Clovis · Building on your lot

Building on your lot in Clovis

Clovis sets fence heights by yard and by how see-through the fence is, and limits accessory structures in the rear setback. Home businesses need a permit and a business tax certificate.

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Key points

Fence height: Front and street-side fences are limited to 3 feet, or 7 feet if at least 50% see-through; rear and interior side, 7 feet.
Accessory structures: Accessory structures in the rear yard setback are limited to 12 feet without an approved administrative use permit.
Home businesses: City rule: a home business may use at most 25% of the ground floor, with 8 customers a day and no outside employees.

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

Fences and walls

Clovis code What Clovis's code adds
Corner visibility	No more than 3 feet. Applies: Fences within a 30-foot street corner cutoff. § 9.24.060 · code text The maximum height of the fence located within a thirty-foot (30') street corner cutoff shall not exceed three feet (3') as illustrated in Figure 3-1.
Height anywhere on the lot	No more than 7 feet. Applies: Along arterial or collector streets, for any fence material. § 9.24.060 · code text On arterial or collector streets* \| 7 ft. max. \| 7 ft. max. No more than 3 feet. Applies: At intersections of alleys, streets and driveways, for material limiting 50% or more of visibility. § 9.24.060 · code text At intersections of alleys, streets, and driveways \| 3 ft. max. \| 4 ft. max. No more than 4 feet. Applies: At intersections of alleys, streets and driveways, for material providing 50% or more visibility. § 9.24.060 · code text At intersections of alleys, streets, and driveways** \| 3 ft. max. \| 4 ft. max. No more than 4 feet, with at most 4 strands. Applies: Pasture fences in districts that allow keeping animals. § 9.24.060 · code text These shall not exceed four feet (4') in height, with a maximum of four (4) strands.
Front yard height	No more than 3 feet. Applies: Front and street side yards, for material limiting 50% or more of visibility. § 9.24.060 · code text Front and street side yards \| 3 ft. max. \| 7 ft. max. No more than 7 feet. Applies: Front and street side yards, for material providing 50% or more visibility. § 9.24.060 · code text Front and street side yards \| 3 ft. max. \| 7 ft. max.
Side and rear yard height	No more than 7 feet. Applies: Rear and interior side yards, for any fence material. § 9.24.060 · code text Rear and interior side yards \| 7 ft. max. \| 7 ft. max.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures

Clovis code What Clovis's code adds
Maximum height	The same height allowed for the main structure. Applies: Accessory structures within the allowable building area. § 9.40.030 · code text Within allowable building area: same height as permitted for the main structure. No more than 12 feet overall. Applies: In the rear yard setback area, without an approved administrative use permit. § 9.40.030 · code text Within rear yard setback area: twelve-foot (12') overall height. No more than 12 feet to the top of the flue. Applies: Freestanding fireplace units. § 9.40.030 · code text Freestanding fireplace units shall be a maximum of twelve feet (12') to the top of the flue.
Side and rear setback	At least 5 feet from the rear line, with an approved rear yard encroachment. Applies: Single-family detached homes: garages, gazebos, sheds, patio covers and similar over 120 square feet. Otherwise, as for the main structure. § 9.40.030 · code text As required for the main structure, or 5-foot minimum with an approved rear yard encroachment for structure greater than 120 square feet. No side setback is required. Applies: Single-family detached homes: garages, gazebos, sheds, patio covers and similar of 120 square feet or less. § 9.40.030 · code text No requirement for structures of 120 square feet or less in side setbacks. No rear setback is required. Applies: Single-family detached homes: garages, sheds, patio covers and similar of 120 square feet or less. Rear setback use still needs a rear yard encroachment permit. § 9.40.030 · code text No requirement for structures of 120 square feet or less in rear setback. The same setbacks as the main structure. Applies: Garages, sheds, patio covers and similar: sides and street side over 120 square feet on single-family lots; sides, street side and rear on multifamily sites. § 9.40.030 · code text Garage, gazebo, greenhouse, lightweight frame structure, patio cover, storage shed, workshop \| Sides, street side \| As required for main structure
No permit needed up to	Structures over 120 square feet need a building permit. Applies: Detached accessory structures. A rear yard encroachment permit is still needed in the rear setback. § 9.40.030 · code text A building permit is required for any structure over one hundred twenty (120) square feet in size.
Distance from the house	6 feet. Closer than this, main-building standards apply. Applies: Accessory buildings attached to or detached from the main building. § 9.40.030 · code text Where an accessory building, either attached to or detached from the main building, is less than six feet (6') from such main building

