Stanton · Building on your lot

Building on your lot in Stanton

Stanton sets its own rules for fences, accessory structures and home businesses. A new, replaced or repaired fence or wall needs city approval, and some businesses may not run from a home.

Ask about building on your lot in Stanton See coverage

Key points

Accessory structures: Stanton limits detached accessory structures in residential zones to 16 feet and 640 square feet each.
Fence permit: Stanton requires Department review and a Building Permit for any new, replacement or repaired wall or fence.
Home businesses: Stanton requires a Home Occupation Permit, or a use permit if clients visit, and bans uses such as auto repair and barber shops.

Each rule below is marked Stanton code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.

Fences and walls

Stanton code Stanton requires Department review and a Building Permit for any new, replacement or repaired wall or fence.

All 4 Stanton rules on fences and walls, with the code text →

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures

Stanton code Stanton limits detached accessory structures in residential zones to 16 feet and 640 square feet each.

All 6 Stanton rules on sheds, garages and other accessory structures, with the code text →

Running a business from home

Stanton code Stanton requires a Home Occupation Permit, or a use permit if clients visit, and bans uses such as auto repair and barber shops.

All 6 Stanton rules on running a business from home, with the code text →

RV and boat parking

Stanton code Up to 24 consecutive hours. City permit required; it allows up to 72 consecutive hours to load and unload, within 1/10 mile of home.

All 3 Stanton rules on RV and boat parking, with the code text →

Solar panels and EV chargers

Stanton code What Stanton's code adds
EV charger permit	Approved, all permits issued, when the application meets the city checklist and all applicable laws and health and safety standards. Applies: EV charging stations; the building official decides; not energized until city approval. Electronic submittal and signatures accepted. § 16.38.040 · code text the building official shall allow for electronic submittal of permit applications covered by this chapter and associated supporting documentations. In accepting such permit applications, the building official shall also accept electronic signatures

Pets, chickens and bees

Stanton code What Stanton's code adds
Coop setback	At least 50 feet. Applies: Chicken coops, pens or other fowl enclosures, from any habitable home. § 8.04.090 · code text No chicken coop, pen or other enclosure for the housing of fowl shall be located within fifty feet of any habitable dwelling unit.

Building in a flood zone

Stanton code What Stanton's code adds
Floodplain permit	A development permit is needed before any construction or development begins. Applies: Applies in special flood hazard areas. § 11.10.030 · code text A development permit shall be obtained before any construction or other development begins within any area of special flood hazard established in Section 11.08.020.
Building in a floodway	No encroachments, including fill, new construction and substantial improvements, unless a registered civil engineer certifies no flood level rise. Applies: Applies within an adopted regulatory floodway, for flood levels during the base flood discharge. § 11.12.060 · code text Within an adopted regulatory floodway, the city of Stanton shall prohibit encroachments, including fill, new construction, substantial improvements, and other development, unless certification by a registered civil engineer is provided demonstrating that the proposed encroachment shall not result in any increase in flood levels during the occurrence of the base flood discharge. No new construction or development, including fill, unless all development combined raises base flood levels no more than 1 foot. Applies: Applies in zones A1-30 and AE until a regulatory floodway is adopted. The limit applies at any point in the city. § 11.12.060 · code text Until a regulatory floodway is adopted, no new construction, substantial development, or other development (including fill) shall be permitted within zones A1-30 and AE, unless it is demonstrated that the cumulative effect of the proposed development, when combined with all other development, will not increase the water surface elevation of the base flood more than one foot at any point within the city of Stanton.
Height of the lowest floor	The lowest floor, including basement, must be at or above the base flood elevation. Applies: New or substantially improved homes in AE, AH and A1-30 zones. § 11.12.010 · code text In AE, AH, A1-30 zones, elevated to or above the base flood elevation. The lowest floor must be at least the flood map's depth number, in feet, above the highest adjacent grade. Applies: New or substantially improved homes in an AO zone where the flood map (FIRM) shows a depth number. Includes basements. § 11.12.010 · code text In an AO zone, elevated above the highest adjacent grade to a height equal to or exceeding the depth number specified in feet on the FIRM, or elevated at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade if no depth number is specified. The lowest floor must be at least 2 feet above the highest adjacent grade. Applies: New or substantially improved homes in an AO zone where the flood map (FIRM) shows no depth number. Includes basements. § 11.12.010 · code text In an AO zone, elevated above the highest adjacent grade to a height equal to or exceeding the depth number specified in feet on the FIRM, or elevated at least two feet above the highest adjacent grade if no depth number is specified. The lowest floor, including basement, must be at or above the base flood elevation. Applies: New or substantially improved homes in an unnumbered A zone, where the flood map (FIRM) shows no base flood elevation. § 11.12.010 · code text In an A zone, without BFEs specified on the FIRM (unnumbered A zone), elevated to or above the base flood elevation; as determined under Section 11.10.020(C).

