Ridgecrest · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in Ridgecrest
Ridgecrest sets its own limits on fences, detached accessory buildings and home businesses. Fence height depends on the yard and on nearness to a street intersection.
Key points
- Fence height: Fences: at most 7 feet behind the front setback on side and rear lines; 3 ft 6 in in front setbacks at intersections.
- Accessory size: Detached accessory buildings in residential zones are limited to 2/3 of the main home's square footage, except approved accessory dwelling units.
- Home businesses: A home business needs a permit; only immediate or resident family may work there, and vehicle repair and auto painting are barred.
Each rule below is marked Ridgecrest code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Fences and walls
Ridgecrest code Fences: at most 7 feet behind the front setback on side and rear lines; 3 ft 6 in in front setbacks at intersections.
All 5 Ridgecrest rules on fences and walls, with the code text →
Sheds, garages and other accessory structures
Ridgecrest code Detached accessory buildings in residential zones are limited to 2/3 of the main home's square footage, except approved accessory dwelling units.
All 3 Ridgecrest rules on sheds, garages and other accessory structures, with the code text →
Running a business from home
Ridgecrest code A home business needs a permit; only immediate or resident family may work there, and vehicle repair and auto painting are barred.
All 5 Ridgecrest rules on running a business from home, with the code text →
RV and boat parking
Ridgecrest code In all yard areas except the required front yard setback on any side yard next to a street. On the apron between the driveway and the nearest side property line, in front of the setback.
All 5 Ridgecrest rules on RV and boat parking, with the code text →
Solar panels and EV chargers
| EV charger permit |
|
|---|
Swimming pools
Ridgecrest code No openings large enough for a child to pass, except through doors or gates. Wood posts at least 3 by 3 inches, at most 10 feet apart, set at least 18 inches deep.
All 7 Ridgecrest rules on swimming pools, with the code text →
Building in a flood zone
| Floodplain permit |
|
|---|
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
Ridgecrest code 1 guest parking space on-site. One-third space per dwelling unit, for guest parking.
All 10 Ridgecrest rules on parking spaces required for homes, with the code text →
Home alarm permits and false alarms
| Alarm permit |
|
|---|---|
| When a permit can be revoked |
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Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for solar panels or an EV charger in Ridgecrest?
Ridgecrest's code: The building official approves and issues all permits when the application meets the city checklist, laws and safety standards. (Applies to EV charging stations.) (§ 102-183); Electronic submittal of applications and documents is allowed, and electronic signatures are accepted. (§ 102-183).
What are the rules for building in a Ridgecrest flood zone?
Ridgecrest's code: A development permit is needed before construction or development begins. (In any area of special flood hazard, flood-related erosion hazard or mud slides.) (§ 103-7).
Can I run a family child care home in Ridgecrest?
California law sets this for every city, including Ridgecrest: 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)).
Do I need a permit for a home alarm in Ridgecrest?
Ridgecrest's code: An alarm permit is required. (§ 4-20); The permit can be revoked after over 4 false alarms. (Within any one-month period.) (§ 4-26).
General information, not legal advice.
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