Guadalupe · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in Guadalupe
Guadalupe's own rules cover fences between lots with different ground levels, accessory buildings in the R-1-M district, and home businesses. Home businesses may have no employees.
Key points
- Fence height: Guadalupe limits fences to 6 ft at a property line where the ground level changes between adjoining lots.
- Accessory buildings: City rule: in the R-1-M district, accessory buildings are limited to 7 feet; one built within the rear yard setback needs a 5-foot setback.
- Home businesses: Guadalupe home businesses may have no employees; vehicle repair, room, board or care, and medical marijuana dispensaries are not allowed.
Each rule below is marked Guadalupe code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Fences and walls
| Height anywhere on the lot |
|
|---|
Sheds, garages and other accessory structures
| Maximum height |
|
|---|---|
| Side and rear setback |
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Running a business from home
| Employees |
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|---|---|
| Businesses not allowed |
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Solar panels and EV chargers
Guadalupe code The Building Official approves applications meeting the city checklist, laws and safety standards, issuing all permits; electronic submittal allowed. Administrative, nondiscretionary building permit when a complete application meets the checklist and standard plan; only one inspection.
All 5 Guadalupe rules on solar panels and EV chargers, with the code text →
Pets, chickens and bees
| Permit |
|
|---|---|
| Pet limit |
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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
Guadalupe code Parking on any unpaved part of a front, side or street-side yard setback is prohibited, including RVs, boats and trailers. A vehicle may park on an unpaved front or street-side yard setback for up to 1 hour while being washed.
All 4 Guadalupe rules on parking spaces required for homes, with the code text →
Trash and recycling carts
Guadalupe code receive City disposal service At the curb or property line.
All 3 Guadalupe rules on trash and recycling carts, with the code text →
Historic homes
| Changing a historic home |
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|---|---|
| Demolishing an older or historic home |
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| Work that needs no review |
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Other Guadalupe rules on this
Guadalupe's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- Living in a trailer or motorhome during construction (§ 18.56.030) — during building construction only
- Parking large vehicles and trailers on residential streets (§ 10.24.190) — on public streets in residential districts
- Building in a flood hazard area (Ch. 15.12)
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
How tall can a fence be in Guadalupe?
Guadalupe limits fences to 6 ft at a property line where the ground level changes between adjoining lots.
How big can a shed or accessory building be in Guadalupe?
City rule: in the R-1-M district, accessory buildings are limited to 7 feet; one built within the rear yard setback needs a 5-foot setback.
Can I run a business from my home in Guadalupe?
Guadalupe home businesses may have no employees; vehicle repair, room, board or care, and medical marijuana dispensaries are not allowed.
Can I run a family child care home in Guadalupe?
California law sets this for every city, including Guadalupe: 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)).
What rules apply to a historic home in Guadalupe?
Guadalupe's code: The Landmark Committee must review and approve or modify plans before alterations, repairs, additions or changes. (Landmarks designated with this condition (the Landmark Committee may impose it).) (§ 2.36.040); Demolition, removal or destruction may be prohibited unless express written consent is obtained. (Landmarks designated with this condition (the Landmark Committee may impose it).) (§ 2.36.040).
General information, not legal advice.
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