Antioch · Building on your lot

Building on your lot in Antioch

Antioch's city code sets corner-lot fence limits and limits the height and rear-yard coverage of accessory structures. Home businesses need a city permit, generally may not receive customers, and many uses are not allowed.

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Key points

Corner-lot fences: On corner lots, Antioch limits fences in the required street side yard setback to 6 feet; they must not block the clear vision zone.
Accessory structures: Antioch limits accessory structures in residential districts to 15 feet, and detached ones to 40% of the main building's required rear yard.
Home business: Antioch home businesses need a use permit and business license; no customer visits, except up to 6 students in 24 hours for lessons.

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

Fences and walls

Antioch code What Antioch's code adds
Height anywhere on the lot	Fences can be up to 6 feet tall. Applies: Corner lots, in the required street side yard setback or at the public right-of-way line; must not block a clear vision zone. § 9-5.1603 · code text Fences of up to six feet may be placed within the required corner sideyard building setback or at the public right-of-way line.
Permit	A permit is required. Applies: Trees, hedges, fences, shrubs or similar structures in a watercourse or right-of-way. § 7-2.623 · code text No tree, hedge, fence, shrub, or similar structure shall be planted, erected, or maintained in a watercourse or right-of-way without a permit.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures

Antioch code What Antioch's code adds
Maximum height	No more than 15 feet tall. Applies: Accessory structures in residential districts. § 9-5.603 · code text In residential districts, the maximum allowable height is 15 feet for accessory structures.
Size or lot coverage	No more than 40% of the rear yard area required for the house. Applies: Detached accessory structures in residential districts. § 9-5.603 · code text Detached accessory structures shall be located behind the required front yard setback and cover no more than 40% of the rear yard area required for the main building.
Side and rear setback	At least 20 feet from the side lot line. Applies: Side yard on corner lots. § 9-5.603 · code text The minimum side yard for accessory structures is 20 feet on corner lots and five feet on interior lots. At least 5 feet from the side lot line. Applies: Side yard on interior lots. § 9-5.603 · code text The minimum side yard for accessory structures is 20 feet on corner lots and five feet on interior lots. At least 5 feet from the rear lot line. Applies: Rear yard, unless the property is a double-frontage lot. § 9-5.603 · code text A five-foot rear yard setback is required, unless the property is a double-frontage lot in which case a ten foot rear yard setback is required. At least 10 feet from the rear lot line. Applies: Rear yard on a double-frontage lot. § 9-5.603 · code text A five-foot rear yard setback is required, unless the property is a double-frontage lot in which case a ten foot rear yard setback is required. Portable storage sheds in the rear yard do not need setbacks. Applies: Movable, no permanent foundation, under 120 square feet, at most 8 feet tall, no plumbing or electrical; front and street side setbacks still apply. § 9-5.603 · code text Portable storage sheds are exempt from setback requirements when placed in the rear yard.
Distance from the house	At least 5 feet from any home on the same lot or a neighboring lot. Applies: Accessory buildings in a residential district that are not attached to the house. § 9-5.603 · code text Unless so attached, an accessory building in a residential district shall be at least five feet from any dwelling building existing or under construction on the same lot or any adjacent lot.

Running a business from home

Antioch code What Antioch's code adds
Customer visits	No customers or clients may visit the home for the business. Applies: General rule; in-home music lessons, tutoring or similar uses may have up to 6 students total in any 24 hours. § 9-5.901 · code text No customers or clients shall be permitted to visit the home at any time in conjunction with the home occupation, however, in-home music lessons, academic tutoring, or similar uses, shall be allowed for no more than six students total in any 24 hour period. No more than 6 students in total in any 24-hour period. Applies: In-home music lessons, academic tutoring or similar uses. § 9-5.901 · code text in-home music lessons, academic tutoring, or similar uses, shall be allowed for no more than six students total in any 24 hour period.
Employees	Only people who live in the home, plus 1 nonresident. Applies: Employees working or meeting at the site, counting all home occupation use permits for the property. § 9-5.901 · code text Employees working or meeting at the site shall be limited to persons who reside in the unit and one nonresident, inclusive of all home occupation use permits issued for the premises.
Permit	A home occupation use permit, a signed home occupation affidavit and a business license are required. § 9-5.901 · code text A business license shall not be issued for a home occupation until and unless the signed home occupation affidavit is received.
Businesses not allowed	Beauty parlors, barber shops and haircut salons; retail sales; restaurants; funeral chapels, funeral homes, and taxidermists; stables, kennels, animal boarding, and animal breeding, except dog fanciers, those holding multiple pet permits, and those holding kennel permits; veterinary clinics; mechanical and automobile repair and servicing; cabinet shops, furniture manufacture, upholstery repair or similar uses requiring electric saws, joiners, air compressors and similar tools; industrial manufacturing; repair of large appliances, internal combustion engines, automobiles or motorcycles at the home; use of yard space or activity outside the main or accessory building not normally associated with residential use; storage of hazardous chemicals or supplies not normally found at a private residence; bicycle, lawn mower or small engine repair or maintenance; welding and use of paint sprayers or compressors § 9-5.901 · code text (3) Restaurants.

