West Sacramento · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in West Sacramento
West Sacramento sets its own limits on fences, accessory structures and home businesses. Fence height depends on the setback and how open the fence is, and some businesses may not run from a home.
Key points
- Fence height: In residential zones, West Sacramento limits front-setback fences to 3 feet, plus 1 more foot if the upper part is at least 50% open.
- Accessory setbacks: West Sacramento sets accessory structures at least 5 feet from interior side lines and 10 feet from rear lines; small unconditioned ones, 3 feet.
- Home businesses: West Sacramento limits a home business to 25% of the floor area, residents only, and no client visits except up to 2 students.
Each rule below is marked West Sacramento code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Fences and walls
West Sacramento code In residential zones, West Sacramento limits front-setback fences to 3 feet, plus 1 more foot if the upper part is at least 50% open.
All 7 West Sacramento rules on fences and walls, with the code text →
Sheds, garages and other accessory structures
West Sacramento code West Sacramento sets accessory structures at least 5 feet from interior side lines and 10 feet from rear lines; small unconditioned ones, 3 feet.
All 3 West Sacramento rules on sheds, garages and other accessory structures, with the code text →
Running a business from home
West Sacramento code West Sacramento limits a home business to 25% of the floor area, residents only, and no client visits except up to 2 students.
All 5 West Sacramento rules on running a business from home, with the code text →
RV and boat parking
West Sacramento code At least 5 feet from the sidewalk, street right-of-way or property line, whichever is farther. Not in a required setback next to a public street.
All 8 West Sacramento rules on RV and boat parking, with the code text →
Solar panels and EV chargers
| EV charger permit |
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|---|---|
| Solar permit process |
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Tree removal
West Sacramento code Emergency action to reduce a dangerous condition is allowed; notify the tree administrator the next working day. Yes, a permit is required.
All 3 West Sacramento rules on tree removal, with the code text →
Swimming pools
West Sacramento code Not in street-side setbacks, within 3 feet of interior side/rear lines, or 10 feet of neighbors' living areas, unless soundproofed. At least 5 feet.
All 4 West Sacramento rules on swimming pools, with the code text →
Building in a flood zone
| Floodplain permit |
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|---|---|
| Height of the lowest floor |
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Grading and erosion control
West Sacramento code 200 cubic yards or more of grading. Grading under 200 cubic yards; clearing of 1 acre or less.
All 3 West Sacramento rules on grading and erosion control, with the code text →
Outdoor lighting
| Light at the property line |
|
|---|
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
West Sacramento code Parking may not be in a required front or street-facing yard setback. Driveways on residential lots count toward required parking. 1 guest space per 10 units.
All 6 West Sacramento rules on parking spaces required for homes, with the code text →
Home alarm permits and false alarms
| Alarm permit |
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|---|---|
| When a permit can be revoked |
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Signs on homes
| Signs that need no permit |
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Trash and recycling carts
West Sacramento code Owners must request and accept city solid waste service for each lot or parcel: garbage, recyclable material, organic waste. Separate recyclables and organic waste from garbage at the source.
All 3 West Sacramento rules on trash and recycling carts, with the code text →
Other West Sacramento rules on this
West Sacramento'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 (§ 17.30.060)
- Park facility development fee (Ch. 12.30)
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit for solar panels or an EV charger in West Sacramento?
West Sacramento's code: Small residential rooftop solar: administrative review; permit for complete application meeting checklist and standard plan; at most 1 inspection. (Building official may require a use permit if substantial evidence shows a specific, adverse impact on public health and safety; a failed inspection allows another.) (§ 15.10.060); Approved with all needed permits when the application meets the chapter; you may apply electronically, with electronic signatures. (Applies to EV charging stations.) (§ 15.09.040).
What are the rules for building in a West Sacramento flood zone?
West Sacramento's code: A development permit is needed before any construction or development begins in a special flood hazard area. (§ 18.16.010); At least 1 foot above the base flood elevation. (New or substantially improved homes in flood zone A.) (§ 18.20.010).
What are the outdoor lighting rules for homes in West Sacramento?
West Sacramento's code: No significant direct glare visible beyond the property line. (Glare from operating a use, activity or process.) (§ 17.28.080).
Can I run a family child care home in West Sacramento?
California law sets this for every city, including West Sacramento: 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)).
Do I need a permit for a home alarm in West Sacramento?
West Sacramento's code: Permit required; fee set by council resolution; expires 2 years after issue or renewal; fine only after 30 days notice. (§ 8.11.060); 5 or more false alarm fines in one year are grounds for suspending the permit for up to 15 days. (Alarm permit holders.) (§ 8.11.060).
What signs may I put up at my home in West Sacramento?
West Sacramento's code: Required address identification signs conforming to the Building Code need no permit. (Address signs.) (§ 17.29.040).
General information, not legal advice.
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