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Fullerton · Building on your lot

Building on your lot in Fullerton

Fullerton sets its own setbacks for accessory structures in its R-1, R-1P, R-2 and R-2P zones. They cover patio and porch covers, carports, fireplaces, barbecues and kilns.

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Key points

  • Patio covers: In R-1, R-1P, R-2 and R-2P zones, patio covers and carports sit at least 5 feet from rear, 3 feet from residential side lines.
  • Fireplaces, kilns: In R-1, R-1P, R-2 and R-2P zones, freestanding fireplaces, barbecues and kilns sit at least 5 feet from lines next to residential lots.

Each rule below is marked Fullerton 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

Fullerton code What Fullerton's code adds
Side and rear setback
  • At least 5 feet from any rear property line; at least 3 feet from side lines next to residential lots.
    Applies: R-1, R-1P, R-2 and R-2P zones. Patio and porch covers, carports and other open accessory structures, attached or freestanding.
    § 15.17.050 · code text
    A patio and porch cover, carport or other non-enclosed accessory structure that is attached to or freestanding from a residence shall be at least five feet from any rear property line and three feet from any side property line that abuts a lot with a residential zone classification.
  • At least 5 feet from a rear or side property line next to a residential lot.
    Applies: R-1, R-1P, R-2 and R-2P zones. Freestanding fireplaces, barbecue structures and kilns.
    § 15.17.050 · code text
    Any freestanding fireplace, barbecue structure or kiln shall be at least five feet from a rear or side property line that abuts a lot with a residential zone classification.

Solar panels and EV chargers

Fullerton code What Fullerton's code adds
EV charger permit
  • Must be approved if it meets the checklist and standards and has no specific, adverse public health or safety impact.
    § 14.30.060 · code text
    If the application meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standards, and the proposed electric vehicle charging station and/or hydrogen fueling station does not pose any specific, adverse impact upon public health or safety, the Building Official must approve the application.
  • Decision (approved, or a use permit is needed) within 30 days after a complete application.
    § 14.30.060 · code text
    The Building Official must notify an applicant whether the application has been approved, or, alternatively, whether the applicant must obtain an “electric vehicle charging station use permit” or a “hydrogen fueling station use permit,” within 30 days after the submission of a complete application.
Review time
  • Within 3 business days.
    Applies: Applies to over-the-counter applications for small rooftop home solar that meet the checklist and standard plan.
    § 14.18.060 · code text
    For an application for a small residential rooftop solar energy system that meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan, the Building Division shall issue a building permit or other non-discretionary permit within three business days for over-the-counter applications or within five business days for electronically filed applications.
  • Within 5 business days.
    Applies: Applies to electronically filed applications for small rooftop home solar that meet the checklist and standard plan.
    § 14.18.060 · code text
    For an application for a small residential rooftop solar energy system that meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan, the Building Division shall issue a building permit or other non-discretionary permit within three business days for over-the-counter applications or within five business days for electronically filed applications.

Pets, chickens and bees

Fullerton code What Fullerton's code adds
Large animals
  • Horses, cattle, pigs, sheep and goats may not be kept within 50 feet of others' homes; zoning rules also apply.
    Applies: Applies to equines, bovines, swine, sheep or goats.
    § 11.36.010 · code text
    No person shall keep, stable or stake any equine, bovine, swine, sheep or goat within 50 feet of any dwellings or building (other than that of the owner) used principally for human habitation, within the city, or in any manner not permitted by the Fullerton Zoning Ordinance (Title 15 of this code).

Other Fullerton rules on this

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

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

In R-1, R-1P, R-2 and R-2P zones, patio covers and carports sit at least 5 feet from rear, 3 feet from residential side lines. In R-1, R-1P, R-2 and R-2P zones, freestanding fireplaces, barbecues and kilns sit at least 5 feet from lines next to residential lots.

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

Fullerton's code: Must be approved if it meets the checklist and standards and has no specific, adverse public health or safety impact. (§ 14.30.060); Decision (approved, or a use permit is needed) within 30 days after a complete application. (§ 14.30.060).

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

Fullerton's code: Horses, cattle, pigs, sheep and goats may not be kept within 50 feet of others' homes; zoning rules also apply. (Applies to equines, bovines, swine, sheep or goats.) (§ 11.36.010).

General information, not legal advice.

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