San Clemente · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in San Clemente
San Clemente sets its own limits on fences, accessory buildings and home businesses in residential zones. Fence height depends on the yard and on corner lots, and cottage food operations follow separate rules.
Key points
- Fence height: Front-yard fences: at most 3 ft 6 in, or 6 ft with a Minor Exception Permit; side and rear setbacks, 6 ft.
- Accessory height: Detached accessory buildings are limited to 15 feet; in the rear half, the zone limit applies if main-building setbacks are met.
- Home businesses: A home business may use at most 20% of the home's habitable floor area; only residents may work there; a permit is required.
Each rule below is marked San Clemente code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Fences and walls
San Clemente code Front-yard fences: at most 3 ft 6 in, or 6 ft with a Minor Exception Permit; side and rear setbacks, 6 ft.
All 10 San Clemente rules on fences and walls, with the code text →
Sheds, garages and other accessory structures
San Clemente code Detached accessory buildings are limited to 15 feet; in the rear half, the zone limit applies if main-building setbacks are met.
All 9 San Clemente rules on sheds, garages and other accessory structures, with the code text →
Running a business from home
San Clemente code A home business may use at most 20% of the home's habitable floor area; only residents may work there; a permit is required.
All 10 San Clemente rules on running a business from home, with the code text →
RV and boat parking
San Clemente code In a garage, carport or legal enclosure, or behind a fence or wall that fully hides it from the street. In the required driveway.
All 6 San Clemente rules on RV and boat parking, with the code text →
Solar panels and EV chargers
San Clemente code Administrative review by the Building Official; the permit can be issued once the application meets all checklist requirements. You can apply electronically.
All 6 San Clemente rules on solar panels and EV chargers, with the code text →
Pets, chickens and bees
San Clemente code Yes, with a permit. Keeping 4 or more dogs or cats over 4 months old requires a private kennel permit.
All 3 San Clemente rules on pets, chickens and bees, with the code text →
Building in a flood zone
| Floodplain permit |
|
|---|---|
| Building in a floodway |
|
| Height of the lowest floor |
|
Grading and erosion control
San Clemente code An erosion control plan is required. Excavation below finished grade for basements and footings under a valid building permit (not fill made from it, or an excavation with an unsupported height over 5 feet); an excavation of 50 cubic yards or less on one site that is under 2 feet deep or makes no cut slope over 5 feet high and steeper than 2:1; a fill under 3 feet deep, 50 cubic yards or less on one lot, that does not block a drainage course and is either on natural grade flatter than 5:1 or not meant to support structures
All 3 San Clemente rules on grading and erosion control, with the code text →
Noise and construction hours
San Clemente code Blowers and power fans must be muffled; HVAC, pool, spa and fountain equipment must be enclosed or muffled. 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
All 8 San Clemente 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 |
Group homes and residential care
| Homes for 7 or more |
|
|---|---|
| Homes for 6 or fewer |
|
Parking spaces required for homes
| Parking in the front yard |
|
|---|---|
| Garage and covered spaces |
|
Home alarm permits and false alarms
| How long an alarm may sound |
|
|---|---|
| Alarm permit |
|
Other San Clemente rules on this
San Clemente's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- Urban lot splits (SB 9) (§ 16.50.010)
- Two-unit projects (SB 9) (§ 17.86.010)
- Drainage facilities fee (Ch. 15.56)
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What are the rules for building in a San Clemente flood zone?
San Clemente's code: A development permit is required before construction or development begins. (In any special flood hazard, flood-related erosion hazard or mudslide (mudflow) area.) (§ 15.76.120); At least the FIRM depth number above the highest nearby grade, or at least 2 feet if none given. (New or substantially improved homes in Zone AO.) (§ 15.76.160).
Can I run a family child care home in San Clemente?
California law sets this for every city, including San Clemente: 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)).
Where are group homes and residential care homes allowed in San Clemente?
San Clemente's code: An administrative operating license issued by the City is required. (Applies to a boardinghouse that is a Residential Care Facility; one serving 6 or fewer is exempt when state or federal law requires.) (§ 5.38.010); Exempt from this chapter and considered a residential use of property and a single family. (Applies when required by state or federal law.) (§ 5.38.010).
How many parking spaces does a home need in San Clemente?
San Clemente's code: Uncovered parking spaces must be at least 18 feet from the front property line (Duplexes that meet their parking requirement with tandem spaces) (§ 17.64.090); A two-car garage of at least 18 by 38 feet must be provided (Duplexes that meet their parking requirement with tandem spaces) (§ 17.64.090).
Do I need a permit for a home alarm in San Clemente?
San Clemente's code: Silence a sounding alarm within 30 minutes of notice, or have an automatic shut-off that silences it within 30 minutes (§ 8.56.050); Required; fee established by resolution of the City Council (§ 8.56.280).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a specific San Clemente property
Ask GoCodebook how these rules apply to your address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question