Solvang · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in Solvang
Solvang sets its own limits on fences, accessory structures and home businesses. Taller fences need a conditional use permit, and accessory setbacks depend on structure height.
Key points
- Fence height: Solvang limits fences and walls in required yards to 6 feet and gateposts to 8 feet; taller ones need a conditional use permit.
- Accessory structures: In residential zones, Solvang limits accessory structures to 24 feet or the zone's height limit, whichever is less, and 40% of the rear-yard setback.
- Home businesses: Solvang limits a home business to 25% of the home or 500 square feet, whichever is less, and 1 on-site employee besides residents.
Each rule below is marked Solvang code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Fences and walls
Solvang code Solvang limits fences and walls in required yards to 6 feet and gateposts to 8 feet; taller ones need a conditional use permit.
All 4 Solvang rules on fences and walls, with the code text →
Sheds, garages and other accessory structures
Solvang code In residential zones, Solvang limits accessory structures to 24 feet or the zone's height limit, whichever is less, and 40% of the rear-yard setback.
All 6 Solvang rules on sheds, garages and other accessory structures, with the code text →
Running a business from home
Solvang code Solvang limits a home business to 25% of the home or 500 square feet, whichever is less, and 1 on-site employee besides residents.
All 6 Solvang rules on running a business from home, with the code text →
Solar panels and EV chargers
Solvang code Administrative, nondiscretionary expedited review; apply by email, internet or fax; electronic signatures accepted. The panel or module array may not exceed the city's maximum legal building height.
All 3 Solvang rules on solar panels and EV chargers, with the code text →
Swimming pools
| Setback from property lines |
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Building in a flood zone
| Floodplain permit |
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| Building in a floodway |
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| Height of the lowest floor |
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Park and impact fees for new homes
| Exemptions |
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Outdoor lighting
| 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 |
Signs on homes
Solvang code At most 6 square feet total for each lot. No-trespassing sign: at most 1 square foot; at each corner and entrance and at intervals of at least 50 feet.
Other Solvang rules on this
Solvang's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- Animals allowed at home (§ 11-12-5)
- Keeping chickens, rabbits and other fowl (§ 6-1-2)
- Hillside design standards (§ 11-11-7)
- Construction hours (§ 11-11-8)
- Amplified sound at night (§ 6-2-7)
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What are the pool fence and setback rules in Solvang?
Solvang's code: At least 5 feet. (Pools, spas and related structures, from property lines with no required rear or side setback; not allowed in required front or side setbacks.) (§ 11-12-24).
What are the rules for building in a Solvang flood zone?
Solvang's code: A development permit is needed before any construction or development begins in a special flood hazard area. (Applications may include plans showing structures, fill, storage of materials and drainage facilities.) (§ 13-1-8); The lowest floor, including basement, must be at least 2 feet above the base flood elevation. (New or substantially improved homes in special flood hazard areas other than AO zones.) (§ 13-1-10).
What are the outdoor lighting rules for homes in Solvang?
Solvang's code: Fixtures must be fully shielded (full cutoff) and placed so no light goes above the structure's highest point. (All exterior lighting, except where needed for safety. Holiday lights are exempt.) (§ 11-11-3).
Can I run a family child care home in Solvang?
California law sets this for every city, including Solvang: 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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