Running a business from home

Clovis code What Clovis's code adds
Space used	No more than 25% of the ground floor's gross area. Applies: Does not apply to permitted group housing or cottage food businesses allowed by State law. § 9.58.060 · code text Shall not occupy more than the equivalent of twenty-five percent (25%) of the gross area of the ground level floor, except for permissible group housing and/or cottage food industry consistent with State law;
Customer visits	No more than 8 patrons or customers per calendar day. Applies: Business done at the home. § 9.58.060 · code text The transaction of business at the dwelling shall be limited to eight (8) patrons or customers for any calendar day. 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Saturday, no business on Sunday. Applies: Visits and deliveries for the home occupation. Does not apply to permitted group homes allowed by State law. § 9.58.060 · code text Visitation and deliveries incidental to the home occupation shall be limited to the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and there shall be no business activity allowed on Sundays, except for permissible group homes which are consistent with State law.
Employees	No outside employees. Only people living in the home may work in the business. Applies: Does not apply to permitted group housing or cottage food businesses allowed by State law. § 9.58.060 · code text No outside employees. Only the occupant(s) of the dwelling may be engaged in the home occupation, except for permissible group housing and/or cottage food industry consistent with State law;
Permit	A home occupation permit and a current business tax certificate are required. Applies: Before the home business starts. Get the tax certificate right after the permit is approved. § 9.58.060 · code text A home occupation permit shall be applied for and granted in compliance with Chapter 58 of this title before the initiation and operation of a home enterprise.
Businesses not allowed	adult business; breeding, grooming, harboring, raising or training of dogs, cats or other animals, including kennels and boarding; carpentry and cabinetmaking (a normal woodworking hobby is not prohibited); construction business (a secondary business office is allowed when the principal office, staff and equipment are elsewhere); dance club/nightclub; food preparation other than cottage food operations authorized under State law; fortune-telling; landscaping business (same secondary-office exception); lawn mower and small engine repair; massage parlors; medical and dental offices, clinics and laboratories; mini-storage; plant nursery (except agriculturally zoned properties in the A, R-R or R-A District); retail sales of merchandise stored or displayed on the property; storage of construction and service trade equipment and materials; tattoo parlors, body piercing and permanent makeup; vehicle repair, upholstery, automobile detailing and painting (mobile minor repair or detailing at the customer's location in a personal, noncommercial vehicle is not prohibited); vehicle sales; welding and machining; yard sales as a commercial business; home occupations that become a nuisance or violate the law; other similar uses the Director finds incompatible Applies: Example list of uses prohibited as home occupations § 9.58.050 · code text The following list presents example commercial uses that are not subordinate to or compatible with residential activities, are suitable only in nonresidential zoning districts, and are therefore prohibited as home occupations:

Solar panels and EV chargers

Clovis code What Clovis's code adds
EV charger permit	Permits issue when the application meets the City's checklist; the charger stays off until the City approves a final inspection. Applies: Applies to EV charging stations. § 8.18.04 · code text A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the City’s adopted checklist shall be deemed complete and be promptly processed. Electronic submittal is allowed. § 8.18.04 · code text the Building Official shall allow for electronic submittal of permit applications covered by this chapter and associated supporting documentations.
Review time	The permit is issued the following business day. Applies: Applies to a complete over-the-counter application for a small residential rooftop solar system. § 8.14.06 · code text The Building Department shall issue a permit or other nondiscretionary permit the following business day for over-the-counter applications which are deemed complete or within three (3) business days for electronic applications of receipt of a complete application and meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan. The permit is issued within 3 business days. Applies: Applies to a complete electronic application for a small residential rooftop solar system. § 8.14.06 · code text The Building Department shall issue a permit or other nondiscretionary permit the following business day for over-the-counter applications which are deemed complete or within three (3) business days for electronic applications of receipt of a complete application and meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan.

