Hayward · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in Hayward
Hayward sets fence heights by zone, with detailed limits in its Downtown and Mission Boulevard Corridor zones. A fence near the property line of a residence lot that is unnecessarily higher than 6 ft is a private nuisance.
Key points
- Fence height: Hayward limits fences to 4 ft in front setbacks and 7 ft in side and rear setbacks in Downtown and Mission Boulevard Corridor zones.
- Home businesses: In Hayward's Downtown Zones, home businesses may run 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; NE and NG zones allow residents only, others 2 employees.
Each rule below is marked Hayward code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Fences and walls
Hayward code Hayward limits fences to 4 ft in front setbacks and 7 ft in side and rear setbacks in Downtown and Mission Boulevard Corridor zones.
All 13 Hayward rules on fences and walls, with the code text →
Running a business from home
Hayward code In Hayward's Downtown Zones, home businesses may run 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; NE and NG zones allow residents only, others 2 employees.
All 8 Hayward rules on running a business from home, with the code text →
Tree removal
Hayward code Yes; Site Plan Review first, approved only if the burden of keeping the tree outweighs the public benefit. Native trees of the listed species at least 4 inches in diameter at standard height (DSH).
Swimming pools
Hayward code The fence or wall must keep anyone, including small children, from passing through, under or over it, except at gates. At least 4½ feet high.
Building in a flood zone
Hayward code You need a development permit before construction or development starts in a special flood hazard area. Encroachments are banned unless they do not endanger life or significantly restrict carrying capacity, and add no base flood rise.
All 5 Hayward rules on building in a flood zone, with the code text →
Grading and erosion control
Hayward code A grading permit is needed for 300 or more cubic yards. Cut surfaces may be no steeper than 1½ horizontal to 1 vertical.
All 4 Hayward rules on grading and erosion control, with the code text →
Noise and construction hours
Hayward code Construction is allowed from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Construction is allowed from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
All 5 Hayward 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 |
Affordable units in new housing (inclusionary)
| Projects it applies to |
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|---|
Parking spaces required for homes
Hayward code 10% of required parking spaces must be clearly marked for visitor parking. At least 1 standard parking space must be clearly marked for visitor parking.
All 11 Hayward rules on parking spaces required for homes, with the code text →
Signs on homes
Hayward code Address sign (non-business), at most 2 square feet. Address sign (non-business), 4 square feet.
Trash and recycling carts
Hayward code Start collection service within fifteen (15) days of occupancy Retrieve containers no later than midnight on the day the franchisee has emptied them
All 4 Hayward rules on trash and recycling carts, with the code text →
Historic homes
Hayward code At least 50 years old. A historical alteration permit is required.
Other Hayward rules on this
Hayward's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- Sleeping in a trailer coach on a home lot (§ 5-3.270) — behind a private home only
- EV-ready parking for new homes (§ 10-2.810)
- Park impact fees (§ 10-16.20)
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I run a family child care home in Hayward?
California law sets this for every city, including Hayward: 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 Hayward require affordable units in new housing?
Hayward's code: The rule applies to projects of 2 or more dwelling units or lots. (§ 10-17.205).
General information, not legal advice.
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