Citrus Heights · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in Citrus Heights
Citrus Heights sets fence heights by setback area, limits the height and total size of accessory structures, and limits home business space, visitors and employees. Taller or longer fences seen from a street need Design Review.
Key points
- Fence height: Fences are limited to 3 feet in front and street-side setbacks and 8 feet in side and rear setbacks, as seen from neighbors.
- Accessory structures: Detached accessory structures are limited to 16 feet, and all accessory structures combined to 2,400 square feet, unless a minor use permit allows more.
- Home businesses: Home businesses are limited to 20% or 400 square feet of the home, whichever is greater, and 2 visitors an hour, 8 a day.
Each rule below is marked Citrus Heights code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Fences and walls
| Corner visibility |
|
|---|---|
| Side and rear yard height |
|
| Front yard height |
|
| Permit |
|
Sheds, garages and other accessory structures
| Maximum height |
|
|---|---|
| Size or lot coverage |
|
| Side and rear setback |
|
| Distance from the house |
|
Running a business from home
| Space used |
|
|---|---|
| Customer visits |
|
| Employees |
|
| Permit |
|
Lot splits under SB 9
| Standards |
|
|---|---|
| Setbacks |
|
| Owner occupancy |
|
Solar panels and EV chargers
| EV charger permit |
|
|---|---|
| Solar permit process |
|
Tree removal
| Exemptions |
|
|---|---|
| Protected trees |
|
| Replacement trees |
|
Other Citrus Heights rules on this
Citrus Heights's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- Keeping animals at home (§ 106.42.030)
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
How tall can a fence be in Citrus Heights?
Fences are limited to 3 feet in front and street-side setbacks and 8 feet in side and rear setbacks, as seen from neighbors.
How big can a shed or accessory building be in Citrus Heights?
Detached accessory structures are limited to 16 feet, and all accessory structures combined to 2,400 square feet, unless a minor use permit allows more.
Can I run a business from my home in Citrus Heights?
Home businesses are limited to 20% or 400 square feet of the home, whichever is greater, and 2 visitors an hour, 8 a day.
Can I split my lot under SB 9 in Citrus Heights?
Citrus Heights's code: Subdivision standards may not block 2 units of less than 800 square feet on either new lot. (Applies to an urban lot split.) (§ 82-754); Side and rear setbacks are 4 feet. (Applies to side and rear lot lines, except an existing structure or one rebuilt in the same place and size.) (§ 82-752).
Do I need a permit for solar panels or an EV charger in Citrus Heights?
Citrus Heights's code: The building official approves and issues all needed permits when the application meets the checklist; electronic submittal is allowed. (Applies to EV charging stations.) (§ 18-603); Administrative approval and issuance of all required permits or authorizations. (Applies to small residential rooftop solar systems with a complete application that meets the checklist.) (§ 18-592).
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Citrus Heights?
Citrus Heights's code: Removal is allowed when the review authority specifically approves it in the approved site plan. (Applies to native trees 9 inches or more, only in the Oak Avenue - Wachtel Way planning area.) (§ 106.50.110); Removal is allowed when needed to remove diseased growth, for fire or flood control, or for paths and trails. (Applies to native trees 9 inches or more, only in the Oak Avenue - Wachtel Way planning area.) (§ 106.50.110).
General information, not legal advice.
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