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Guadalupe · Building on your lot

Building on your lot in Guadalupe

Guadalupe's own rules cover fences between lots with different ground levels, accessory buildings in the R-1-M district, and home businesses. Home businesses may have no employees.

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Key points

  • Fence height: Guadalupe limits fences to 6 ft at a property line where the ground level changes between adjoining lots.
  • Accessory buildings: City rule: in the R-1-M district, accessory buildings are limited to 7 feet; one built within the rear yard setback needs a 5-foot setback.
  • Home businesses: Guadalupe home businesses may have no employees; vehicle repair, room, board or care, and medical marijuana dispensaries are not allowed.

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

Fences and walls

Guadalupe code What Guadalupe's code adds
Height anywhere on the lot
  • Up to 6 feet.
    Applies: Only at the property line where the ground level changes between adjoining lots.
    § 18.52.124 · code text
    In the event that there is a change in topography between adjoining lots, a fence may be constructed up to 6 feet in height at the property line.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures

Guadalupe code What Guadalupe's code adds
Maximum height
  • No more than 7 feet.
    Applies: For accessory buildings or structures in the R-1-M district.
    § 18.24.100 · code text
    no such building or structure shall be over 7 feet in height.
Side and rear setback
  • At least 5 feet from the rear property line.
    Applies: For accessory buildings or structures built in the rear yard setback in the R-1-M district.
    § 18.24.100 · code text
    The accessory building or structure shall be located not less than 5 feet from the rear property line.

Running a business from home

Guadalupe code What Guadalupe's code adds
Employees
  • No employees.
    § 18.08.370 · code text
    and no employees in connection therewith.
Businesses not allowed
  • Maintenance or repair of automobiles or other vehicles
    § 18.08.370 · code text
    1. Maintenance or repair of automobiles or other vehicles;
  • The provision of room, board or care for persons or animals
    § 18.08.370 · code text
    2. The provisions of room, board or care for persons or animals;
  • A medical marijuana dispensary
    § 18.08.370 · code text
    3. A medical marijuana dispensary.

Solar panels and EV chargers

Guadalupe code What Guadalupe's code adds
EV charger permit
  • The Building Official approves applications meeting the city checklist, laws and safety standards, issuing all permits; electronic submittal allowed.
    Applies: Electric vehicle charging stations.
    § 15.16.040 · code text
    the Building Official or delegee shall allow for electronic submittal of permit applications covered by the ordinance codified in this chapter and associated supporting documentations.
Solar permit process
  • Administrative, nondiscretionary building permit when a complete application meets the checklist and standard plan; only one inspection.
    Applies: Small residential rooftop solar systems.
    § 15.14.060 · code text
    The Building Division shall issue a nondiscretionary building permit the same day for over-the-counter applications, if possible,
Review time
  • Same day, if possible.
    Applies: Small residential rooftop solar with a complete over-the-counter application.
    § 15.14.060 · code text
    The Building Division shall issue a nondiscretionary building permit the same day for over-the-counter applications, if possible,
  • Within 24 hours.
    Applies: Small residential rooftop solar with a complete over-the-counter application, when same-day issue is not possible.
    § 15.14.060 · code text
    or otherwise, within 24 hours, or within 3 business days for electronic applications, of receipt of a complete application
  • Within 3 business days.
    Applies: Small residential rooftop solar with a complete electronic application.
    § 15.14.060 · code text
    or within 3 business days for electronic applications, of receipt of a complete application

Pets, chickens and bees

Guadalupe code What Guadalupe's code adds
Permit
  • A breeder permit is required.
    Applies: Breeding more than 1 litter of dogs in 1 calendar year from one premises.
    § 6.04.260 · code text
    It shall be unlawful for any person to breed more than one litter of dogs in one calendar year from one premises without first obtaining a breeder permit.
Pet limit
  • No more than 3 dogs over 4 months old.
    Applies: Unless a kennel permit is obtained.
    § 6.04.090 · code text
    No person shall keep, harbor or maintain upon his or her premises within the City more than a total of 3 dogs over the age of 4 months unless said person shall obtain a kennel permit

Other Guadalupe rules on this

Guadalupe'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 tall can a fence be in Guadalupe?

Guadalupe limits fences to 6 ft at a property line where the ground level changes between adjoining lots.

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

City rule: in the R-1-M district, accessory buildings are limited to 7 feet; one built within the rear yard setback needs a 5-foot setback.

Can I run a business from my home in Guadalupe?

Guadalupe home businesses may have no employees; vehicle repair, room, board or care, and medical marijuana dispensaries are not allowed.

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

Guadalupe's code: The Building Official approves applications meeting the city checklist, laws and safety standards, issuing all permits; electronic submittal allowed. (Electric vehicle charging stations.) (§ 15.16.040); Administrative, nondiscretionary building permit when a complete application meets the checklist and standard plan; only one inspection. (Small residential rooftop solar systems.) (§ 15.14.060).

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

Guadalupe's code: A breeder permit is required. (Breeding more than 1 litter of dogs in 1 calendar year from one premises.) (§ 6.04.260); No more than 3 dogs over 4 months old. (Unless a kennel permit is obtained.) (§ 6.04.090).

General information, not legal advice.

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