Gustine · Building on your lot

Building on your lot in Gustine

Gustine sets its own limits for fences, accessory structures and home businesses. Fence height depends on the setback the fence stands in and on how open its upper part is.

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Key points

Fence height: Gustine limits fences to 3 ft in front setbacks; side or rear setbacks 7 ft, or 8 ft if open above 6 ft.
Accessory structures: Gustine limits detached accessory structures other than garages to 12 ft and requires at least 10 ft between them and the house.
Home businesses: Gustine home businesses may have at most 6 vehicle trips a day and 1 client or family at a time, with no nonresident employees.

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

Fences and walls

Gustine code What Gustine's code adds
Corner visibility	At most 3 feet. Applies: In sight visibility areas where alleys, streets and driveways intersect. § 4-30-030 · code text At intersections of alleys, streets, and driveways within sight visibility areas. See 9-30-040.E \| 3 ft
Front yard height	At most 3 feet. Applies: Within the front yard setback. § 4-30-030 · code text Within front yard setback \| 3 ft
Side and rear yard height	At most 7 feet. Applies: Within the side or rear yard setback. § 4-30-030 · code text Within side or rear yard setback \| 7 ft (2) Up to 8 feet may be allowed. Applies: Within the side or rear yard setback, only when the part above 6 feet is open design, such as lattice or wrought iron. § 4-30-030 · code text A fence or wall may be allowed up to eight feet in height when the portions of the fence above six feet are of an open design (e.g., lattice, wrought iron or grille work), provided that a Building Permit may be required.
Permit	A Building Permit may be required. Applies: For a fence or wall up to 8 feet high whose part above 6 feet is open design. § 4-30-030 · code text A fence or wall may be allowed up to eight feet in height when the portions of the fence above six feet are of an open design (e.g., lattice, wrought iron or grille work), provided that a Building Permit may be required.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures

Gustine code What Gustine's code adds
Maximum height	No more than 12 feet. Applies: For accessory structures other than detached garages, unless a Variance allows more height. § 4-44-030 · code text The height of an accessory structure other than a detached garage shall not exceed 12 feet, except where a greater height is authorized through Variance approval.
Size or lot coverage	No more than 500 square feet in total. Applies: For all accessory structures together in the required side and rear setbacks. § 4-44-030 · code text Where permitted, the aggregate coverage of accessory structures in required side and rear setbacks shall not exceed 500 square feet. Up to 400 square feet for each home. Applies: For an accessory greenhouse. § 4-44-030 · code text An accessory greenhouse may occupy up to 400 square feet for each dwelling unit. No more than 25% of the main building's gross floor area. Applies: For a workshop in a residential zone. Garage rules apply when a workshop is combined with a garage. § 4-44-030 · code text A workshop shall not occupy an area larger than 25 percent of the gross floor area of the primary structure; except that where a workshop is combined with a garage, see Subparagraph E.2 (Garages), above.
Side and rear setback	At least 5 feet from side and rear lines. Applies: For detached accessory structures 10 feet tall or less. § 4-44-030 · code text An accessory structure with a height of 10 feet or less shall maintain side and rear setbacks of at least five feet. At least 3 feet from a side lot line. Applies: For detached accessory structures in residential zones. On a corner lot, it may not project beyond the neighbor's front yard. § 4-44-020 · code text The accessory structure shall not be located closer than three feet to a side lot line, or in the case of a corner lot, shall not project beyond the front yard required or existing on the adjacent lot, nor be within five feet of the rear lot line. At least 5 feet from the rear lot line. Applies: For detached accessory structures in residential zones. § 4-44-020 · code text The accessory structure shall not be located closer than three feet to a side lot line, or in the case of a corner lot, shall not project beyond the front yard required or existing on the adjacent lot, nor be within five feet of the rear lot line. At least 5 feet from side property lines. Applies: For a garage of a single-family home, attached or detached. § 4-44-030 · code text A garage shall be set back a minimum of five feet from side property lines. At least 5 feet from the rear property line. Applies: For a detached garage that vehicles reach from the front of the lot. § 4-44-030 · code text A detached garage shall be set back a minimum of five feet from the rear property line where vehicles access the garage from the front of the lot, and shall be located a minimum of 25 feet from the opposite side of the alley where accessed from an alley.
Distance from the house	At least 10 feet. Applies: From the main home and from other accessory structures. § 4-44-030 · code text An accessory structure shall maintain at least a ten-foot separation from other accessory structures and the primary dwelling unit.

