Colfax · Building on your lot

Building on your lot in Colfax

Colfax limits the height, size and setbacks of accessory structures. It also has a chapter on home occupations.

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Key points

Accessory structures: City rule: detached buildings on a lot are limited to 700 square feet unless an administrative permit allows more; carports and gazebos, 15 feet.
Home businesses: Colfax regulates home occupations in Chapter 17.152 of its code.

Each rule below is marked Colfax 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

Colfax code What Colfax's code adds
Maximum height	No more than 15 feet and one story. Applies: Unenclosed structures such as shade structures, carports, boat and RV covers and gazebos. § 17.96.030 · code text The structure shall not exceed fifteen (15) feet in height and one story. No more than 15 feet and one story. Applies: Enclosed structures under 120 square feet and taller than 7 feet. § 17.96.030 · code text the maximum height is fifteen (15) feet and one story;
Size or lot coverage	All such buildings together must cover less than 50% of the required rear yard setback. Applies: Enclosed structures of 120 square feet or more in a required rear yard. § 17.96.030 · code text If the building or structure is located within a required rear yard, the total size of the building or buildings, cumulatively, shall be less than fifty (50) percent of the required rear yard setback. No more than 700 square feet of detached buildings or structures per lot. Applies: More area may be allowed with an administrative permit. § 17.96.030 · code text A maximum of seven hundred (700) square feet of detached building(s) or structure(s) is permitted on the same lot.
Side and rear setback	At least 5 feet from the rear and side lines. Applies: Unenclosed structures such as shade structures, carports, boat and RV covers and gazebos. Add 1 foot for each foot of height above 10 feet. § 17.96.030 · code text The structure shall maintain a fifteen-foot front yard setback and a five-foot rear and side yard setback; At least 5 feet from the rear and side lines. Applies: Enclosed structures under 120 square feet and taller than 7 feet. Add 1 foot for each foot of height above 10 feet. § 17.96.030 · code text Five feet from the rear and side property lines;
Distance from the house	At least 6 feet from any other building or structure on the lot. Applies: Enclosed structures of 120 square feet or more, alone or combined. § 17.96.030 · code text A minimum six-foot separation shall be maintained from any other building or structure located on the same lot.

Solar panels and EV chargers

Colfax code What Colfax's code adds
Solar permit process	Building division approves if module coverage is 50% or less and meets the guidelines; over 50% needs fire review first. § 15.04.075 · code text For the installation of solar photovoltaic systems, if the buildings module coverage is fifty (50) percent or less and conforms to the installation guidelines, the building service division would approve the installation.

Tree removal

Colfax code What Colfax's code adds
Permit to remove	No clearing of trees over 6 inches in diameter, measured 4.5 feet above ground, before a grading permit. Applies: Applies to property with a planning application. § 17.110.030 · code text Clearing of trees over six inches in diameter measured four and one-half feet from the ground is prohibited prior to issuance of a grading permit.
Protected trees	A tree removal plan must show healthy trees over 6 inches in diameter, measured 4.5 feet above ground. Applies: Applies to planning applications. § 17.110.030 · code text Planning applications submitted to the city shall prepare a tree removal plan which identifies all healthy trees on the property in excess of six inches in diameter, measured four and one-half feet from ground level.

Pets, chickens and bees

Colfax code Yes, no more than 8 chickens. Yes, up to 15 small animals, including chickens and small fowl other than turkeys, peafowl and guinea fowl.

All 16 Colfax rules on pets, chickens and bees, with the code text and the state law underneath →

Other Colfax rules on this

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

Home occupations (Ch. 17.152)

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

City rule: detached buildings on a lot are limited to 700 square feet unless an administrative permit allows more; carports and gazebos, 15 feet.

Can I run a business from my home in Colfax?

Colfax regulates home occupations in Chapter 17.152 of its code. Colfax also has a related rule: Home occupations (Ch. 17.152).

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

Colfax's code: Building division approves if module coverage is 50% or less and meets the guidelines; over 50% needs fire review first. (§ 15.04.075).

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

Colfax's code: No clearing of trees over 6 inches in diameter, measured 4.5 feet above ground, before a grading permit. (Applies to property with a planning application.) (§ 17.110.030); A tree removal plan must show healthy trees over 6 inches in diameter, measured 4.5 feet above ground. (Applies to planning applications.) (§ 17.110.030).

General information, not legal advice.

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More on Colfax

Colfax Municipal Code — full text

Renting & eviction in Colfax

Buying & selling in Colfax

Colfax overview