Tree removal

Clovis code What Clovis's code adds
Exemptions	Fruit trees and eucalyptus (genus Myrtaceae) are exempt. Applies: Applies to tree removal on properties other than developed R-1 lots, or with a development application. § 9.30.080 · code text Any tree except fruit trees (4) and trees of the genus Myrtaceae (5) Developed single-family residential properties are exempt from the general size rules. Applies: On developed R-1 lots, oaks, cedars, ash and redwoods 12 inches in diameter or more still need a permit. § 9.30.040 · code text except for developed single-family residential properties.
Permit to remove	Yes, a tree removal permit is required. Applies: Applies to protected trees on private property, except as the code's exemptions provide. § 9.30.040 · code text the following trees shall not be removed from private property without first obtaining a tree removal permit: Yes, and a public hearing is required. Applies: Applies to heritage trees in all zones; the Commission decides requests not filed with a development application. § 9.30.080 · code text The Commission shall be the review authority for all tree removal requests for heritage trees filed independent of a development application.
Protected trees	Heritage trees in all zoning districts. Applies: Applies to heritage trees. § 9.30.040 · code text Heritage trees in all zoning districts; Any tree required to be planted or kept as a condition of approval of a development application or building permit. Applies: Applies to trees under a condition of approval. § 9.30.040 · code text Any tree required to be planted or retained as a condition of approval of a development application or a building permit in all zoning districts; Multi-trunk tree with any trunk at least 12 inches across or 38 inches around, measured 4 feet above grade. Applies: Applies to multi-trunk trees, except on developed single-family residential properties. § 9.30.040 · code text For multi-trunk trees, any tree which has at least one trunk twelve inches (12") or greater in diameter or thirty-eight inches (38") or greater in circumference, measured four feet (4') above the adjacent grade, except for developed single-family residential properties. Any tree 12 inches or more in diameter or 38 inches or more around, measured 4 feet above grade. Applies: All zoning districts, except developed single-family residential properties. § 9.30.040 · code text Any tree which measures twelve inches (12") or greater in diameter or thirty-eight inches (38") or greater in circumference, measured four feet (4') above the adjacent grade in all zoning districts, except for developed single-family residential properties. Parkway trees and any tree on public property. Applies: Applies to parkway trees or public property. § 9.30.040 · code text Parkway trees and any tree located on public property. Trees required or recorded under site plan review. Applies: Applies to trees under site plan review. § 9.30.040 · code text Trees required or memorialized under site plan review.
Replacement trees	Approval may require replacement trees, an in-lieu fee, or a mix that provides the required number of trees. Applies: Applies to an approved tree removal permit. § 9.30.070 · code text Conditions of approval may include any of the following:

Swimming pools

Clovis code What Clovis's code adds
Pool barrier	The fence and gate must be designed so neither can be used as a ladder. § 8.10.04 · code text Pool fencing shall be constructed of solid board, wrought iron, or other materials designed in a manner whereby neither the fence nor gate could be utilized as a ladder Horizontal members must not be close enough together to use as handholds or footholds. § 8.10.04 · code text shall not have horizontal members spaced close enough to be used as handholds or footholds
Barrier height	At least 60 inches high. Applies: Applies to gates and fencing around a private or public pool. § 8.10.04 · code text Gates and fencing for a private or public swimming pool shall be a minimum of sixty inches (60") in height.
Equipment and alarms	The pool fence and/or alarm inspection must be done before the pool is plastered or filled with water. § 8.10.06 · code text The pool fence and/or alarm inspection shall be completed before a pool is plastered or filled with water;
Gates	Self-closing, self-latching, swing away from pool; latch at least 54 inches above grade; closed and latched when not in use. § 8.10.04 · code text Gates or doors which provide access to the pool area shall be self-closing and self-latching, having the latch at least fifty-four inches (54") above grade.
Permit	Yes, swimming pools need permits and inspections. § 8.10.01 · code text This chapter is enacted to provide for the protection of the public safety, health, and welfare by establishing minimum standards for the construction and installation, repair, and maintenance of public or private swimming pools and equipment; requiring permits and inspections

