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Red Bluff · Building on your lot

Building on your lot in Red Bluff

Red Bluff sets fence heights in its residential districts, with a lower limit in front yards. On a corner lot next to a key lot, a taller street side fence needs the key lot owner's written consent and Community Development Director approval.

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Key points

  • Fence heights: R-1 to R-4, H-R and MHCA: fences at most 42 inches in front yards and corner street sides near key lots; 6 feet elsewhere.
  • Accessory buildings: Detached accessory buildings without living quarters in a rear yard are limited to 1 story.

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

Fences and walls

Red Bluff code What Red Bluff's code adds
Side and rear yard height
  • A corner lot fence may be up to 6 feet tall.
    Applies: Street side setback next to a key lot (otherwise 42 inches), only with the key lot owner's written consent and Community Development Director approval.
    § 25.192 · code text
    the corner lot fence may be built to a height not to exceed six feet upon written consent of the owner of the key lot and approval of the Community Development Director or designee.
  • Fences, walls and hedges may be no more than 6 feet tall.
    Applies: Side and rear yards in the R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, H-R and MHCA districts.
    § 25.192 · code text
    In R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, H-R and MHCA districts, fences, walls and hedges shall not exceed six feet in height in side and rear yards and shall not exceed 42 inches in height in front yards and the setback required in division (D) above.
Front yard height
  • Fences, walls and hedges may be no more than 42 inches tall.
    Applies: R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, H-R and MHCA districts: front yards and corner-lot street side setbacks within 20 feet of a key lot's side line.
    § 25.192 · code text
    In R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, H-R and MHCA districts, fences, walls and hedges shall not exceed six feet in height in side and rear yards and shall not exceed 42 inches in height in front yards and the setback required in division (D) above.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures

Red Bluff code What Red Bluff's code adds
Maximum height
  • No more than 1 story tall.
    Applies: Detached accessory buildings without living quarters in a rear yard.
    § 25.192 · code text
    A detached accessory building not exceeding one story in height and without living quarters may occupy a rear yard and shall observe a three-foot clear distance from any property line, with the exception of a corner lot adjacent to a key lot, the building must observe the setback requirement.
Side and rear setback
  • At least 3 feet clear from any property line.
    Applies: Detached one-story accessory buildings without living quarters. On a corner lot next to a key lot, the full setback applies.
    § 25.192 · code text
    A detached accessory building not exceeding one story in height and without living quarters may occupy a rear yard and shall observe a three-foot clear distance from any property line, with the exception of a corner lot adjacent to a key lot, the building must observe the setback requirement.
Distance from the house
  • At least 8 feet clear from the main building.
    Applies: Garages or accessory buildings not attached to the main building.
    § 25.192 · code text
    A garage or accessory building that is not attached to and made a part of the main building shall not be closer than eight feet clear distance to the main building.

Solar panels and EV chargers

Red Bluff code What Red Bluff's code adds
EV charger permit
  • Apply in person, by email, fax or online; expedited review for applications meeting the EV checklist.
    Applies: Applies to EV charging station permit applications eligible for expedited review.
    § 5.54 · code text
    Applications for EVCS permits and any supporting documents may be submitted in person, by email, facsimile, or through an online permitting system.
  • The Building Official approves and issues all permits when complete and safe; only 1 inspection.
    Applies: Applies to EV charging station permits with no specific, adverse impact on public health or safety.
    § 5.55 · code text
    Only one inspection shall be required, which shall be done in a timely manner and may include a consolidated inspection by the Building Inspector.

Swimming pools

Red Bluff code What Red Bluff's code adds
Maintenance and empty pools
  • Pool water may go into the city sewer only as needed to keep the pool clean.
    Applies: Applies to pools with an adequate, proper filter system.
    § 24.47 · code text
    Only the discharge as is necessary to maintain the cleanliness of the pool shall be permitted.
Permit
  • Yes; plan approval and a Building Inspector permit before building, and notice when installation is complete.
    Applies: Applies to anyone building a swimming pool.
    § 24.43 · code text
    All persons who desire to construct a swimming pool after the effective date of this article shall obtain approval of their plan prior to construction and a permit therefor from the Building Inspector and shall give notice of the completion of the installation.

Other Red Bluff rules on this

Red Bluff'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 Red Bluff?

R-1 to R-4, H-R and MHCA: fences at most 42 inches in front yards and corner street sides near key lots; 6 feet elsewhere.

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Red Bluff?

Detached accessory buildings without living quarters in a rear yard are limited to 1 story.

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

Red Bluff's code: Apply in person, by email, fax or online; expedited review for applications meeting the EV checklist. (Applies to EV charging station permit applications eligible for expedited review.) (§ 5.54); The Building Official approves and issues all permits when complete and safe; only 1 inspection. (Applies to EV charging station permits with no specific, adverse impact on public health or safety.) (§ 5.55).

What are the pool fence and setback rules in Red Bluff?

Red Bluff's code: Pool water may go into the city sewer only as needed to keep the pool clean. (Applies to pools with an adequate, proper filter system.) (§ 24.47); Yes; plan approval and a Building Inspector permit before building, and notice when installation is complete. (Applies to anyone building a swimming pool.) (§ 24.43).

General information, not legal advice.

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