Building on your lot in Colusa

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

Fences and walls

Colusa code What Colusa's code adds
Side and rear yard height	No more than 6 feet. Applies: Fences in side and rear yards in R districts. § 32.07 · code text In "R" districts, fences in side and rear yards shall not exceed six feet in height.

Solar panels and EV chargers

Colusa code What Colusa's code adds
EV charger permit	Applications are approved administratively through a building permit or similar nondiscretionary permit. Applies: Applies to EV charging stations that meet the checklist for expedited review. § 6-15.5 · code text The Building Official of the City of Colusa or his/her designee shall facilitate an expedited permitting process to administratively approve an application to install electric vehicle charging stations through the issuance of a building permit or similar nondiscretionary permit. Electronic submittal is available. Applies: Applies to all EV charging station permit applications. § 6-15.5 · code text Electronic submittal of the required permit application and supporting documents shall be made available for all electric vehicle charging station permit applications.

Pets, chickens and bees

Colusa code What Colusa's code adds
Permit	An animal control officer permit allows animals kept for a temporary school or club project, such as 4-H or FFA. Applies: Applies to temporary school or club projects. § 4-8 · code text Animals raised or kept for a temporary school or club project such as 4-H or Future Farmers of America (FFA) are hereby authorized, subject to the issuance of a permit by an animal control officer.
Pet limit	No more than 5 cats or 5 dogs over 4 months old, and they must be spayed or neutered. Applies: Breeding dogs with AKC pedigree or other breeding papers do not count. § 4-7 · code text No person shall keep more than five cats or five dogs over the age of four months and must show proof of spay or neutered.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Colusa?

Colusa limits fences in side and rear yards in "R" districts to 6 feet. The 6-foot city limit is set for side and rear yards in "R" districts, not as a limit for every yard.

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

Colusa's code: Applications are approved administratively through a building permit or similar nondiscretionary permit. (Applies to EV charging stations that meet the checklist for expedited review.) (§ 6-15.5); Electronic submittal is available. (Applies to all EV charging station permit applications.) (§ 6-15.5).

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

Colusa's code: An animal control officer permit allows animals kept for a temporary school or club project, such as 4-H or FFA. (Applies to temporary school or club projects.) (§ 4-8); No more than 5 cats or 5 dogs over 4 months old, and they must be spayed or neutered. (Breeding dogs with AKC pedigree or other breeding papers do not count.) (§ 4-7).

General information, not legal advice.