Running a business from home

Gustine code What Gustine's code adds
Customer visits	No more than 6 vehicle trips per day. Applies: Counts clients, customers and visitors to the home. § 4-44-050 · code text The home occupation shall be operated so as to not require more than 6 vehicle trips per day of clients, customers, and/or visitors to the residence. 1 client or family at a time. Applies: On site only between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. § 4-44-050 · code text On-site presence of clients or customers shall be limited to one client or family at a time, and only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Employees	No on-site employees except full-time residents of the home. § 4-44-050 · code text A home occupation shall have no on-site employees other than full-time residents of the dwelling.
Permit	A City Business License and a Home Occupation Permit. § 4-44-050 · code text A home occupation shall require a City Business License and a Home Occupation Permit.

RV and boat parking

Gustine code What Gustine's code adds
Where it may be parked	RVs and boats go in the interior side or rear yard setback. Applies: Homes in residential zones; at least 5 feet from the main building, or 2 feet if no doors or windows blocked and rear access remains. § 4-44-120 · code text A recreational vehicle or boat shall be stored in an interior side or rear yard setback, unless it can not comply with the other requirements of this Section, in which case it shall comply with the requirements of Subsection B. Inside an enclosed structure or carport. Applies: The structure or carport must meet the zoning district rules. § 4-44-120 · code text Parking shall be permitted inside any enclosed structure or carport that otherwise complies with the requirements of the applicable zoning district.
Front-yard parking	No, RVs and boats may not be stored in the front yard setback. § 4-44-120 · code text A recreational vehicle or boat shall not be stored in the front yard setback area. Limited. Applies: Only to load, unload or do minor maintenance, for at most 72 hours, by residents with no side or rear yard space; no sidewalk overhang. § 4-44-120 · code text The vehicle shall be permitted to park for the expressed purpose of loading, unloading or minor maintenance. The time period for which a resident may park their recreational vehicle or boat shall not exceed 72 hours for these specific tasks;
Living in an RV	No, an RV or boat may not be used for sleeping. Applies: Unless the city issues a valid Temporary Use Permit. § 4-44-120 · code text No recreational vehicle or boat shall be used for sleeping quarters, unless a valid Temporary Use Permit is issued by the City, nor shall any sanitary or cooking facilities contained therein be used, except under the following conditions: Yes, temporarily. Applies: Emergency use after a calamity to the resident's home, with permission from the City Manager or designee. § 4-44-120 · code text A resident who experiences a calamity to their home shall contact the City Manager or designated person for permission to set-up and use their recreational vehicle for temporary housing. Yes, with a Temporary Use Permit. Applies: Visiting relatives or guests, when used for more than 72 hours. § 4-44-120 · code text The City Manager or authorized representative may approve a Temporary Use Permit to residents who have relatives/guests visiting may utilize a recreational vehicle for temporary housing when utilized for more than a 72 hour period.

Solar panels and EV chargers

Gustine code What Gustine's code adds
EV charger permit	The building official approves an application meeting the city checklist and issues all needed permits. Applies: Electric vehicle charging stations; the station may not be energized or used until the city approves it. § 4-8-4 · code text A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the city's adopted checklist shall be deemed complete and be promptly processed.
Solar permit process	Electronic submittal and electronic signatures are allowed as resources permit. Applies: Small residential rooftop solar systems. § 4-4-186 · code text As allowed by available resources, the department shall allow for electronic submittal of a permit application and associated documentation and shall allow electronic signature in lieu of a wet signature. The application is approved and all permits issued once it is complete and meets all state building codes. Applies: Small residential rooftop solar systems. § 4-4-186 · code text Upon confirmation, by the department that the application and supporting documentation are complete and meet all requirements of the California Building Standards Codes, the department shall approve the application and issue all required permits.

