Shasta County · Building on your lot
Building on your lot in Shasta County
Shasta County's code applies only in unincorporated areas of the county. It limits the total size of accessory structures and sets rules for home businesses, which only residents may run.
Key points
- Accessory size: With a legal residence, all accessory structures may total 2,500 sq ft, with listed exclusions; without one, 1,000 sq ft.
- Home businesses: A home business may use 25% of the home, or 400 sq ft in a garage or accessory building; customer trips need a permit.
Each rule below is marked Shasta County code or CA state law and links to the section it comes from (checked October 2026). General information, not legal advice.
Shasta County's code applies in the unincorporated areas of the county. Cities in Shasta County have their own codes and their own pages.
Sheds, garages and other accessory structures
| Size or lot coverage |
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Running a business from home
| Space used |
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|---|---|
| Customer visits |
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| Employees |
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| Permit |
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| Businesses not allowed |
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Solar panels and EV chargers
| EV charger permit |
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|---|
Swimming pools
| Pool barrier |
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|---|---|
| Barrier height |
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| Gates |
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Pets, chickens and bees
| Bees |
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Other Shasta County rules on this
Shasta County's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.
- Storing RVs and trailers on a lot (§ 17.88.280)
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
How big can a shed or accessory building be in Shasta County?
With a legal residence, all accessory structures may total 2,500 sq ft, with listed exclusions; without one, 1,000 sq ft.
Can I run a business from my home in Shasta County?
A home business may use 25% of the home, or 400 sq ft in a garage or accessory building; customer trips need a permit.
Do I need a permit for solar panels or an EV charger in Shasta County?
Shasta County's code: Allowed in all zones without discretionary review. (Only if the station would not cause a specific adverse impact.) (§ 17.88.080).
What are the pool fence and setback rules in Shasta County?
Shasta County's code: Chain link, vertical slats no more than 4 inches apart, or masonry meet the rule. (§ 8.48.040); Openings may not let a 4-inch-diameter sphere pass through. (Other materials or structures approved by the building official; openings other than doors or gates.) (§ 8.48.040).
Can I keep chickens or bees at my home in Shasta County?
Shasta County's code: Africanized honey bees may not be kept. (§ 6.08.110).
General information, not legal advice.
Ask about a specific Shasta County property
Ask GoCodebook how these rules apply to your address and get an answer that cites the section.
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