Grading and erosion control

Stanton code What Stanton's code adds
Grading without a permit	Excavation of fifty cubic yards or less on one site that is less than two feet deep, or that does not create a cut slope that is both more than five feet high and steeper than one and one-half horizontal to one vertical; fill of fifty cubic yards or less on one lot that is less than one foot deep on natural grade flatter than five horizontal to one vertical, or less than three feet deep and not supporting structures; excavation for basements and footings under a valid building permit (fill made from that material, and any excavation with an unsupported height over five feet after the structure is complete, are not exempt) Applies: Fill must not obstruct a drainage course § 16.53.010 · code text An excavation below finished grade for basements and footings of a building, mobile home, retaining wall, or other structure authorized by a valid building permit or construction permit.
Rainy-season limits	No grading over 200 cubic yards October 15–April 15 unless the director approves or waives an erosion control system. Applies: Any single grading site under permit. § 16.62.010 · code text No grading work in excess of two hundred cubic yards will be allowed between October 15th and April 15th on any single grading site under permit unless an erosion control system been approved or waived by the director.

Park and impact fees for new homes

Stanton code Exempt: condo conversions of an existing multifamily building more than 5 years old. 3 acres per 1,000 estimated residents.

All 4 Stanton rules on park and impact fees for new homes, with the code text →

Noise and construction hours

Stanton code What Stanton's code adds
Noise limit at homes	No more than 55 dB(A) outdoors for more than 30 minutes in any hour. Applies: Measured at residential property, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The limit is 5 dB(A) lower for impact noise, speech or music. § 9.28.050 · code text 1 \| 55 dB(A) \| 7:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. No more than 50 dB(A) outdoors for more than 30 minutes in any hour. Applies: Measured at residential property, 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The limit is 5 dB(A) lower for impact noise, speech or music. § 9.28.050 · code text 1 \| 50 dB(A) \| 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m. No more than 45 dB(A) indoors for more than 5 minutes in any hour. Applies: Measured inside another dwelling unit, 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. § 9.28.060 · code text 1 \| 45 dB(A) \| 10:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.

Outdoor lighting

Stanton code 0.5 foot-candles at lot lines. Fixtures must be designed, shielded, aimed and placed to protect neighbors and avoid glare onto neighboring properties or roads.

All 4 Stanton rules on outdoor lighting, with the code text →

Garage and yard sales

Stanton code 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. No more than 3 days in a row.

All 4 Stanton rules on garage and yard sales, with the code text →

Family child care homes

CA state law California law
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)

Group homes and residential care

Stanton code What Stanton's code adds
Parking	A drop-off, pick-up, loading and temporary parking area must be provided next to the main entrance. Applies: Applies to facilities serving 7 or more adults or children. § 20.400.290 · code text A drop-off/pick-up/loading/temporary parking area shall be provided adjacent to the main entrance;
Homes for 6 or fewer	Considered a residential use of property and allowed within a single-family residence with no City land use permits required. Applies: Applies to facilities serving 6 or fewer adults or children. § 20.400.290 · code text small residential care homes (6 or fewer adults or children) shall be considered a residential use of property and shall be allowed within a single-family residence located in any residential zone with no City land use permits required.

Parking spaces required for homes

Stanton code A paved parking area may cover at most 35 percent of the setback area. Park on the paved driveway or on a paved area between the driveway and the nearest side lot line.

All 17 Stanton rules on parking spaces required for homes, with the code text →

Signs on homes

Stanton code Temporary noncommercial signs need no sign permit. One name plate, address or identification sign up to 1 square foot, at an entrance facing a public street.

