San Fernando · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in San Fernando
San Fernando sets its own rules for accessory structures and home businesses. Two-story accessory structures are allowed only when the other story is a garage or an accessory dwelling unit.
Key points
- Accessory size: Non-parking accessory structures are limited to the lesser of 500 sq ft, 50% of the main ground floor, or 50% of the rear yard.
- Home businesses: A home business needs a permit, must stay inside the home's enclosed living area, and only residents may work there.
Each rule below is marked San Fernando 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
San Fernando code Non-parking accessory structures are limited to the lesser of 500 sq ft, 50% of the main ground floor, or 50% of the rear yard.
All 4 San Fernando rules on sheds, garages and other accessory structures, with the code text →
Running a business from home
San Fernando code A home business needs a permit, must stay inside the home's enclosed living area, and only residents may work there.
All 5 San Fernando rules on running a business from home, with the code text →
Lot splits under SB 9
San Fernando code Each new lot must be between 48% and 52% of the original lot's area. Each new lot must be at least 1,200 square feet.
All 9 San Fernando rules on lot splits under SB 9, with the code text →
RV and boat parking
San Fernando code Behind the building setback line. No street parking from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. without a resident or guest RV permit.
All 6 San Fernando rules on RV and boat parking, with the code text →
Solar panels and EV chargers
| Solar permit process |
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|---|---|
| Review time |
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Tree removal
San Fernando code No zoning clearance, administrative permit or discretionary permit is needed. Immature trees can be moved or removed without a permit.
All 5 San Fernando rules on tree removal, with the code text →
Pets, chickens and bees
San Fernando code Only if the hive is at least 300 feet from any other home and 100 feet from every property line. Up to 50 chickens or other poultry without a permit; more needs a health officer permit.
All 3 San Fernando rules on pets, chickens and bees, with the code text →
Noise and construction hours
San Fernando code Construction noise is allowed only from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Construction noise is allowed only from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
All 9 San Fernando rules on noise and construction hours, with the code text →
Outdoor lighting
| Fixture height |
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|---|---|
| Shielding |
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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
San Fernando code Deactivate the alarm within 1 hour after notice. A false alarm prevention fee established by resolution of the city council
All 4 San Fernando rules on home alarm permits and false alarms, with the code text →
Signs on homes
San Fernando code Up to 64 square feet total sign area for any one parcel Take signs down no later than 10 days after the event.
All 12 San Fernando rules on signs on homes, with the code text →
Historic homes
San Fernando code Demolition or relocation is prohibited unless the city council makes specified findings at a public hearing Environmental assessment required before demolition or relocation; more city council findings if an EIR documents a significant effect
All 3 San Fernando rules on historic homes, with the code text →
Other San Fernando rules on this
San Fernando's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- Floodplain management (Ch. 26, Art. V)
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for solar panels or an EV charger in San Fernando?
San Fernando's code: Only 1 inspection, scheduled within 2 business days of a request. (Small residential rooftop solar systems eligible for expedited review.) (§ 18-295); The permit is issued within 3 business days. (A complete permit application for a small residential rooftop solar energy system.) (§ 18-295).
What are the outdoor lighting rules for homes in San Fernando?
San Fernando's code: Lights must be shielded or recessed, and aimed down and away from neighbors and streets. (§ 106-353); Light poles and fixtures may be at most 15 feet high. (Freestanding light poles for residential and mixed-use projects.) (§ 106-353).
Can I run a family child care home in San Fernando?
California law sets this for every city, including San Fernando: 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)).
General information, not legal advice.
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