Downey · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in Downey
Downey sets its own limits on fences, accessory buildings and home businesses. Fence height depends on the setback area, and some businesses may not run from a home.
Key points
- Fence height: Downey limits residential fences to 42 inches in front and street side setbacks and 7 feet on interior side and rear lines.
- Accessory buildings: Downey requires detached accessory buildings, including garages, to be at least 5 feet from any other building on the same lot.
- Banned businesses: Downey does not allow some home businesses, including auto repair, animal grooming, cabinet making, contractor storage yards, personal services and welding.
Each rule below is marked Downey code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Fences and walls
Downey code Downey limits residential fences to 42 inches in front and street side setbacks and 7 feet on interior side and rear lines.
All 5 Downey rules on fences and walls, with the code text →
Sheds, garages and other accessory structures
Downey code Downey requires detached accessory buildings, including garages, to be at least 5 feet from any other building on the same lot.
All 3 Downey rules on sheds, garages and other accessory structures, with the code text →
Running a business from home
| Businesses not allowed |
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|---|
Lot splits under SB 9
Downey code Each new lot must be between 40% and 60% of the original lot area. Each new lot must be at least 1,200 square feet.
All 7 Downey rules on lot splits under SB 9, with the code text →
RV and boat parking
Downey code No more than 4 consecutive hours. No parking from 8:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
All 6 Downey rules on RV and boat parking, with the code text →
Solar panels and EV chargers
Downey code The Building Official issues permits when the application meets the city checklist and laws; electronic applications and signatures accepted. Expedited review, with over-the-counter plan check for in-person applications during counter hours; only one inspection.
All 4 Downey rules on solar panels and EV chargers, with the code text →
Pets, chickens and bees
Downey code Yes, up to 5 chickens, rabbits, pigeons and similar animals in any combination per lot. At least 10 feet from any separate accessory building.
All 8 Downey rules on pets, chickens and bees, with the code text →
Building in a flood zone
Downey code A building or grading permit is needed before work begins. Above the highest adjacent grade, at least as high as the depth number in feet on the FIRM.
All 4 Downey rules on building in a flood zone, with the code text →
Grading and erosion control
| Grading without a permit |
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Building on a hillside
| When hillside rules apply |
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Noise and construction hours
Downey code 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. 55 dB(A).
All 3 Downey rules on noise and construction hours, with the code text →
Outdoor lighting
Downey code Outdoor lights no higher than 8 feet. No more than 0.1 foot-candle at the property line.
All 3 Downey rules on outdoor lighting, 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 |
Affordable units in new housing (inclusionary)
| Fee instead of units |
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|---|---|
| Projects it applies to |
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Parking spaces required for homes
Downey code 3 enclosed covered spaces within a garage. 4 covered spaces within a garage.
All 9 Downey rules on parking spaces required for homes, with the code text →
Home alarm permits and false alarms
| How long an alarm may sound |
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Signs on homes
Downey code At most 9 square feet per sign, and 36 square feet in total per parcel. Remove within 10 days of the election.
Trash and recycling carts
Downey code Cut green waste into pieces at most 4 feet long and 4 inches across. Green waste must not be contaminated with other solid waste or hazardous substances.
All 5 Downey rules on trash and recycling carts, with the code text →
Other Downey rules on this
Downey's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- Garage, yard and estate sale permits (§ 9420.22) — residential zones only
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I run a business from my home in Downey?
Downey does not allow some home businesses, including auto repair, animal grooming, cabinet making, contractor storage yards, personal services and welding.
What are the grading rules in Downey?
Downey's code: Cut and fill under 50 cubic yards, no more than 50 per lot, not supporting structures or blocking drainage. (On natural terrain with a slope flatter than 5 horizontal to 1 vertical, or less than 3 feet deep.) (§ 8733).
What extra rules apply to a hillside lot in Downey?
Downey's code: Slopes steeper than 33.3%, which is 1 vertical to 3 horizontal. (Seismic design rules for new buildings and additions on or into such slopes; non-habitable accessory buildings and detached decks are exempt.) (§ 8004).
Can I run a family child care home in Downey?
California law sets this for every city, including Downey: 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)).
Does Downey require affordable units in new housing?
Downey's code: Fee is set by Council resolution, based on the number and size (gross livable floor area) of units. (Applies to each required inclusionary unit not built on site; paid before building permits are issued.) (§ 1505); Inclusionary rules apply to developments of 10 or more units. (Applies citywide to new construction of rental and ownership housing developments.) (§ 1501).
Do I need a permit for a home alarm in Downey?
Downey's code: The alarm must stop or reset automatically within 30 minutes of activation. (Applies to audible alarms.) (§ 3701).
General information, not legal advice.
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