must subscribe to solid waste collection service with a contractor. (Subject to and except as permitted in Section 8.12.060(B) and Section 8.12.190.) (§ 8.12.140).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a specific Cloverdale property
Ask GoCodebook how these rules apply to your address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question