All 10 Stanton rules on signs on homes, with the code text →

Trash and recycling carts

Stanton code What Stanton's code adds
Sorting organics and green waste	Green waste goes in green-waste containers or securely tied bundles of no more than 80 pounds. Applies: Do not mix it with other solid waste or contaminate it. § 6.04.080 · code text Green waste shall be placed in containers designated for the collection of green waste, or tied securely in bundles not exceeding eighty pounds and shall not be contaminated with other forms of solid waste or with hazardous substances. No person shall mix green waste with other forms of solid waste, nor shall green waste be contaminated with any other substance.
When carts must come back	Remove containers no later than 8:00 a.m. on the day after the regularly scheduled collection day. § 6.04.040 · code text Solid waste containers shall be removed from any location adjacent to a street or right-of-way not later than 8:00 a.m. on the day following the regularly-scheduled collection day.
When carts may go to the curb	Not before 7:00 p.m. on the day preceding the regularly scheduled collection day § 6.04.040 · code text To minimize interference with public rights-of-way, no person shall place a container or any bulky goods adjacent to a street or public right-of-way for collection service before 7:00 p.m. on the day preceding the regularly scheduled collection day.
Where carts are kept	Containers must not be visible from the public right-of-way, except during curbside collection. § 6.04.040 · code text Except during the time a container is placed for curbside collection, residential solid waste containers shall not be visible from the public right-of-way.

Other Stanton rules on this

Stanton'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) (§ 19.23.010)
Two-unit projects (SB 9) (§ 20.211.010)

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit for solar panels or an EV charger in Stanton?

Stanton's code: Approved, all permits issued, when the application meets the city checklist and all applicable laws and health and safety standards. (EV charging stations; the building official decides; not energized until city approval. Electronic submittal and signatures accepted.) (§ 16.38.040).

Can I keep chickens or bees at my home in Stanton?

Stanton's code: At least 50 feet. (Chicken coops, pens or other fowl enclosures, from any habitable home.) (§ 8.04.090).

What are the rules for building in a Stanton flood zone?

Stanton's code: A development permit is needed before any construction or development begins. (Applies in special flood hazard areas.) (§ 11.10.030); The lowest floor, including basement, must be at or above the base flood elevation. (New or substantially improved homes in AE, AH and A1-30 zones.) (§ 11.12.010).

What are the grading rules in Stanton?

Stanton's code: Excavation of fifty cubic yards or less on one site that is less than two feet deep, or that does not create a cut slope that is both more than five feet high and steeper than one and one-half horizontal to one vertical; fill of fifty cubic yards or less on one lot that is less than one foot deep on natural grade flatter than five horizontal to one vertical, or less than three feet deep and not supporting structures; excavation for basements and footings under a valid building permit (fill made from that material, and any excavation with an unsupported height over five feet after the structure is complete, are not exempt) (Fill must not obstruct a drainage course) (§ 16.53.010); No grading over 200 cubic yards October 15–April 15 unless the director approves or waives an erosion control system. (Any single grading site under permit.) (§ 16.62.010).

What are the noise rules and construction hours in Stanton?

Stanton's code: No more than 55 dB(A) outdoors for more than 30 minutes in any hour. (Measured at residential property, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The limit is 5 dB(A) lower for impact noise, speech or music.) (§ 9.28.050); No more than 50 dB(A) outdoors for more than 30 minutes in any hour. (Measured at residential property, 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The limit is 5 dB(A) lower for impact noise, speech or music.) (§ 9.28.050).

Can I run a family child care home in Stanton?

California law sets this for every city, including Stanton: 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 Stanton?

Stanton's code: A drop-off, pick-up, loading and temporary parking area must be provided next to the main entrance. (Applies to facilities serving 7 or more adults or children.) (§ 20.400.290); Considered a residential use of property and allowed within a single-family residence with no City land use permits required. (Applies to facilities serving 6 or fewer adults or children.) (§ 20.400.290).

When can trash carts go out to the curb in Stanton?

Stanton's code: Green waste goes in green-waste containers or securely tied bundles of no more than 80 pounds. (Do not mix it with other solid waste or contaminate it.) (§ 6.04.080); Remove containers no later than 8:00 a.m. on the day after the regularly scheduled collection day. (§ 6.04.040).

General information, not legal advice.

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