Covina · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in Covina
Covina sets wall and fence heights by yard and requires permits for many walls and fences. It also limits the height and size of accessory buildings in its residential zones.
Key points
- Wall height: Front-setback walls are limited to 4 feet, or 5 if 50% see-through; rear and interior side walls, 8 feet, with permits over 6.
- Accessory buildings: In R-1-7500 and E-1 zones, accessory buildings are limited to one story or 15 feet; in R-1-7500, also 50% of the house's ground floor.
Each rule below is marked Covina code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Fences and walls
Covina code Front-setback walls are limited to 4 feet, or 5 if 50% see-through; rear and interior side walls, 8 feet, with permits over 6.
All 9 Covina rules on fences and walls, with the code text →
Sheds, garages and other accessory structures
Covina code In R-1-7500 and E-1 zones, accessory buildings are limited to one story or 15 feet; in R-1-7500, also 50% of the house's ground floor.
All 4 Covina rules on sheds, garages and other accessory structures, with the code text →
RV and boat parking
Covina code Only in the paved access, garage or paved parking areas. Storage over 72 hours only during repair or construction work on the lot, up to 60 days per 12 months.
All 3 Covina rules on RV and boat parking, with the code text →
Solar panels and EV chargers
Covina code An expedited nondiscretionary building permit is required. Apply in person, by mail, or electronically; electronic signatures are accepted.
All 4 Covina rules on solar panels and EV chargers, with the code text →
Tree removal
| Permit to remove |
|
|---|
Swimming pools
Covina code No middle horizontal rails; top and bottom rails at least 54 inches apart; vertical bars at most 4 inches apart. Masonry or concrete block walls, solid wood, chain link or ornamental iron; other fencing needs special building department approval.
Park and impact fees for new homes
Covina code Subdivisions of fewer than 5 parcels are exempt. Condo or stock cooperative conversions of an existing apartment building over 5 years old, adding no new units, are exempt.
All 6 Covina rules on park and impact fees for new homes, with the code text →
Noise and construction hours
Covina code Allowed 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturdays, 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
All 12 Covina rules on noise and construction hours, 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 |
Home alarm permits and false alarms
Covina code 10 consecutive minutes. The fee is established by city council.
All 7 Covina rules on home alarm permits and false alarms, with the code text →
Trash and recycling carts
Covina code Arrange for collection of all refuse, green waste, and recyclables at least weekly More frequently than once weekly.
All 5 Covina rules on trash and recycling carts, with the code text →
Historic homes
Covina code Up to 30 days. Exempt from the provisions of this chapter.
Other Covina rules on this
Covina's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- Parcel map for an SB 9 lot split (§ 16.06.025)
- SB 9 two homes and lot splits in single-family zones (§ 17.33.060) — single-family zones only
- Floodplain management (Ch. 14.44)
- Erosion control on construction sites (§ 8.50.100)
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Covina?
Covina's code: Yes, a tree preservation permit is required. (Applies to heritage trees on any lot in the city; damage includes removal.) (§ 17.83.030).
Can I run a family child care home in Covina?
California law sets this for every city, including Covina: 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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