RV and boat parking

Antioch code What Antioch's code adds
Where it may be parked	Only on the street next to property the RV owner or operator owns or lives on. Applies: Applies when this section allows on-street RV parking. § 4-5.1223.1 · code text When on-street parking of a recreational vehicle is authorized by this section, the parking shall occur only where contiguous with property owned or occupied by the recreational vehicle owner or operator.
Parking on the street	No RV parking on residential streets, except while actively loading, unloading, cleaning or repairing, for up to 24 hours. Applies: Applies to RVs, including boats, trailers, campers and motorhomes, on any street in a residential district. § 4-5.1223.1 · code text No person shall park any recreational vehicle, as defined, on any street in any residential district except when such recreational vehicle is being actively loaded, unloaded, cleaned or repaired, and then for a period not to exceed 24 hours. Up to 72 hours with a free temporary permit. Applies: Permit from the Police Department. Up to 4 permits per address per calendar year, at least 72 hours apart. § 4-5.1223.1 · code text The permits shall be issued at no cost upon request during regular business hours and shall authorize the parking of the recreational vehicle for a period not to exceed 72 hours from the time indicated on the permit.

Solar panels and EV chargers

Antioch code What Antioch's code adds
EV charger permit	The Building Official issues all needed permits when the application meets the city's checklist. Electronic applications and signatures are accepted. Applies: Applies to electric vehicle charging stations. § 8-21.04 · code text A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the city’s adopted checklist shall be deemed complete and be promptly processed.

Tree removal

Antioch code What Antioch's code adds
Exemptions	The City Engineer may authorize removal without a tree removal permit or regular development application. Applies: Applies when the tree's condition is an immediate hazard to life or property. § 9-5.1202 · code text If the condition of any tree presents an immediate hazard to life and/or property its removal may be authorized by the City Engineer. Trees may be removed without a permit. Applies: Applies to trees on developed residential properties, except protected trees as this article defines them. § 9-5.1202 · code text Other than for protected trees as defined by this article, trees on developed residential properties may be removed without a permit.
Permit to remove	Yes. A tree removal permit, or approval through the regular development application process. Applies: Applies to established trees. On developed residential lots, only protected trees need a permit. § 9-5.1202 · code text Except as provided below, it is unlawful to destroy or remove any established tree on any property within the city without either: Yes. An application and Tree Committee review are required. Applies: Applies to trees on undeveloped property. § 9-5.1204 · code text All applications concerning trees on undeveloped property shall be reviewed by the Tree Committee as defined by this chapter. Yes. A permit application is required. Applies: Applies to protected trees on developed property when removal is not part of a regular development application. § 9-5.1203 · code text It is the purpose of this section to regulate the removal of protected trees on developed property, when such removal is not associated with a regular development application.
Replacement trees	2 trees of 24-inch box size for each established tree legally removed. Applies: Applies to each established tree legally removed for property development. § 9-5.1205 · code text (a) Each established tree: two 24 inch box trees. 2 trees of 48-inch box size for each mature tree legally removed. Applies: Applies to each mature tree legally removed for property development. § 9-5.1205 · code text (b) Each mature tree: two 48 inch box trees. A replacement street tree must be planted. The city must approve the species. Applies: Applies to removing a street tree. § 9-5.1203 · code text In allowing for the removal of a street tree, the Department of Parks, Leisure and Community Services will require that a replacement street tree be planted.

Swimming pools

Antioch code What Antioch's code adds
Pool barrier	The house or an accessory building may form part of the enclosure. Applies: Applies to the required enclosure for qualifying pools or other outdoor bodies of water. § 9-5.2001 · code text provided, however, a dwelling house or an accessory building may be used as a part of such enclosure.
Barrier height	A fence or wall at least 6 feet high. Applies: Applies to pools or other outdoor bodies of water deeper than 18 inches or larger than 250 square feet. § 9-5.2001 · code text a fence or wall not less than six feet in height
Permit	A use permit is required. Applies: Applies to pools in the R-10, R-15 and R-20 districts in the front half of the lot or within 50 feet of the front line. § 9-5.2001 · code text In the R-10, R-15, and R-20 Districts swimming pools may be located within the front half of the lot or within 50 feet of the front property line provided a use permit shall be secured.
Setback from property lines	At least 5 feet from any interior side or rear lot line. Applies: Applies to interior side and rear lot lines. § 9-5.2001 · code text No swimming pool shall be constructed so that any portion thereof shall be closer than five feet to any interior side or rear lot line At least 10 feet from any exterior side lot line. Applies: Applies to exterior side lot lines. § 9-5.2001 · code text nor within 10 feet of any exterior side lot line. On the rear half of the lot, or at least 50 feet from the front property line. Applies: Applies in single-family residential districts. § 9-5.2001 · code text In single-family residential districts, swimming pools shall be located on the rear half of the lot or at least 50 feet from the front property line.
Equipment and alarms	Filter and heating equipment at least 10 feet from any dwelling other than the owner's. § 9-5.2001 · code text Filter and heating systems shall be located no closer than 10 feet to any dwelling other than that of the owner.

