Vallejo · Building on your lot

Building on your lot in Vallejo

Vallejo sets its own limits on fences and accessory buildings, and has its own chapter on home-based businesses. Fence height depends on the yard, and taller front fences need city approval.

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Key points

Fence height: In residential districts, Vallejo limits fences to 3 feet in required front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards.
Accessory buildings: Vallejo limits accessory buildings in residential districts to 14 feet.
Home businesses: Vallejo has its own chapter on home-based businesses.

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

Fences and walls

Vallejo code What Vallejo's code adds
Corner visibility	No fences are allowed in the sight distance triangle. Applies: In residential zoning districts. § 16.505.04 · code text Within sight distance triangle \| Not permitted \| Not permitted \| Not permitted
Height anywhere on the lot	Up to 6 feet. Applies: For open fences that do not block a view. § 16.505.04 · code text Open fences that do not obstruct a view may be six feet in height.
Front yard height	No more than 3 feet 6 inches. Applies: In the front and street side yard setbacks of city landmarks and properties in a heritage or historic district. § 16.505.04 · code text The maximum height for fences within the front setback area and/or the street side yard setback area shall be three feet six inches. No more than 3 feet. Applies: In the required front yard in residential zoning districts. § 16.505.04 · code text Required front yard \| 3 feet \| 4 feet with the Traffic Engineer's approval through a Zoning Compliance Review. Up to 4 feet. Applies: In the required front yard in residential districts, with the Traffic Engineer's approval through a Zoning Compliance Review. § 16.505.04 · code text 4 feet with the Traffic Engineer's approval through a Zoning Compliance Review. Up to 5 feet. Applies: In the required front yard in residential districts, only with an Exception Permit. § 16.505.04 · code text The maximum height allowed with an Exception Permit is 5 feet.
Side and rear yard height	No more than 6 feet. Applies: In the required side yard in residential zoning districts. § 16.505.04 · code text Required side yard \| 6 feet \| A one-foot extension up to 7 feet with a decorative finish such as lattice is allowed. Up to 7 feet. Applies: In the required side yard in residential districts, with a 1-foot extension that has a decorative finish such as lattice. § 16.505.04 · code text A one-foot extension up to 7 feet with a decorative finish such as lattice is allowed. No more than 6 feet. Applies: In the required rear yard in residential zoning districts. § 16.505.04 · code text Required rear yard \| 6 feet \| A one-foot extension up to 7 feet with a decorative finish such as lattice is allowed. Up to 7 feet. Applies: In the required rear yard in residential districts, with a 1-foot extension that has a decorative finish such as lattice. § 16.505.04 · code text A one-foot extension up to 7 feet with a decorative finish such as lattice is allowed.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures

Vallejo code What Vallejo's code adds
Maximum height	Up to 14 feet. Applies: For accessory buildings in any residential zoning district. § 16.501.02 · code text Accessory buildings up to fourteen feet in height are permitted subject to the following requirements: May be taller than the height limit. Applies: For accessory buildings such as barns and stables in the RR district, with director approval. § 16.501.02 · code text Accessory buildings in the RR Zoning District, such as barns and stables, may exceed the height limit, subject to director approval.
Side and rear setback	At least 5 feet from the rear parcel line. Applies: For accessory buildings 14 feet tall or less. § 16.501.02 · code text Accessory buildings no more than fourteen feet in height shall be located at least five feet from the rear parcel line, unless they are more than fifty feet from the front property where they can be at least three feet from the rear parcel line. At least 3 feet from the rear parcel line. Applies: For accessory buildings 14 feet tall or less that are more than 50 feet from the front property line. § 16.501.02 · code text Accessory buildings no more than fourteen feet in height shall be located at least five feet from the rear parcel line, unless they are more than fifty feet from the front property where they can be at least three feet from the rear parcel line.

