Danville · Building on your lot

Building on your lot in Danville

Danville sets its own height and setback limits for accessory structures and requires a permit for fences in a right-of-way. Accessory limits depend on the structure type and its distance from side and rear property lines.

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Key points

Fence permit: Danville requires a permit to put a fence, hedge or similar structure in a right-of-way, with some exceptions.
Accessory structures: Danville limits accessory structures to 15 feet, or 12 feet within 10 feet of a side or rear line; portable sheds, 8 feet.

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

Fences and walls

Danville code What Danville's code adds
Permit	A permit is required. Applies: For planting or keeping a hedge, shrub, planting, fence or similar structure in a right-of-way, except as allowed in the code. § 12-4.19 · code text No hedge, shrub, or other planting whatever, or fence or similar structure, except as provided in subsection 12-4.21 shall be planted, erected, or maintained in a right-of-way without a permit.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures

Danville code What Danville's code adds
Maximum height	Accessory structures can be at most 15 feet tall. Applies: General limit; play structures, ground antennas, flag poles, decks, hot tubs, portable sheds and ground solar have their own limits. § 32-22.10 · code text Except as specified in this section, accessory structures shall have a maximum height of fifteen (15) feet. No part of an accessory structure can be taller than 12 feet. Applies: Within 10 feet of a side or rear property line. § 32-22.10 · code text Additionally, no part of any accessory structure shall be greater than twelve (12) feet in height within ten (10) feet of a side or rear property line. Play structures can be at most 10 feet tall. Applies: Play structures. § 32-22.10 · code text The maximum height of a play structure is limited to ten (10) feet, and no part of a play structure shall be greater than eight (8) feet in height within ten (10) feet of a side or rear property line. No part of a play structure can be taller than 8 feet. Applies: Play structures within 10 feet of a side or rear property line. § 32-22.10 · code text The maximum height of a play structure is limited to ten (10) feet, and no part of a play structure shall be greater than eight (8) feet in height within ten (10) feet of a side or rear property line. Ground-mounted private antennas can be at most 35 feet tall. Applies: Ground-mounted private antennas. § 32-22.10 · code text The maximum height of a ground mounted private antenna shall be thirty-five (35) feet. Flag poles can be at most 25 feet tall. Applies: Flag poles. § 32-22.10 · code text Flag poles shall not exceed twenty-five (25) feet in height. Elevated decks or platforms can be at most 10 feet high. Applies: Elevated decks or platforms. § 32-22.10 · code text The horizontal plain of a deck or platform shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height, or exceed four (4) feet in height within ten (10) feet of a side or rear property line. Elevated decks or platforms can be at most 4 feet high. Applies: Elevated decks or platforms within 10 feet of a side or rear property line. § 32-22.10 · code text The horizontal plain of a deck or platform shall not exceed ten (10) feet in height, or exceed four (4) feet in height within ten (10) feet of a side or rear property line. Hot tubs or spas can be at most 6 feet high. Applies: Hot tubs or spas. § 32-22.10 · code text The highest point of a hot tub or spa shall not exceed six (6) feet, or four (4) feet in height if within ten (10) feet of a side or rear property line. Hot tubs or spas can be at most 4 feet high. Applies: Hot tubs or spas within 10 feet of a side or rear property line. § 32-22.10 · code text The highest point of a hot tub or spa shall not exceed six (6) feet, or four (4) feet in height if within ten (10) feet of a side or rear property line. Portable storage sheds can be at most 8 feet tall. Applies: Portable storage sheds. § 32-22.10 · code text The highest point of a portable storage shed shall have a building height no greater than eight (8) feet as measured at the highest pitch of the roof. Ground-mounted solar panel structures can be at most 8 feet tall. Applies: Ground-mounted structures built to hold solar panels. § 32-22.10 · code text A ground mounted structure designed to hold solar panels shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height, or four (4) feet in height within ten (10) feet of a side or rear property line, or the minimum height necessary for service. Ground-mounted solar panel structures can be at most 4 feet tall. Applies: Ground-mounted solar panel structures within 10 feet of a side or rear property line. § 32-22.10 · code text A ground mounted structure designed to hold solar panels shall not exceed eight (8) feet in height, or four (4) feet in height within ten (10) feet of a side or rear property line, or the minimum height necessary for service.
