National City · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in National City
National City sets its own fence rules, accessory-structure rules for the RS-4 zone and home-business rules. Home businesses may not have customers on the premises.
Key points
- Home businesses: City rule: residential home businesses need a home occupation permit and business license; no customers, displays or on-site sales.
- Chain link fences: City rule: vinyl-coated, landscape-screened chain link fences are limited to 6 ft in residential side and rear yards.
- Accessory structures: City rule: the Westside Specific Plan sets 3 ft and 6 ft limits for accessory structures in the RS-4 zone.
Each rule below is marked National City code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Fences and walls
| Front yard height |
|
|---|---|
| Side and rear yard height |
|
| Permit |
|
Sheds, garages and other accessory structures
| Side and rear setback |
|
|---|---|
| Distance from the house |
|
Running a business from home
National City code City rule: residential home businesses need a home occupation permit and business license; no customers, displays or on-site sales.
All 7 National City rules on running a business from home, with the code text →
RV and boat parking
National City code Only on paved areas or driveways designed for parking. Only if owned by and registered to someone living in a legal home on the same parcel.
All 7 National City rules on RV and boat parking, with the code text →
Solar panels and EV chargers
National City code The building official administratively approves and issues permits when the application is complete and meets health and safety rules. No limit on the percentage of roof covered.
All 9 National City rules on solar panels and EV chargers, with the code text →
Swimming pools
National City code The bottom of the barrier at most 2 inches above the ground. At most 4 inches between the top of the pool and the bottom of the barrier.
All 11 National City rules on swimming pools, with the code text →
Pets, chickens and bees
National City code Up to 4 hives, only on agricultural or research lots of at least 10,000 sq ft; not on home lots. Yes; up to 6 hens.
All 11 National City rules on pets, chickens and bees, with the code text →
Grading and erosion control
| Grading without a permit |
|
|---|
Noise and construction hours
National City code 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. Not allowed at any time on weekends or holidays.
All 4 National City rules on noise and construction hours, with the code text →
Garage and yard sales
National City code A finance department permit is required, with the fee in the city fee schedule; apply at least 48 hours ahead. 1 unlighted sign up to 6 square feet, posted at most 1 week early, removed after; never in the right-of-way.
All 3 National City rules on garage and yard sales, 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
National City code A two-car tandem garage must be at least 10 feet wide by 38 feet long. Tandem spaces are allowed only in an enclosed parking garage.
All 15 National City rules on parking spaces required for homes, with the code text →
Trash and recycling carts
| When carts must come back |
|
|---|---|
| When carts may go to the curb |
|
| Where carts are kept |
|
Other National City rules on this
National City's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- Outdoor lighting (Ch. 18.46)
- Transportation impact fee for new homes (§ 4.52.070)
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
How tall can a fence be in National City?
City rule: vinyl-coated, landscape-screened chain link fences are limited to 6 ft in residential side and rear yards.
How big can a shed or accessory building be in National City?
City rule: the Westside Specific Plan sets 3 ft and 6 ft limits for accessory structures in the RS-4 zone.
What are the grading rules in National City?
National City's code: No permit to dig basements and footings for a building, retaining wall or other structure under a valid building permit. (Does not cover fill made from the excavated material or an excavation with an unsupported height over 5 feet.) (§ 15.70.035).
Can I run a family child care home in National City?
California law sets this for every city, including National City: 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)).
When can trash carts go out to the curb in National City?
National City's code: Before noon on the day following collection day (§ 7.10.120); Containers may be put out no earlier than 4 p.m. on the day before scheduled collection. (§ 7.10.120).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a specific National City property
Ask GoCodebook how these rules apply to your address and get an answer that cites the section.
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