Pets, chickens and bees

Antioch code What Antioch's code adds
Bees	Yes, but only in an agricultural or open space zoning district, with a permit from the Animal Control Supervisor. Applies: Applies to agricultural or open space zoning districts. § 6-1.602 · code text Bees may only be kept in an agricultural or open space zoning district and with a permit from the Animal Control Supervisor.
Chickens	Up to 10 ducks, geese, chickens or other fowl in total without a permit. A rooster needs a permit. § 6-1.602 · code text It is unlawful for a person to keep or maintain more than ten total ducks, geese, chickens or other fowl, without a permit issued under § 6-1.601.
Coop setback	At least 20 feet from any dwelling, church or school. Applies: Applies to fowl enclosures. § 6-1.602 · code text Fowl shall be kept in enclosures located a minimum of 20 feet from any dwelling, church, or school (except with permission on school premises).
Large animals	Only in an enclosed area of at least 3/4 acre, and only with a permit. Applies: Applies to horses, mules, cows, sheep, goats, pigs or wild animals. Dogs, cats and other household pets are not included. § 6-1.602 · code text It is unlawful for a person to keep or maintain a horse, mule, cow, sheep, goat, pig, or wild animal, except dogs and cats and other household pets, except in an enclosed area for the animal of not less than three-fourths of an acre, and then only with a permit.
Permit	A permit is required for more than 10 domesticated adult rabbits. Applies: Applies to more than 10 domesticated adult rabbits on any parcel. § 6-1.602 · code text It is unlawful for a person to keep or maintain more than ten domesticated adult rabbits on any parcel within the city, without a permit issued under § 6-1.601. A permit from the Animal Control Supervisor is required. Applies: Applies to a member of a recognized racing pigeon club keeping banded racing pigeons or fancy birds. § 6-1.602 · code text A member of a recognized racing pigeon club may keep an unlimited number of banded racing pigeons or fancy birds upon obtaining a permit from the Animal Control Supervisor.
Pet limit	Over 3 licensed dogs needs a multiple pet or kennel permit; over 5 cats needs a permit. Applies: Applies to any residence. § 6-1.602 · code text It is unlawful for a person to keep more than three dogs that are required to be licensed at any residence in the city, without first obtaining a multiple pet or kennel permit under § 6-1.303.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Antioch?

On corner lots, Antioch limits fences in the required street side yard setback to 6 feet; they must not block the clear vision zone.

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Antioch?

Antioch limits accessory structures in residential districts to 15 feet, and detached ones to 40% of the main building's required rear yard.

Can I run a business from my home in Antioch?

Antioch home businesses need a use permit and business license; no customer visits, except up to 6 students in 24 hours for lessons.

Can I park an RV or boat at my home in Antioch?

Antioch's code: Only on the street next to property the RV owner or operator owns or lives on. (Applies when this section allows on-street RV parking.) (§ 4-5.1223.1); No RV parking on residential streets, except while actively loading, unloading, cleaning or repairing, for up to 24 hours. (Applies to RVs, including boats, trailers, campers and motorhomes, on any street in a residential district.) (§ 4-5.1223.1).

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

Antioch's code: The Building Official issues all needed permits when the application meets the city's checklist. Electronic applications and signatures are accepted. (Applies to electric vehicle charging stations.) (§ 8-21.04).

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Antioch?

Antioch's code: The City Engineer may authorize removal without a tree removal permit or regular development application. (Applies when the tree's condition is an immediate hazard to life or property.) (§ 9-5.1202); Trees may be removed without a permit. (Applies to trees on developed residential properties, except protected trees as this article defines them.) (§ 9-5.1202).

What are the pool fence and setback rules in Antioch?

Antioch's code: The house or an accessory building may form part of the enclosure. (Applies to the required enclosure for qualifying pools or other outdoor bodies of water.) (§ 9-5.2001); A fence or wall at least 6 feet high. (Applies to pools or other outdoor bodies of water deeper than 18 inches or larger than 250 square feet.) (§ 9-5.2001).

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

Antioch's code: Yes, but only in an agricultural or open space zoning district, with a permit from the Animal Control Supervisor. (Applies to agricultural or open space zoning districts.) (§ 6-1.602); Up to 10 ducks, geese, chickens or other fowl in total without a permit. A rooster needs a permit. (§ 6-1.602).

General information, not legal advice.

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