Dixon · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in Dixon
Dixon sets its own limits on fences, accessory structures and home businesses. Fence height depends on the setback and street side lines, and accessory height depends on the distance from the property line.
Key points
- Fence height: Dixon limits residential fences to 4 feet in front setbacks and within 10 feet of a street side line, and 7 feet elsewhere.
- Accessory structures: In interior side and rear setbacks, accessory structures are limited to 10 feet at 3 feet from the line, 14 feet at 5 feet.
- Home businesses: Dixon limits home businesses to 25% of the structure and 3 clients at a time, with no visits from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Each rule below is marked Dixon code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Fences and walls
Dixon code Dixon limits residential fences to 4 feet in front setbacks and within 10 feet of a street side line, and 7 feet elsewhere.
Sheds, garages and other accessory structures
Dixon code In interior side and rear setbacks, accessory structures are limited to 10 feet at 3 feet from the line, 14 feet at 5 feet.
All 10 Dixon rules on sheds, garages and other accessory structures, with the code text →
Running a business from home
Dixon code Dixon limits home businesses to 25% of the structure and 3 clients at a time, with no visits from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
All 7 Dixon rules on running a business from home, with the code text →
RV and boat parking
| Living in an RV |
|
|---|
Solar panels and EV chargers
| Solar permit process |
|
|---|---|
| Review time |
|
Swimming pools
| Setback from property lines |
|
|---|
Pets, chickens and bees
Dixon code No more than 4 dogs; 5 or more are not allowed except at a kennel that follows city rules. No more than 4 cats; 5 or more are not allowed except at a cattery that follows city rules.
All 3 Dixon rules on pets, chickens and bees, with the code text →
Grading and erosion control
| Steepest cut or fill slope |
|
|---|
Park and impact fees for new homes
Dixon code Fair market value of the required land, plus 20% for off-site improvements. 5 acres per 1,000 residents.
All 3 Dixon rules on park and impact fees for new homes, with the code text →
Noise and construction hours
| Quiet hours |
|
|---|
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
Dixon code Required parking spaces must not be in a required front or street side setback. 1 guest space per 5 units.
All 7 Dixon rules on parking spaces required for homes, with the code text →
Home alarm permits and false alarms
Dixon code An alarm may not sound longer than 15 consecutive minutes. The City Council sets the amount by resolution.
All 3 Dixon rules on home alarm permits and false alarms, with the code text →
Signs on homes
Dixon code At most 1 sign. Up to 4 signs.
Trash and recycling carts
Dixon code Every person in the City must subscribe to the contractor's solid waste collection service. Separate organic materials from garbage. Put them in the contractor-provided organic materials container.
All 3 Dixon rules on trash and recycling carts, with the code text →
Other Dixon rules on this
Dixon'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 (Ch. 9.04)
- Outdoor lighting standards (§ 18.11.080)
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I park an RV or boat at my home in Dixon?
Dixon's code: Not allowed: no living or sleeping in an RV. (Except in a trailer park or mobile home park.) (§ 12.09.020); Temporary sleeping for up to 72 total hours, no more than 2 times in 30 days; self-contained, no house hookups. (Applies to a resident of a single- or two-family lot in a residential district, with the RV on public property.) (§ 12.09.020).
Do I need a permit for solar panels or an EV charger in Dixon?
Dixon's code: Applications may be sent by email, the city website, or fax; electronic signatures are accepted. (Applies to small residential rooftop solar systems.) (§ 16.18.050); An inspection is scheduled within 2 business days of a request. (Applies to small residential rooftop solar systems eligible for expedited review.) (§ 16.18.060).
What are the pool fence and setback rules in Dixon?
Dixon's code: At least 5 feet from a property line, measured to the water's outside edge. (Applies to pools, spas and water over 18 inches deep; they also may not be in a required front or side setback.) (§ 18.11.100); At least 15 feet from a bedroom window on a neighboring lot. (Applies to pool mechanical equipment and related structures.) (§ 18.11.100).
What are the grading rules in Dixon?
Dixon's code: No steeper than 2 to 1. (Cut and fill slopes, unless the Building Official specifically approves otherwise.) (§ 16.04.110).
What are the noise rules and construction hours in Dixon?
Dixon's code: 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. (Residential or mixed-use zones; disruptive, excessive and offensive noise heard from the nearest public street or walkway.) (§ 9.05.020).
Can I run a family child care home in Dixon?
California law sets this for every city, including Dixon: 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.
Ask about a specific Dixon property
Ask GoCodebook how these rules apply to your address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question