RV and boat parking

Vallejo code What Vallejo's code adds
Where it may be parked	In the driveway, an exterior or interior side yard, or the rear yard. Applies: Residential property; side or rear yard only behind an opaque fence at least 6 feet tall; at most 2 RVs per lot. § 16.508.11 · code text Permitted recreational vehicles may be parked, stored, or loaded on a residential property in a driveway, exterior or interior side yard, or rear yard in compliance with the following requirements:
Front-yard parking	Only short stays: loading or unloading up to 72 hours, or traveling visitors up to 1 week per 6 months. Applies: Residential property, outside the fenced side or rear yard; the vehicle may not block the driveway or garage. § 16.508.11 · code text Permitted recreational vehicles may be parked, stored, or loaded on a residential property in a driveway, exterior or interior side yard, or rear yard in compliance with the following requirements: Left side facing the home, at least 5 feet behind the sidewalk, or 10 feet from pavement if none. Applies: Applies to an RV in the driveway, for sight distance. § 16.508.11 · code text For sight distance purposes, in the driveway, a recreational vehicle shall be parked on the left side (facing the property) at a minimum distance of five feet from the back of the sidewalk, or if there is no sidewalk, no closer than ten feet from the edge of the pavement. At least 10 feet behind the sidewalk, or 15 feet from the pavement edge if there is no sidewalk. Applies: Applies to an RV on a parking pad next to the driveway. § 16.508.11 · code text On the parking pad adjacent to the driveway, a recreational vehicle may not be parked closer than ten feet from the back of the sidewalk or, if there is no sidewalk, fifteen feet from the edge of the pavement.
Screening and surface	An opaque fence at least 6 feet tall; optional lattice up to 1 foot high may be added on top. Applies: Applies to storage in a side or rear yard. § 16.508.11 · code text Within the exterior or interior side yard behind a legally constructed opaque fence not less than six feet tall. At the option of the property owner or occupant of the property, lattice not exceeding one foot in height may be affixed to the top of the fence; Use grass-crete, turf-block, a ribbon driveway or similar; not a standard slab driveway. Applies: Applies to new secondary driveways or parking pads. § 16.508.11 · code text Installation of new secondary driveways or parking pads shall be grass-crete, turf-block, a ribbon driveway, or other similar treatment, and shall not be a standard slab driveway.
Size limit	Not allowed if over 2.5 tons dry weight, 36 feet long or 14 feet high, not counting rooftop equipment. Applies: RVs, boats and trailers parked, stored or loaded in a residential zone. § 16.508.11 · code text No recreational vehicle, boat or trailer that exceeds 2.5 tons in dry weight, thirty-six feet in length or fourteen feet in height, not including rooftop equipment, shall be parked, stored or loaded in a residential zoning district.
Living in an RV	RVs may not be used as extra living space. Applies: Except as temporary living quarters during construction, with an approved temporary use permit. § 16.508.11 · code text Recreational vehicles shall not be used as additional living space except as temporary living quarters during construction subject to the approval of a temporary use permit pursuant to Chapter 16.339, Temporary Uses.

Solar panels and EV chargers

Vallejo code What Vallejo's code adds
Solar height and setbacks	Up to 5 feet above the zone's height limit. Applies: Applies to solar panel (photovoltaic) systems on single-unit properties. § 16.338.02 · code text Photovoltaic solar energy systems may extend up to five feet above the height limit in the zoning district in which it is located. Up to 7 feet above the zone's height limit. Applies: Applies to solar water or pool heating systems on single-unit properties. § 16.338.02 · code text Solar water or swimming pool heating systems may extend up to seven feet above the height limit in the zoning district in which it is located; Up to 5 feet above the roof surface they sit on. Applies: Applies to solar panel (photovoltaic) systems on all other properties. § 16.338.02 · code text Photovoltaic solar energy systems may extend up to five feet above the roof surface on which they are installed, even if this exceeds the maximum height limit in the zoning district in which it is located. Up to 7 feet above the roof surface they sit on. Applies: Applies to solar water or pool heating systems on all other properties. § 16.338.02 · code text Solar water or swimming pool heating systems may extend up to seven feet above the roof surface on which they are installed even if this exceeds the maximum height limit in the zoning district in which it is located. Non-panel solar equipment may be in side and rear setbacks, but no closer than 2 feet to any property line. § 16.338.02 · code text Except for solar collector panels, solar energy system equipment may be installed within the required side and rear setback but shall not be closer than two feet to any property line.
Solar permit process	Allowed after a Zoning Compliance Review confirms the system meets the solar rules. Applies: Applies to solar systems on existing buildings. § 16.338.02 · code text Solar energy systems proposed on existing buildings shall be permitted subject to a determination of compliance with the requirements of this chapter pursuant to Chapter 16.603, Zoning Compliance Review.