Pets, chickens and bees

Gustine code What Gustine's code adds
Bees	No, bees are not allowed. Applies: Property not zoned for agricultural use. § 7-3-6 · code text It is unlawful for any person to keep, maintain or permit to be maintained bees, swine, llamas, roosters, chickens, pigeons, doves, turkeys, pea fowl, water fowl, ostriches and other "Ratitae," or livestock on any premises within the city that have not been zoned for agricultural use.
Chickens	No, chickens are not allowed. Applies: Property not zoned for agricultural use. § 7-3-6 · code text It is unlawful for any person to keep, maintain or permit to be maintained bees, swine, llamas, roosters, chickens, pigeons, doves, turkeys, pea fowl, water fowl, ostriches and other "Ratitae," or livestock on any premises within the city that have not been zoned for agricultural use.
Large animals	At most 2 adult animals and their young per acre. Applies: Agricultural animals lawfully kept in any nonagricultural zoning district. § 7-3-5 · code text No agricultural animal shall be maintained on an area of less than one acre, and the number of animals thereon shall not exceed a number per acre of two adult animals and their immature offspring. At least 1 acre. Applies: Agricultural animals lawfully kept in any nonagricultural zoning district. § 7-3-5 · code text No agricultural animal shall be maintained on an area of less than one acre, and the number of animals thereon shall not exceed a number per acre of two adult animals and their immature offspring. At least 100 feet from the nearest school, church, hospital or dwelling, other than the owner's home. Applies: Open pastures or corrals holding agricultural animals. § 7-3-5 · code text All open enclosures harboring agricultural animals, whether pasture land or corral, shall be not less than 100 feet from the nearest school, church, hospital or dwelling used for human habitation, other than the residence of the owner of such animal, and shall be set back at least 30 feet from any traveled street or highway, except an alley. At least 30 feet from any traveled street or highway, except an alley. Applies: Open pastures or corrals holding agricultural animals. § 7-3-5 · code text All open enclosures harboring agricultural animals, whether pasture land or corral, shall be not less than 100 feet from the nearest school, church, hospital or dwelling used for human habitation, other than the residence of the owner of such animal, and shall be set back at least 30 feet from any traveled street or highway, except an alley.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Gustine?

Gustine limits fences to 3 ft in front setbacks; side or rear setbacks 7 ft, or 8 ft if open above 6 ft.

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

Gustine limits detached accessory structures other than garages to 12 ft and requires at least 10 ft between them and the house.

Can I run a business from my home in Gustine?

Gustine home businesses may have at most 6 vehicle trips a day and 1 client or family at a time, with no nonresident employees.

Can I park an RV or boat at my home in Gustine?

Gustine's code: RVs and boats go in the interior side or rear yard setback. (Homes in residential zones; at least 5 feet from the main building, or 2 feet if no doors or windows blocked and rear access remains.) (§ 4-44-120); Inside an enclosed structure or carport. (The structure or carport must meet the zoning district rules.) (§ 4-44-120).

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

Gustine's code: The building official approves an application meeting the city checklist and issues all needed permits. (Electric vehicle charging stations; the station may not be energized or used until the city approves it.) (§ 4-8-4); Electronic submittal and electronic signatures are allowed as resources permit. (Small residential rooftop solar systems.) (§ 4-4-186).

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

Gustine's code: No, bees are not allowed. (Property not zoned for agricultural use.) (§ 7-3-6); No, chickens are not allowed. (Property not zoned for agricultural use.) (§ 7-3-6).

General information, not legal advice.

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