Elk Grove · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in Elk Grove
Elk Grove sets its own rules for accessory structures and home businesses, and has its own chapter on fences and walls. Accessory limits depend on the zone and the structure type.
Key points
- Accessory structures: Elk Grove limits accessory structures on agricultural or agricultural residential property to 40 feet.
- Home businesses: Elk Grove requires a business license for most home businesses and allows only a home office for out-call massage businesses.
- Fences and walls: Elk Grove has its own chapter on fences and walls.
Each rule below is marked Elk Grove code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Sheds, garages and other accessory structures
Elk Grove code Elk Grove limits accessory structures on agricultural or agricultural residential property to 40 feet.
All 7 Elk Grove rules on sheds, garages and other accessory structures, with the code text →
Running a business from home
Elk Grove code Elk Grove requires a business license for most home businesses and allows only a home office for out-call massage businesses.
All 4 Elk Grove rules on running a business from home, with the code text →
Solar panels and EV chargers
Elk Grove code Approved, all permits issued, when the application meets the city checklist and all applicable laws and health and safety standards. Administrative, nondiscretionary review; a permit issues when a complete application meets the checklist and standard plan; only 1 inspection.
All 3 Elk Grove rules on solar panels and EV chargers, with the code text →
Tree removal
Elk Grove code Exempt: trees of local importance. Removal allowed with permission of the City Arborist in normal working hours, or Public Works at other times.
Swimming pools
| Maintenance and empty pools |
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Pets, chickens and bees
| Bees |
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|---|---|
| Pet limit |
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Building in a flood zone
| Floodplain permit |
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Grading and erosion control
Elk Grove code 350 cubic yards or more. Less than 350 cubic yards, or less than 1 acre of land cleared and grubbed.
All 3 Elk Grove rules on grading and erosion control, with the code text →
Park and impact fees for new homes
Elk Grove code Acres of land required times fair market value per acre equals the fee. Fair market value set by appraisal.
All 7 Elk Grove rules on park and impact fees for new homes, with the code text →
Noise and construction hours
Elk Grove code 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. No sweepers or sweeping equipment, such as blowers, from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
All 12 Elk Grove rules on noise and construction hours, with the code text →
Outdoor lighting
Elk Grove code Lights off by automatic timer from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. every day. Bulbs no brighter than 1,600 lumens.
All 8 Elk Grove 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 |
Parking spaces required for homes
| Spaces per apartment or condo |
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|---|---|
| Spaces for a single-family home |
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Signs on homes
Elk Grove code The total allowed sign area increases by an additional 5 sq ft. Signs may be displayed without a permit, as listed in Table 23.62-5 and the items below it.
All 7 Elk Grove rules on signs on homes, with the code text →
Trash and recycling carts
Elk Grove code Use the franchised residential hauler and subscribe to all mandatory services: garbage, nonorganic waste recycling and organic waste recycling. Not required to subscribe to all mandatory service types.
All 8 Elk Grove rules on trash and recycling carts, with the code text →
Historic homes
Elk Grove code Properties significant within the past 50 years are ordinarily not eligible for the Elk Grove Register of Historic Resources. Prior approval of a minor or major certificate of appropriateness is required.
All 13 Elk Grove rules on historic homes, with the code text →
Other Elk Grove rules on this
Elk Grove's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- Fences and walls (Ch. 23.52)
- Urban lot splits (SB 9) (§ 22.16.110)
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
How tall can a fence be in Elk Grove?
Elk Grove has its own chapter on fences and walls. Elk Grove also has a related rule: Fences and walls (Ch. 23.52).
Can I keep chickens or bees at my home in Elk Grove?
Elk Grove's code: Yes, if the keeper follows the Zoning Code and state beekeeping law, with adequate water on site before hives arrive. (§ 16.18.1136).
What are the rules for building in an Elk Grove flood zone?
Elk Grove's code: A floodplain development permit is needed before any construction or other development. (In special flood hazard areas; permits are issued only for nonhabitable accessory structures and new subdivisions or other development the code allows.) (§ 16.50.050).
Can I run a family child care home in Elk Grove?
California law sets this for every city, including Elk Grove: 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 Elk Grove?
Elk Grove's code: No minimum parking is required. (Applies to residential projects within 1/2 mile of a major transit stop.) (§ 23.58.050); No minimum parking is required. (Applies to residential projects within 1/2 mile of a major transit stop.) (§ 23.58.050).
General information, not legal advice.
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