Tree removal

Vallejo code What Vallejo's code adds
Exemptions	No replacement trees are required. Applies: Only fire-prone species: blue gum eucalyptus, Monterey pine, juniper, tree of heaven, black acacia and bamboo. § 16.504.07 · code text Trees shall be replaced at a ratio of at least three new trees for every tree removed except for the fire-prone species identified above.
Permit to remove	The director may approve removal, based on a qualified arborist's report, if no feasible alternative site design exists. Applies: Applies to tree removal for site development. § 16.504.07 · code text The director may approve the removal of trees based on a determination that there is no feasible alternative design for developing the site and based on report and recommendation by a qualified arborist submitted by the applicant
Replacement trees	At least 3 new trees for every tree removed. Applies: Trees removed with director approval; not the listed fire-prone species. § 16.504.07 · code text Trees shall be replaced at a ratio of at least three new trees for every tree removed except for the fire-prone species identified above. Each replacement tree must be at least 15-gallon size. Applies: Applies to each replacement tree. § 16.504.07 · code text The minimum size of a replacement tree shall be fifteen gallons.

Swimming pools

Vallejo code What Vallejo's code adds
Pool barrier	Pools must be walled or fenced against access from the street or neighbors, and meet Building Code pool fencing rules. § 16.501.09 · code text Swimming pools shall be walled or fenced to prevent access from the street or from adjacent properties. All fencing shall comply with the requirements of the Building Code regulations for swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs.
Equipment and alarms	Pool equipment must be mounted and enclosed or screened so its sound meets the city noise standards. Applies: Equipment may not be in the front or street side yard, or closer than 15 feet to the main building on an adjoining lot. § 16.501.09 · code text All equipment shall be mounted and enclosed/screened so that its sound is in compliance with Chapter 16.502, Performance Standards.
Setback from property lines	At least 15 feet. Applies: Distance from the pool or hot tub wall to street side lot lines. § 16.501.09 · code text The outside wall of the water-containing portion of any swimming pool or hot tub must be a minimum of fifteen feet from street side lot lines, five feet from all interior lot lines, five feet from the rear lot line, and five feet from the residence and any accessory dwelling unit on the site. At least 5 feet. Applies: Distance from the pool or hot tub wall to interior lot lines. § 16.501.09 · code text The outside wall of the water-containing portion of any swimming pool or hot tub must be a minimum of fifteen feet from street side lot lines, five feet from all interior lot lines, five feet from the rear lot line, and five feet from the residence and any accessory dwelling unit on the site. At least 5 feet. Applies: Distance from the pool or hot tub wall to the rear lot line. § 16.501.09 · code text The outside wall of the water-containing portion of any swimming pool or hot tub must be a minimum of fifteen feet from street side lot lines, five feet from all interior lot lines, five feet from the rear lot line, and five feet from the residence and any accessory dwelling unit on the site. At least 5 feet. Applies: Distance from the pool or hot tub wall to the home and any ADU on the site. § 16.501.09 · code text The outside wall of the water-containing portion of any swimming pool or hot tub must be a minimum of fifteen feet from street side lot lines, five feet from all interior lot lines, five feet from the rear lot line, and five feet from the residence and any accessory dwelling unit on the site.

