Stanislaus County · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in Stanislaus County
Stanislaus County's code applies only in unincorporated areas. It sets its own setbacks for accessory buildings from alleys and neighboring lots.
Key points
- Accessory setbacks: In unincorporated Stanislaus County, accessory buildings must be at least 5 feet from any alley and from the side line of an adjacent lot.
- Corner lots: On a corner lot, Stanislaus County does not allow accessory buildings beyond the front yard required on the adjacent lot.
Each rule below is marked Stanislaus County code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Stanislaus County's code applies in the unincorporated areas of the county. Cities in Stanislaus County have their own codes and their own pages.
Sheds, garages and other accessory structures
| Side and rear setback |
|
|---|
Swimming pools
| Equipment and alarms |
|
|---|---|
| Setback from property lines |
|
Park and impact fees for new homes
| Exemptions |
|
|---|
Noise and construction hours
Stanislaus County code No power tools 10 p.m.–7 a.m. if heard inside another occupied home; other times, not heard beyond 100 feet. 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
All 4 Stanislaus County rules on noise and construction hours, with the code text →
Garage and yard sales
Stanislaus County code No more than 3 days in a row. No more than 2 sales per calendar year.
All 3 Stanislaus County rules on garage and yard sales, 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 |
Parking spaces required for homes
| Spaces per apartment or condo |
|
|---|---|
| Spaces for a single-family home |
|
Home alarm permits and false alarms
| Alarm permit |
|
|---|
Other Stanislaus County rules on this
Stanislaus County's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- Keeping racing homing pigeons (Ch. 21.92) — racing homing pigeons only
- Floodplain management rules (Ch. 16.50)
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
How big can a shed or accessory building be in Stanislaus County?
In unincorporated Stanislaus County, accessory buildings must be at least 5 feet from any alley and from the side line of an adjacent lot. On a corner lot, Stanislaus County does not allow accessory buildings beyond the front yard required on the adjacent lot.
What are the pool fence and setback rules in Stanislaus County?
Stanislaus County's code: At least 3 feet. (From any side or rear property line.) (§ 21.08.065); Not within the required front yard, or the street side yard of a corner lot. (§ 21.08.065).
Can I run a family child care home in Stanislaus County?
California law sets this for every city, including Stanislaus County: 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)).
How many parking spaces does a home need in Stanislaus County?
Stanislaus County's code: 1 space per studio or one-bedroom unit. (Two-family and multi-family; studio or one-bedroom unit.) (§ 21.76.040); 2 spaces per unit with two or more bedrooms. (Two-family and multi-family; two or more bedroom unit.) (§ 21.76.040).
Do I need a permit for a home alarm in Stanislaus County?
Stanislaus County's code: Register with the department before an alarm system is activated, and renew annually. (Alarm systems in the unincorporated area of the county.) (§ 9.40.020).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a specific Stanislaus County property
Ask GoCodebook how these rules apply to your address and get an answer that cites the section.
Ask your question