Building on your lot in Sacramento County

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

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

Running a business from home

Sacramento County code What Sacramento County's code adds
Permit	A General Business License is required. Applies: Any business run as a home occupation. § 4.06.055 · code text a General Business License shall be required for any business, enterprise or activity described by such Sections, which is operated or conducted as a Home Occupation. A General Business License is required. Applies: Family contractor's businesses. § 4.06.055 · code text A General Business License shall also be required for a Family Contractor's Business.

Solar panels and EV chargers

Sacramento County code What Sacramento County's code adds
EV charger permit	Building Official approves and issues permits when the application meets the County checklist and laws; electronic submittal and signatures accepted. Applies: Applies to EV charging stations. The charger may not be used until the County approves the final inspection. § 16.30.070 · 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 documentations. In accepting such permit applications, the Building Official shall also accept electronic signatures on all forms, applications, and other documentation in lieu of a wet signature by any applicant.

Tree removal

Sacramento County code What Sacramento County's code adds
Permit to remove	A tree permit covers only the approved trees; valid 6 months, with 1 extension of up to 6 months. Applies: Applies to trees regulated by the county tree chapter. § 19.12.100 · code text The permit, or the conditions of approval granted by the approving body, shall entitle the applicant to remove only the tree or trees approved for removal. Yes, a permit is required. Applies: Applies to any public tree on an easement, planting easement, street or public premises, alive or dead. § 19.04.100 · code text A permit shall be required before any person shall plant, transplant, move, separate, trim, prune, cut above or below the ground, disrupt, alter or do surgery upon any public tree located on an easement, planting easement, street, or public premises, irrespective of whether the tree is alive or dead.
Replacement trees	The director may require 1 or more replacement trees. Applies: Applies when a public tree is removed under a permit. § 19.04.100 · code text The director may require that a permittee plant one or more trees in place of the one removed, in the same location or vicinity;

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

Can I run a business from my home in Sacramento County?

In unincorporated areas, a home business needs a General Business License from the county. A Family Contractor's Business also needs a General Business License (county rule).

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

Sacramento County's code: Building Official approves and issues permits when the application meets the County checklist and laws; electronic submittal and signatures accepted. (Applies to EV charging stations. The charger may not be used until the County approves the final inspection.) (§ 16.30.070).

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Sacramento County?

Sacramento County's code: A tree permit covers only the approved trees; valid 6 months, with 1 extension of up to 6 months. (Applies to trees regulated by the county tree chapter.) (§ 19.12.100); Yes, a permit is required. (Applies to any public tree on an easement, planting easement, street or public premises, alive or dead.) (§ 19.04.100).

General information, not legal advice.