Building on your lot in Modoc County

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

Modoc County's code applies in the unincorporated areas of the county. Cities in Modoc County have their own codes and their own pages.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures

Modoc County code What Modoc County's code adds
Side and rear setback	At least 10 feet from side and rear lot lines. Applies: Barns, stables, chicken houses and other buildings that house animals; lot lines next to an alley or street do not count. § 18.110.050 · code text Barns, stables, chicken houses, and similar buildings, and residential accessory buildings which house animals shall not be located closer than ten feet from side or rear lot lines, excluding lot lines adjacent to an alley or street; nor closer than twenty feet from any dwelling on the same or adjacent lot.
Distance from the house	At least 20 feet from any dwelling. Applies: Barns, stables, chicken houses and other buildings that house animals; dwellings on the same or an adjacent lot. § 18.110.050 · code text Barns, stables, chicken houses, and similar buildings, and residential accessory buildings which house animals shall not be located closer than ten feet from side or rear lot lines, excluding lot lines adjacent to an alley or street; nor closer than twenty feet from any dwelling on the same or adjacent lot.

Solar panels and EV chargers

Modoc County code What Modoc County's code adds
EV charger permit	The building official approves applications meeting the county checklist, laws and health and safety standards, and issues all permits. Applies: Electric vehicle charging stations. § 15.05.050 · code text A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the county's adopted checklist shall be deemed complete and be promptly processed. Upon confirmation by the building official that the permit application and supporting documents meets the requirements of the county's adopted checklist, and is consistent with all applicable laws and health and safety standards, the building official shall, consistent with CA Government Code Section 65850.7, approve the application and issue all necessary county permits. Electronic submittal and electronic signatures are accepted. § 15.05.050 · code text Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the building official shall allow for electronic submittal of permit applications covered by this chapter and associated supporting documents.
Review time	Permit issued within 1 to 3 business days. Applies: Small residential rooftop solar; complete electronic applications meeting the checklist and standard plan. § 15.04.070 · code text The building and safety department shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit [the same day for over-the-counter applications or within one to three business days for electronic applications, of receipt of a complete application and meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan. Permit issued the same day. Applies: Small residential rooftop solar; complete over-the-counter applications meeting the checklist and standard plan. § 15.04.070 · code text The building and safety department shall issue a building permit or other nondiscretionary permit [the same day for over-the-counter applications or within one to three business days for electronic applications, of receipt of a complete application and meets the requirements of the approved checklist and standard plan.

Pets, chickens and bees

Modoc County code What Modoc County's code adds
Bees	Africanized or overly defensive honey bees may not be kept or bred. § 6.06.130 · code text No person shall willingly and knowingly keep or breed Africanized honey bees or overly defensive bees.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Modoc County?

County rule: barns, stables and other buildings that house animals must stand 10 ft from lot lines not next to an alley or street. County rule: these animal buildings must stand 20 ft from any dwelling on the same or an adjacent lot.

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

Modoc County's code: The building official approves applications meeting the county checklist, laws and health and safety standards, and issues all permits. (Electric vehicle charging stations.) (§ 15.05.050); Electronic submittal and electronic signatures are accepted. (§ 15.05.050).

Can I keep chickens or bees at my home in Modoc County?

Modoc County's code: Africanized or overly defensive honey bees may not be kept or bred. (§ 6.06.130).

General information, not legal advice.