Rolling Hills · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in Rolling Hills
Rolling Hills limits the size of accessory structures such as cabanas, pool houses, guest houses and detached garages.
Key points
- Accessory size: Cabanas, pool houses, guest houses, detached garages and similar accessory structures are limited to 200 square feet (city rule).
- Sheds: Sheds that the city code specifically permits in another section are excepted from the 200-square-foot limit.
Each rule below is marked Rolling Hills 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
| Size or lot coverage |
|
|---|
Lot splits under SB 9
Rolling Hills code More than 500 and no more than 800 square feet. May not be expanded; limited to its lawful floor area at the time of the two-unit project.
All 7 Rolling Hills rules on lot splits under SB 9, with the code text →
Pets, chickens and bees
Rolling Hills code At least 25 feet from side lines in RAS-1, 35 feet in RAS-2; not in front yard or rear setback. At least 35 feet from any home, including an attached garage or guest house.
All 6 Rolling Hills rules on pets, chickens and bees, 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 |
Home alarm permits and false alarms
| How long an alarm may sound |
|
|---|---|
| False alarm fees |
|
Trash and recycling carts
| Where carts are kept |
|
|---|
Other Rolling Hills rules on this
Rolling Hills's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- When a grading permit is needed (§ 15.04.080)
- Hours of construction (Ch. 15.36) — resident owners and their tenants are exempt
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
How big can a shed or accessory building be in Rolling Hills?
Cabanas, pool houses, guest houses, detached garages and similar accessory structures are limited to 200 square feet (city rule). Sheds that the city code specifically permits in another section are excepted from the 200-square-foot limit.
What are the rules for building in a Rolling Hills flood zone?
Rolling Hills's code: A flood damage prevention permit is needed for all construction or development, so the city can check for flood-prone areas. (Includes substantial damage and placing manufactured homes.) (§ 8.36.110).
Can I run a family child care home in Rolling Hills?
California law sets this for every city, including Rolling Hills: 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 Rolling Hills?
Rolling Hills's code: An audible alarm must automatically stop or reset within 15 minutes of being activated. (§ 9.36.030); The alarm owner pays a service charge for each response to an activated alarm. (City Council resolution sets it from the City's actual cost. No charge if the Sheriff finds evidence of criminal activity.) (§ 9.36.060).
When can trash carts go out to the curb in Rolling Hills?
Rolling Hills's code: Keep containers in the service yard, reasonably concealed from view by neighbors. (§ 8.08.520).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a specific Rolling Hills property
Ask GoCodebook how these rules apply to your address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question