Pets, chickens and bees

Clovis code What Clovis's code adds
Bees	No, except as part of an existing agricultural operation. § 6.1.306 · code text No person shall keep or maintain within the City any stand of bees except in conjunction with an existing agricultural operation.
Large animals	No more than 2 Vietnamese potbellied pigs at a single-family home; not allowed in multiple-family dwellings. § 6.1.302 · code text (c) No more than two (2) Vietnamese potbellied pigs shall be permitted at any one single-family residence. Pigs are prohibited from any multiple-family dwelling. Vietnamese potbellied pigs over 22 inches tall or over 120 pounds are not allowed. § 6.1.302 · code text (d) Vietnamese potbellied pigs in excess of twenty-two inches (22") in height or weighing over one hundred twenty (120) pounds shall be prohibited.
Pet limit	Up to 3 dogs. § 6.1.301 · code text (a) Three (3) dogs; Up to 3 cats. § 6.1.301 · code text (b) Three (3) cats; Up to 2 Vietnamese potbellied pigs. § 6.1.301 · code text (c) Two (2) Vietnamese potbellied pigs; Up to 3 reptiles. § 6.1.301 · code text (d) Three (3) reptiles; No more than 3 dogs, cats and potbellied pigs combined. § 6.1.301 · code text (e) The combined maximum number of dogs, cats, and potbellied pigs shall be three (3) animals; No more than 3 other household pets combined (not dogs, cats, potbellied pigs or reptiles). § 6.1.301 · code text (f) The combined maximum number of all household pets other than dogs, cats, potbellied pigs and reptiles shall be three (3) animals; No more than 6 household pets in total. § 6.1.301 · code text (g) The combined total of all household pets shall be six (6) animals. The Supervisor of Animal Services may allow extra pets on a temporary basis, with conditions. Applies: Applies when removing the animals would endanger their health and well-being. § 6.1.301 · code text The Supervisor of Animal Services may allow the occupant of the premises to maintain additional household pets on a temporary basis, and on such terms and conditions as the Supervisor of Animal Services may require, if the Supervisor of Animal Services determines that removal of the animal(s) would be dangerous to the health and well-being of the animal(s).

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Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Clovis?

Front and street-side fences are limited to 3 feet, or 7 feet if at least 50% see-through; rear and interior side, 7 feet.

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

Accessory structures in the rear yard setback are limited to 12 feet without an approved administrative use permit.

Can I run a business from my home in Clovis?

City rule: a home business may use at most 25% of the ground floor, with 8 customers a day and no outside employees.

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

Clovis's code: Permits issue when the application meets the City's checklist; the charger stays off until the City approves a final inspection. (Applies to EV charging stations.) (§ 8.18.04); Electronic submittal is allowed. (§ 8.18.04).

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

Clovis's code: Fruit trees and eucalyptus (genus Myrtaceae) are exempt. (Applies to tree removal on properties other than developed R-1 lots, or with a development application.) (§ 9.30.080); Developed single-family residential properties are exempt from the general size rules. (On developed R-1 lots, oaks, cedars, ash and redwoods 12 inches in diameter or more still need a permit.) (§ 9.30.040).

What are the pool fence and setback rules in Clovis?

Clovis's code: The fence and gate must be designed so neither can be used as a ladder. (§ 8.10.04); Horizontal members must not be close enough together to use as handholds or footholds. (§ 8.10.04).

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

Clovis's code: No, except as part of an existing agricultural operation. (§ 6.1.306); No more than 2 Vietnamese potbellied pigs at a single-family home; not allowed in multiple-family dwellings. (§ 6.1.302).

General information, not legal advice.

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