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Blythe · Building on your lot

Building on your lot in Blythe

Blythe limits the size of accessory structures by the size of the main home. The city also has a chapter on home-based businesses.

Ask about building on your lot in Blythe See coverage

Key points

  • Accessory size: Blythe limits accessory structures to the ground floor area of the primary dwelling unit, unless approved through the variance process.
  • Home business: Blythe has a city chapter on home-based businesses (Ch. 17.30).

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

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures

Blythe code What Blythe's code adds
Size or lot coverage
  • No larger than the ground floor area of the main home.
    Applies: Unless a variance approves a larger size.
    § 17.10.031 · code text
    The square footage of any accessory structure shall not exceed the ground floor area of the primary dwelling unit, unless approved through the variance process.

Solar panels and EV chargers

Blythe code What Blythe's code adds
EV charger permit
  • Approved administratively, with all needed permits issued, once the application meets the checklist, applicable laws and health and safety standards.
    Applies: Electric vehicle charging station permit applications that meet the city's adopted checklist.
    § 15.64.050 · code text
    Upon confirmation by the building official that the permit application and supporting documents meet the requirements of the city's adopted checklist, and is consistent with all applicable laws and health and safety standards, the building official shall, consistent with California Government Code Section 65850.7, administratively approve the application and issue all necessary permits.
  • Electronic submittal and electronic signatures are accepted.
    Applies: Electric vehicle charging station permit applications and supporting documents.
    § 15.64.050 · code text
    the building official shall allow for electronic submittal of permit applications and associated supporting documentation. In accepting such permit applications, the building official shall also accept electronic signatures on all forms, applications, and other documentation in lieu of a wet signature by any applicant.
Solar permit process
  • Expedited, nondiscretionary review; the permit is issued as soon as possible after a complete submittal.
    Applies: Small residential rooftop solar systems that meet the approved checklist and standard plan.
    § 15.62.070 · code text
    For an application for a small residential rooftop solar energy system that meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan, the building department shall issue a building permit or other non-discretionary permit as soon as possible following a complete submittal.
  • Only one inspection; it is scheduled within 2 business days with a 2-hour inspection window.
    Applies: Small residential rooftop solar systems eligible for expedited review.
    § 15.62.070 · code text
    Only one inspection shall be required and performed by the building department for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review.

Pets, chickens and bees

Blythe code What Blythe's code adds
Chickens
  • Yes: at most 9 poultry, fowl, rabbits or small animals in total, and at most 3 of each kind.
    Applies: Any residential zone except the R-E zone.
    § 17.54.060 · code text
    No person shall keep or maintain any combination of poultry, fowl, rabbits or small animals exceeding nine, or more than three of each type, kind or species, upon any lot or premises in any residential zone, except in the R-E zone.
  • Yes: at most 20 poultry, fowl, rabbits or small animals for each 10,000 square feet of lot area.
    Applies: R-E zone.
    § 17.54.060 · code text
    In the R-E zone, no person shall keep or maintain any combination of poultry, fowl, rabbits or small animals exceeding twenty for each ten thousand square feet of lot area.
Pet limit
  • No more than 3 dogs and 3 cats over 3 months old.
    Applies: Each lot in a residential zone of the city.
    § 17.54.050 · code text
    No person shall keep or maintain more than three dogs and three cats more than three months of age upon any lot or premises located in any residential zone of the city.

Other Blythe rules on this

Blythe's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

Blythe limits accessory structures to the ground floor area of the primary dwelling unit, unless approved through the variance process.

Can I run a business from my home in Blythe?

Blythe has a city chapter on home-based businesses (Ch. 17.30). Blythe also has a related rule: Home-based businesses (Ch. 17.30).

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

Blythe's code: Approved administratively, with all needed permits issued, once the application meets the checklist, applicable laws and health and safety standards. (Electric vehicle charging station permit applications that meet the city's adopted checklist.) (§ 15.64.050); Electronic submittal and electronic signatures are accepted. (Electric vehicle charging station permit applications and supporting documents.) (§ 15.64.050).

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

Blythe's code: Yes: at most 9 poultry, fowl, rabbits or small animals in total, and at most 3 of each kind. (Any residential zone except the R-E zone.) (§ 17.54.060); Yes: at most 20 poultry, fowl, rabbits or small animals for each 10,000 square feet of lot area. (R-E zone.) (§ 17.54.060).

General information, not legal advice.

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