Side and rear setback	Side and rear setbacks are the same as for the main building. § 32-22.9 · code text The minimum side yard or rear yard setback for accessory structures shall be the same as the setbacks for the primary structure but may be reduced to five (5) feet if it is setback from the primary front yard proper line or secondary front yard property line is at least: Side and rear setbacks can drop to 5 feet. Applies: At least 50/65/75 feet from the primary front line, or 25/30/35 feet from a secondary front line, in R-6/7/10, R-12/15/20, R-40/65/100 zones. § 32-22.9 · code text The minimum side yard or rear yard setback for accessory structures shall be the same as the setbacks for the primary structure but may be reduced to five (5) feet if it is setback from the primary front yard proper line or secondary front yard property line is at least: At least 40 feet from side and rear property lines. Applies: Chicken houses, rabbit hutches, similar animal shelters, and aviaries. § 32-22.9 · code text Where permitted within the applicable zoning district, a chicken house, rabbit hutch, or similar accessory structure provided for the housing of animals, and aviaries for housing birds other than poultry, shall be set back not less than sixty (60) feet from the front property line or any street line, and shall be not less than forty (40) feet from any side or rear property line; At least 50 feet from any side or rear property line. Applies: Barns, stables, or other buildings or structures that shelter livestock. § 32-22.9 · code text a barn, stable or other building or structure used to shelter livestock shall be set back not less than one-hundred (100) feet from the front property line or any street line, and may not be less than fifty (50) feet from any side or rear property line; At least 10 feet from any property line. Applies: Fenced pastures, paddocks, or other enclosed livestock areas. § 32-22.9 · code text a fenced pasture, paddock or other enclosed livestock area may not be located nearer than ten (10) feet to any property line. At least 5 feet from side and rear property lines. Applies: Ground-level decks and platforms. § 32-22.9 · code text Ground-level decks and platforms shall maintain five (5) foot side and rear yard setbacks. At least 10 feet, or the main home's setback, whichever is less. Applies: Arbors and patio shade structures attached to or next to the home, open on at least 3 sides, with no solid roof. § 32-22.9 · code text Arbors and patio shade structures that are attached to or abut the primary residence (within two (2) feet), are open on at least three (3) sides, and are constructed without a solid roofing material, shall maintain a minimum ten (10) foot side and rear yard setback, or the structure setback of the primary home, whichever is less. At least 10 feet from side and rear property lines. Applies: Windmills. § 32-22.9 · code text Windmills shall comply with accessory structure setback requirements but shall maintain a minimum ten (10) foot side and rear yard setback. At least 10 feet from side and rear property lines. Applies: Batting cages. § 32-22.9 · code text Batting cages shall not be allowed in the primary front yard or secondary front yard setback, and shall maintain a minimum ten (10) foot side and rear yard setback. At least 10 feet from side and rear property lines. Applies: Basketball standards. § 32-22.9 · code text Basketball standards shall maintain a minimum ten (10) foot primary front, secondary front, side, and rear yard setback. At least 5 feet from side and rear property lines. Applies: Other accessory structures under 6 feet tall, including pools, spas and mechanical equipment. § 32-22.9 · code text Other accessory structures including pools, spas, and mechanical equipment which are less than six (6) feet in height shall maintain a minimum five (5) foot setback from the side and rear property lines.

