Redlands · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in Redlands
Redlands sets its own rules for accessory buildings and home businesses. Accessory building height, size and yard coverage depend on the zone, and a home business needs a permit and a city business license.
Key points
- Accessory buildings: In the R-S and R-1-D zones, accessory buildings are limited to 15 feet high and 1,000 square feet each (city rule).
- Home businesses: A home business may use at most 10% of the home or 1 room, whichever is less; only the resident family may work there.
Each rule below is marked Redlands 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
Redlands code In the R-S and R-1-D zones, accessory buildings are limited to 15 feet high and 1,000 square feet each (city rule).
All 13 Redlands rules on sheds, garages and other accessory structures, with the code text →
Running a business from home
Redlands code A home business may use at most 10% of the home or 1 room, whichever is less; only the resident family may work there.
All 5 Redlands rules on running a business from home, with the code text →
Lot splits under SB 9
Redlands code Each new lot must be between 40% and 60% of the original lot area. Setback and lot coverage rules apply only as far as they allow 2 primary units of 800 square feet each.
All 6 Redlands rules on lot splits under SB 9, with the code text →
Solar panels and EV chargers
Redlands code Reviewed administratively as a nondiscretionary permit. The permit can be issued once the chief building official finds the application meets all checklist requirements.
All 8 Redlands rules on solar panels and EV chargers, with the code text →
Swimming pools
| Pool barrier |
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Pets, chickens and bees
| Chickens |
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| Coop setback |
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| Permit |
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Building in a flood zone
Redlands code You need a development permit before construction or development begins. No fill, construction or other development unless certified not to raise base flood levels; other flood rules still apply.
All 6 Redlands rules on building in a flood zone, with the code text →
Building on a hillside
| When hillside rules apply |
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Park and impact fees for new homes
| How the park fee is set |
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Also in Redlands's code: Open space and park fees (Ch. 3.32). This page does not summarize it yet.
Noise and construction hours
Redlands code Construction is allowed from 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Construction is allowed 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Saturdays; not on Sundays or holidays.
All 6 Redlands rules on noise and construction hours, with the code text →
Garage and yard sales
Redlands code Sales are allowed only from 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. Each sale: at most 3 days in a row, or 2 weekends in a row of 2 days each.
All 5 Redlands 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 |
Affordable units in new housing (inclusionary)
Redlands code Residential developments with fewer than 10 dwelling units are exempt. The fee schedule is based on saleable area (for-sale) or leasable area (rental); City Council resolution sets the amount.
All 9 Redlands rules on affordable units in new housing (inclusionary), with the code text →
Parking spaces required for homes
Redlands code 1 covered space per unit. 1 1/2 covered spaces per unit
All 8 Redlands rules on parking spaces required for homes, with the code text →
Home alarm permits and false alarms
Redlands code Audible alarms need automatic turnoff and reset. With no turnoff in 15 minutes, post a notice with repair contacts. The first 3 false burglary alarms in 365 days carry no fee.
All 3 Redlands rules on home alarm permits and false alarms, with the code text →
Signs on homes
| Election and other noncommercial signs |
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Other Redlands rules on this
Redlands's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- Minimum grading in rural residential zones (§ 18.28.200) — rural residential zone only
- Grading standards for all lots (§ 18.212.020)
- Open space and park fees (Ch. 3.32)
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What are the pool fence and setback rules in Redlands?
Redlands's code: An enclosure meeting state pool-safety law that separates the pool or spa from the home. (New or remodeled pool or spa at a single-family home with a permit; plus at least 1 other drowning prevention feature.) (§ 15.06.070); House or accessory walls used as part of the enclosure must have protected door openings. (Applies to walls used to complete the isolation enclosure.) (§ 15.06.070).
Can I keep chickens or bees at my home in Redlands?
Redlands's code: Yes (hens); eggs produced on the property may be sold incidentally. (§ 6.24.030); At least 10 feet from all dwellings. (Applies to enclosures or cages for hens, rabbits and Belgian hares.) (§ 6.24.030).
What extra rules apply to a hillside lot in Redlands?
Redlands's code: Applies on downhill slopes of 25% or greater. (Measured along the side lot lines; with commission approval, an extra story or a home or garage in the front yard may be allowed.) (§ 18.152.020).
What park or impact fees apply to a new home in Redlands?
Redlands's code: Fees approved by the City Council. (Applies to applicants for development projects; no building permit is issued until the fee is paid.) (§ 3.32.040).
Can I run a family child care home in Redlands?
California law sets this for every city, including Redlands: 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 signs may I put up at my home in Redlands?
Redlands's code: Signs may go up no more than 60 days before the event and must come down within 7 days after. (Signs for a noncommercial event on a certain date, on private property.) (§ 15.36.170).
General information, not legal advice.
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