Pets, chickens and bees

Vallejo code What Vallejo's code adds
Bees	Yes, up to 3 colonies. Applies: Per lot; transient swarms may be kept temporarily for no more than 45 days. § 7.38.030 · code text Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no more than three colonies may be kept, maintained or permitted on any lot or parcel of land except that transient swarms may be temporarily maintained for a period not to exceed forty-five days. Hives at least 10 feet from occupied neighbors' side or rear lines and 40 feet from the front line. Applies: The 10-foot setback applies when the neighboring property is occupied; a zoning administrator variance can change setbacks. § 7.38.030 · code text Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no hives or colonies shall be located within ten feet of any rear or side property line when the adjoining property is occupied or within forty feet of the front property line, which property line for purposes of this subsection shall be defined as the sidewalk boundary line furthest from the street. Yes; each colony must be registered with the county agricultural commissioner. Applies: Applies to all beekeeping. § 7.38.020 · code text Each colony shall be registered with the county agricultural commissioner.
Chickens	Yes, up to 10 chickens regardless of lot size. Applies: Residential lots; in a securely fenced rear yard with a coop and pen; no roosters. § 16.306.02 · code text \| Chickens \| 10 regardless of lot size \|
Coop setback	At least 5 feet away. Applies: Distance from hen coops to side or rear property lines. § 16.306.02 · code text Coops for keeping of hens shall be set back a minimum of five feet from side or rear property lines. At least 20 feet away. Applies: Distance from hen coops to homes on neighboring properties. § 16.306.02 · code text Coops shall be located a minimum of twenty feet from habitable structures on adjacent properties; greater distances are encouraged where practicable.
Large animals	Up to 3 goats, sheep or similar animals per 20,000 square feet. Applies: On residential lots or with residential uses. § 16.306.02 · code text \| Goats, sheep, or similar \| 3 per 20,000 sq. ft. \| Cattle, horses, mules or burros are banned, except where zoning allows animal raising, agriculture or animal sales. § 7.24.055 · code text Animal raising as defined in Section 16.06.590 may occur in the rural residential district with the appropriate permits and in adherence to applicable standards as set forth in Chapter 16.12.
Permit	A variance from the zoning administrator. Applies: Needed for extra bee colonies or changed hive setbacks. § 7.38.030 · code text Variances authorizing exceptions to subsections A and B of this section and thereby allowing additional colonies or modified setback distances may be granted by the zoning administrator upon written request therefor by a beekeeper.
Pet limit	8 animals total; no more than 4 dogs, 4 cats and 1 pot-bellied pig. Applies: Any lot in a residential zone, or with a residential use in another zone. § 16.306.02 · code text On any lot in a residential zoning district, or in conjunction with any residential use in any other district, a total of eight animals (domestic or exotic) may be kept on one lot, of which not more than four may be dogs, and four cats and not more than one may be a pot-bellied pig.

Other Vallejo rules on this

Vallejo's code also has these chapters. We have not summarized their values on this page yet; read them in the library.

Home-based business (Ch. 16.321)

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Vallejo?

In residential districts, Vallejo limits fences to 3 feet in required front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards.

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Vallejo?

Vallejo limits accessory buildings in residential districts to 14 feet.

Can I run a business from my home in Vallejo?

Vallejo has its own chapter on home-based businesses. Vallejo also has a related rule: Home-based business (Ch. 16.321).

Can I park an RV or boat at my home in Vallejo?

Vallejo's code: In the driveway, an exterior or interior side yard, or the rear yard. (Residential property; side or rear yard only behind an opaque fence at least 6 feet tall; at most 2 RVs per lot.) (§ 16.508.11); Only short stays: loading or unloading up to 72 hours, or traveling visitors up to 1 week per 6 months. (Residential property, outside the fenced side or rear yard; the vehicle may not block the driveway or garage.) (§ 16.508.11).

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

Vallejo's code: Up to 5 feet above the zone's height limit. (Applies to solar panel (photovoltaic) systems on single-unit properties.) (§ 16.338.02); Up to 7 feet above the zone's height limit. (Applies to solar water or pool heating systems on single-unit properties.) (§ 16.338.02).

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Vallejo?

Vallejo's code: No replacement trees are required. (Only fire-prone species: blue gum eucalyptus, Monterey pine, juniper, tree of heaven, black acacia and bamboo.) (§ 16.504.07); The director may approve removal, based on a qualified arborist's report, if no feasible alternative site design exists. (Applies to tree removal for site development.) (§ 16.504.07).

What are the pool fence and setback rules in Vallejo?

Vallejo's code: Pools must be walled or fenced against access from the street or neighbors, and meet Building Code pool fencing rules. (§ 16.501.09); Pool equipment must be mounted and enclosed or screened so its sound meets the city noise standards. (Equipment may not be in the front or street side yard, or closer than 15 feet to the main building on an adjoining lot.) (§ 16.501.09).

Can I keep chickens or bees at my home in Vallejo?

Vallejo's code: Yes, up to 3 colonies. (Per lot; transient swarms may be kept temporarily for no more than 45 days.) (§ 7.38.030); Hives at least 10 feet from occupied neighbors' side or rear lines and 40 feet from the front line. (The 10-foot setback applies when the neighboring property is occupied; a zoning administrator variance can change setbacks.) (§ 7.38.030).

General information, not legal advice.

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