Sausalito · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in Sausalito
Sausalito sets its own rules for accessory buildings and home businesses. The city lists businesses that may not run from a home, such as auto repair, barber shops and schools with organized classes.
Key points
- Accessory buildings: Accessory buildings are limited to 1 story or 15 feet, and may cover at most 25% of the required rear yard (city rule).
- Home businesses: A home business may use 25% of the home, at most 400 square feet, with 1 non-resident employee; it needs a zoning permit.
Each rule below is marked Sausalito code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Sheds, garages and other accessory structures
| Maximum height |
|
|---|---|
| Size or lot coverage |
|
Running a business from home
| Space used |
|
|---|---|
| Customer visits |
|
| Employees |
|
| Permit |
|
| Businesses not allowed |
|
Lot splits under SB 9
| How the lot may be divided |
|
|---|---|
| Unit size |
|
| Minimum new lot size |
|
| Standards |
|
| Owner occupancy |
|
| Parking |
|
Solar panels and EV chargers
| EV charger permit |
|
|---|---|
| Review time |
|
Tree removal
| Exemptions |
|
|---|---|
| Permit to remove |
|
| Replacement trees |
|
Pets, chickens and bees
| Permit |
|
|---|
Other Sausalito rules on this
Sausalito's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- Storing boats, trailers and RVs at a home (§ 10.44.040) — residential sites only
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
How big can a shed or accessory building be in Sausalito?
Accessory buildings are limited to 1 story or 15 feet, and may cover at most 25% of the required rear yard (city rule).
Can I run a business from my home in Sausalito?
A home business may use 25% of the home, at most 400 square feet, with 1 non-resident employee; it needs a zoning permit.
Can I split my lot under SB 9 in Sausalito?
Sausalito's code: Each new parcel must be at least 40% of the original parcel's lot area. (Applies to an urban lot split in the R-1-20, R-1-6 or R-1-8 zones.) (§ 9.70.020); No more than 1,200 square feet of floor area. (Applies to new dwelling units built on a lot created under this chapter.) (§ 9.70.040).
Do I need a permit for solar panels or an EV charger in Sausalito?
Sausalito's code: Expedited administrative approval through a building permit or similar nondiscretionary permit. (Applies to a completed application that meets all requirements of the City's checklist.) (§ 8.56.040); The same day. (Complete over-the-counter applications that meet the approved checklist and standard plan.) (§ 10.70.060).
Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Sausalito?
Sausalito's code: Routine pruning needs no permit. (Applies to protected trees.) (§ 11.12.030); Yes. A permit is required. (Applies to removing or altering any protected tree, except routine pruning.) (§ 11.12.030).
Can I keep chickens or bees at my home in Sausalito?
Sausalito's code: Keeping bees needs a written permit from the City Health Officer. (§ 6.16.010); Keeping fowl, poultry or domesticated animals needs a permit from the City Health Officer. (§ 6.08.020).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a specific Sausalito property
Ask GoCodebook how these rules apply to your address and get an answer that cites the section.
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