Solar panels and EV chargers

Danville code What Danville's code adds
EV charger permit	You may submit permit applications electronically. Applies: Applies to EV charging station permit applications. § 10-17.4 · code text the Building Official shall allow for electronic submittal of permit applications covered by this Ordinance and associated supporting documentations.
Solar permit process	Only 1 inspection is required. Applies: Applies to small residential rooftop solar systems eligible for expedited review. § 10-12.5 · code text Only one inspection shall be required and performed by the Building Division for small residential rooftop solar energy systems eligible for expedited review. The inspection is scheduled within 2 business days of a request, with a 2-hour inspection window. Applies: Applies to small residential rooftop solar systems eligible for expedited review. § 10-12.5 · code text An inspection will be scheduled within two (2) business days of a request and provide a two (2) hour inspection window.
Review time	The permit is issued within 1-3 business days. Applies: Electronic applications only; the application must be complete and meet the approved checklist and standard plan. § 10-12.5 · code text within 1-3 business days for electronic applications of receipt of a complete application that meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan. The permit is issued the same day. Applies: Over-the-counter applications only; the application must be complete and meet the approved checklist and standard plan. § 10-12.5 · code text The Building Division shall issue a building permit the same day for over-the-counter applications

Tree removal

Danville code What Danville's code adds
Exemptions	The permit fee is waived, but a tree removal permit is still required. Applies: A protected tree removed because it is near the house, or for defensible space or a fuel break required by an insurer or fire agency. § 32-79.5 · code text A tree removal permit is required pursuant to subsection 32-79.6, but the application fee shall be waived under each of the following circumstances: The permit fee is waived with evidence the tree is dead or dying; a tree removal permit is still required. Applies: Any dead or dying tree in very poor condition; a tree killed by the owner or others does not qualify. § 32-79.5 · code text Any dead or dying tree in very poor condition may be removed if the applicant has submitted sufficient evidence to the Planning Division, attesting that the tree is dead or dying. It may be removed without a permit, but the owner must get a tree removal permit afterward. Applies: Only when a protected tree is an immediate hazard to life or property. § 32-79.5 · code text If the condition of a protected tree presents an immediate hazard to life or property, it may be removed without a permit. However, subsequent to the removal, the property owner shall obtain a tree removal permit from the Town. No permit is required. Applies: Only for routine maintenance of a protected tree. § 32-79.5 · code text The routine maintenance of a protected tree shall not require a permit.
Permit to remove	Yes, a tree removal permit from the Planning Division is required before removal. Applies: Applies to protected trees on any property in the Town of Danville. § 32-79.5 · code text no person may destroy or remove a protected tree on any property within the Town of Danville without obtaining a tree removal permit from the Planning Division prior to removal. No permit is required. Applies: Only for a tree whose removal was specifically approved in an earlier development approval. § 32-79.5 · code text A tree whose removal was specifically approved as part of a previously approved development entitlement.
Replacement trees	The Town may require replacement trees on-site or off-site. Applies: Applies where the Town finds mitigation is necessary. § 32-79.7 · code text Where mitigation is determined to be necessary, the Town may require the planting of on-site or off-site replacement trees, their location and species to be determined by the Town.

Other Danville rules on this

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

Parking oversized vehicles and trailers on residential streets (§ 8-18) — on public streets in residential areas

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Danville?

Danville requires a permit to put a fence, hedge or similar structure in a right-of-way, with some exceptions.

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

Danville limits accessory structures to 15 feet, or 12 feet within 10 feet of a side or rear line; portable sheds, 8 feet.

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

Danville's code: You may submit permit applications electronically. (Applies to EV charging station permit applications.) (§ 10-17.4); Only 1 inspection is required. (Applies to small residential rooftop solar systems eligible for expedited review.) (§ 10-12.5).

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

Danville's code: The permit fee is waived, but a tree removal permit is still required. (A protected tree removed because it is near the house, or for defensible space or a fuel break required by an insurer or fire agency.) (§ 32-79.5); The permit fee is waived with evidence the tree is dead or dying; a tree removal permit is still required. (Any dead or dying tree in very poor condition; a tree killed by the owner or others does not qualify.) (§ 32-79.5).

General information, not legal advice.

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