Clovis · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in Clovis
Clovis sets fence heights by yard and by how see-through the fence is, and limits accessory structures in the rear setback. Home businesses need a permit and a business tax certificate.
Key points
- Fence height: Front and street-side fences are limited to 3 feet, or 7 feet if at least 50% see-through; rear and interior side, 7 feet.
- Accessory structures: Accessory structures in the rear yard setback are limited to 12 feet without an approved administrative use permit.
- Home businesses: City rule: a home business may use at most 25% of the ground floor, with 8 customers a day and no outside employees.
Each rule below is marked Clovis code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Fences and walls
Clovis code Front and street-side fences are limited to 3 feet, or 7 feet if at least 50% see-through; rear and interior side, 7 feet.
All 8 Clovis rules on fences and walls, with the code text →
Sheds, garages and other accessory structures
Clovis code Accessory structures in the rear yard setback are limited to 12 feet without an approved administrative use permit.
All 9 Clovis rules on sheds, garages and other accessory structures, with the code text →
Running a business from home
Clovis code City rule: a home business may use at most 25% of the ground floor, with 8 customers a day and no outside employees.
All 6 Clovis rules on running a business from home, with the code text →
Solar panels and EV chargers
Clovis code Permits issue when the application meets the City's checklist; the charger stays off until the City approves a final inspection. Electronic submittal is allowed.
All 4 Clovis rules on solar panels and EV chargers, with the code text →
Tree removal
Clovis code Fruit trees and eucalyptus (genus Myrtaceae) are exempt. Developed single-family residential properties are exempt from the general size rules.
Swimming pools
Clovis code The fence and gate must be designed so neither can be used as a ladder. Horizontal members must not be close enough together to use as handholds or footholds.
Pets, chickens and bees
Clovis code No, except as part of an existing agricultural operation. No more than 2 Vietnamese potbellied pigs at a single-family home; not allowed in multiple-family dwellings.
All 11 Clovis rules on pets, chickens and bees, with the code text →
Noise and construction hours
| Construction hours on weekdays |
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|---|---|
| Construction hours on weekends and holidays |
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| Quiet hours |
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Outdoor lighting
| Light at the property line |
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|---|---|
| Shielding |
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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
| Spaces per apartment or condo |
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|---|
Signs on homes
| Home business signs |
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|---|
Trash and recycling carts
| Required collection service |
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|---|---|
| Sorting organics and green waste |
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Other Clovis rules on this
Clovis's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- Building in a flood hazard area (§ 8.12.05)
- Park fee on new homes (§ 3.4.03)
- Fire facility impact fee (Ch. 4.10)
- Library facilities impact fee (Ch. 7.8)
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What are the noise rules and construction hours in Clovis?
Clovis's code: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Monday through Friday, unless a permit allows other hours.) (§ 5.27.604); 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. (Friday and Saturday nights; sporting, business or social events or other activities that disturb the neighborhood.) (§ 5.27.602).
What are the outdoor lighting rules for homes in Clovis?
Clovis's code: Lights must point down and be shielded so all direct light and glare stays within the parcel. (§ 9.22.050); No more than 0.5 foot-candles. (Indirect light on adjacent properties.) (§ 9.22.050).
Can I run a family child care home in Clovis?
California law sets this for every city, including Clovis: 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)).
How many parking spaces does a home need in Clovis?
Clovis's code: 2 covered spaces per unit, plus 1 covered or uncovered guest space per dwelling unit. (Condominiums.) (§ 9.32.040).
What signs may I put up at my home in Clovis?
Clovis's code: Up to 2 square feet. (Single-family residences only; 1 wall-mounted sign identifying a home occupation.) (§ 9.34.120).
When can trash carts go out to the curb in Clovis?
Clovis's code: Every occupied property must receive at least the City-provided basic service and pay for it. (§ 6.3.05); Put greenwaste in the container(s) the City provides. (§ 6.3.02).
General information, not legal advice.
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