Vacaville · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in Vacaville
Vacaville sets its own limits on fences, accessory structures and home businesses. Fence height depends on the setback and on what the lot abuts, and some businesses may not run from a home.
Key points
- Fence height: In residential districts, Vacaville limits fences to 3 feet in front setbacks and 6 feet in interior side and rear setbacks.
- Accessory structures: Vacaville limits detached accessory structures in required interior side or rear yards to 12 feet and 35% of the required rear yard.
- Home businesses: Vacaville limits a home business to 20% of a building's floor area, generally with no customer visits; instruction allows up to 2 students.
Each rule below is marked Vacaville code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Fences and walls
Vacaville code In residential districts, Vacaville limits fences to 3 feet in front setbacks and 6 feet in interior side and rear setbacks.
All 5 Vacaville rules on fences and walls, with the code text →
Sheds, garages and other accessory structures
Vacaville code Vacaville limits detached accessory structures in required interior side or rear yards to 12 feet and 35% of the required rear yard.
All 6 Vacaville rules on sheds, garages and other accessory structures, with the code text →
Running a business from home
Vacaville code Vacaville limits a home business to 20% of a building's floor area, generally with no customer visits; instruction allows up to 2 students.
All 8 Vacaville rules on running a business from home, with the code text →
Solar panels and EV chargers
Vacaville code Expedited nondiscretionary permit, approved when the charger meets all code rules; apply in person, by mail or electronically. A nondiscretionary permit issues once the application meets the expedited rules; apply online; only 1 inspection.
All 3 Vacaville rules on solar panels and EV chargers, with the code text →
Tree removal
Vacaville code Yes, a tree removal permit is required. No separate permit is needed when the approved project clearly includes the tree removal.
Pets, chickens and bees
Vacaville code Yes, with a Beekeeping Permit; no more than 2 hives. Hives at least 20 feet from any side property line and 100 feet from others' homes.
All 5 Vacaville rules on pets, chickens and bees, with the code text →
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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Grading and erosion control
Vacaville code All grading needs post-construction erosion and sediment control measures in a plan the city accepts. No steeper than 2 to 1.
All 4 Vacaville rules on grading and erosion control, with the code text →
Building on a hillside
Vacaville code No steeper than 2:1, a 50% slope. No higher than 6 feet.
All 4 Vacaville rules on building on a hillside, with the code text →
Park and impact fees for new homes
| Exemptions |
|
|---|
Outdoor lighting
| Shielding |
|
|---|
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
| Guest parking |
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|---|---|
| Spaces per apartment or condo |
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Signs on homes
Vacaville code No limit on number; up to 100 square feet. No sign permit needed for temporary signs that comply with the chapter (real estate, garage sale, campaign signs).
All 5 Vacaville rules on signs on homes, with the code text →
Historic homes
Vacaville code Design review is required. Demolition prohibited unless the Planning Commission approves a conditional use permit; no permit or work until approval is final.
All 3 Vacaville rules on historic homes, with the code text →
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
What are the rules for building in a Vacaville flood zone?
Vacaville's code: A development permit is needed before any construction or other development begins in a special flood hazard area. (§ 14.18.040.010); Above the highest adjacent grade, at least as high as the FIRM depth number in feet. (New or substantially improved homes in an AO zone with a FIRM depth number.) (§ 14.18.050.010).
What are the outdoor lighting rules for homes in Vacaville?
Vacaville's code: Lights must be shielded and aimed so they are not a hazard or nuisance to neighbors or street traffic. (§ 14.09.240.110); Lights must not shine above the top of the fence line. (Fixtures on homes lighting side or rear yards.) (§ 14.09.240.110).
Can I run a family child care home in Vacaville?
California law sets this for every city, including Vacaville: 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 Vacaville?
Vacaville's code: 1 guest space per 3 dwelling units. (2-bedroom unit.) (§ 14.09.230.040); 0.5 space. (Studio unit or 1-bedroom unit.) (§ 14.09.230.040).
General information, not legal advice.
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