Ventura County · Building on your lot

Building on your lot in Ventura County

Ventura County's code applies only in unincorporated areas. It sets its own limits on fences, accessory structures and home occupations, with separate fence rules for the coastal zone and Old Town Saticoy.

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Key points

Coastal fences: In the coastal zone, Ventura County limits fences to 6 feet, and to 3 feet in a required setback next to a street.
Accessory structures: In the coastal zone, Ventura County limits detached non-living accessory structures in interior side or rear setbacks to 15 feet.
Home businesses: Ventura County allows only household members to work in a home business, which needs a Zoning Clearance.

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

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

Fences and walls

Ventura County code What Ventura County's code adds
Height anywhere on the lot	No more than 6 feet. Applies: In the coastal zone, anywhere on the lot except the clear sight triangle or a required setback next to a street. § 8175-3.11 · code text A maximum six-foot-high wall, fence or hedge may be located anywhere on the lot except in the clear sight triangle or required setback area adjacent to a street. Up to 8 feet, for a see-through fence. Applies: Coastal zone, at or near the boundary of a COS or CA lot with an agricultural operation, or a subdivision next to one. § 8175-3.11 · code text A maximum eight-foot-high see-through fence may be located on any lot zoned COS or CA that contains an agricultural operation, or in a subdivision that abuts an agricultural operation in a COS or CA zone, provided that such fence is located at or near the boundary line separating such properties.
Front yard height	No more than 3 feet. Applies: In Old Town Saticoy, for solid fences, walls or hedges in a Primary Street or Side Street setback. § 8119-1.8.3 · code text When located within a Primary Street or Side Street setback, the maximum height for solid fences, walls or hedges shall be three (3) feet. No more than 5 feet. Applies: In Old Town Saticoy, for see-through or combination fences in a street setback that are at least 50% visible. § 8119-1.8.3 · code text When the fence, wall or hedge is see-through, transparent, or a combination (see Sec. 8119-1.8.3(c) below), the maximum height shall be five (5) feet. No more than 3 feet. Applies: In the required setback next to a street, in the coastal zone. § 8175-3.11 · code text No fences, walls or hedges over three (3) feet high may be placed in the required setback area adjacent to a street.
Side and rear yard height	No more than 6 feet. Applies: In Old Town Saticoy, within a side or rear yard setback. § 8119-1.8.3 · code text When located within a side or rear yard setback, the maximum height shall be six (6) feet.

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures

Ventura County code What Ventura County's code adds
Maximum height	No more than 15 feet. Applies: In the coastal zone, for detached non-living accessory structures in interior side or rear setbacks. § 8175-4.1 · code text In no case shall any such structure exceed fifteen (15) feet in height. No more than 15 feet. Applies: Detached non-living structure in 1 front setback of a large through lot, at least 10 feet from the nearest front property line. § 8106-5.2 · code text A detached accessory structure not used for human habitation and not exceeding fifteen (15) feet in height may be located in one (1) of the required front setbacks on a large through lot, as described in Section 8106-4.4 of this Chapter
Size or lot coverage	May cover no more than 40% of the rear setback area. Applies: In the coastal zone, for detached accessory structures in the rear setback. § 8175-4.1 · code text In no case shall any such structure(s) occupy more than forty percent (40%) of the rear setback area. May cover no more than 40% of the rear setback area. Applies: Below-grade, uncovered pools, spas, hot tubs and similar structures with water 18 inches deep or more are not counted. § 8106-5.1 · code text Any such accessory structure(s) shall not occupy more than forty (40) percent of the rear setback area. This standard does not apply to below-grade, uncovered swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and similar structures (having a water depth of eighteen (18) inches or more).
Side and rear setback	At least 3 feet from interior and rear lot lines. Applies: In the coastal zone, for detached accessory structures not used for living. § 8175-4.1 · code text Detached accessory structures that are not used for human habitation may be constructed to within three (3) feet of interior and rear lot lines, provided that: At least 10 feet from the rear lot line. Applies: In the coastal zone, on through lots, unless another rule applies. § 8175-4.1 · code text On through lots, said structures may be located no closer than ten (10) feet (six (6) feet in the RBH Zone) to the rear lot line, except as specified otherwise in Section 8175-4.15. At least 6 feet from the rear lot line. Applies: In the coastal zone, on through lots in the RBH Zone. § 8175-4.1 · code text On through lots, said structures may be located no closer than ten (10) feet (six (6) feet in the RBH Zone) to the rear lot line, except as specified otherwise in Section 8175-4.15.
No permit needed up to	Up to 400 square feet of total floor area, exempt from a coastal development permit only. Applies: Coastal lots with an existing single-family home; not for living. Not on beaches, in ESHA, near bluffs or on slopes over 20%. § 8174-6.2.5 · code text The accessory structure does not exceed four hundred (400) square feet in aggregate in gross floor area;

Running a business from home

Ventura County code What Ventura County's code adds
Customer visits	No more than 6 clients per day. Applies: No overlapping visits. Clients only from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. § 8107-1.2 · code text The maximum number of clients per day shall be six (6), with no overlapping in visits. Up to 10 clients per day. Applies: Needs a waiver signed by owners or tenants of the 3 nearest homes each way on the same side, and 7 nearest across the street. § 8107-1.2 · code text The number of clients allowed per day may be increased to a maximum of ten (10). More than 1 client may be on site at one time. Applies: Needs a waiver signed by owners or tenants of the 3 nearest homes each way on the same side, and 7 nearest across the street. § 8107-1.2 · code text More than one (1) client may be allowed on site at one (1) time. Clients may visit until 9:00 p.m. Applies: Needs a waiver signed by owners or tenants of the 3 nearest homes each way on the same side, and 7 nearest across the street. § 8107-1.2 · code text Clients may be allowed on the premises until 9:00 p.m. Clients may visit on Saturdays. Applies: Needs a waiver signed by owners or tenants of the 3 nearest homes each way on the same side, and 7 nearest across the street. § 8107-1.2 · code text Clients may be allowed on the premises on Saturdays.
Employees	Only household members; no other business workers at the home. § 8107-1.2 · code text A home occupation shall be conducted only by members of the household occupying the dwelling, with no other persons related to the business employed at the dwelling.
Permit	A Zoning Clearance. § 8107-1.2 · code text Home occupations are allowed only if operated in accordance with all the following standards and upon issuance of a Zoning Clearance:
Businesses not allowed	Home occupations involving the on-site use or storage of highly toxic materials § 8107-1.2 · code text Home occupations involving the on-site use or storage of highly toxic materials, as defined in the Fire Code, are not permitted.

RV and boat parking

Ventura County code What Ventura County's code adds
Where it may be parked	Allowed on residential, agricultural or open space lots. Applies: Unincorporated coastal zone; legal lot, resident-owned operable vehicle not taking required parking; other cases are emergency, farm or repair vehicles. § 8176-2.4 · code text The accessory parking and storage of oversized vehicles, including boats, attendant trailers and/or equipment, is allowed on residential, agricultural, or open space zoned lots if one of the following findings can be made: An oversized vehicle may park temporarily for emergency repairs for up to 24 hours. Applies: Residential, agricultural or open space lots in the unincorporated coastal zone. § 8176-2.4 · code text The oversized vehicle is temporarily parked for emergency repairs for a time period not to exceed twenty-four (24) hours.
Screening and surface	Screened by a fence, wall or similar structure, or by landscaping. Applies: When parking is in a discretionary permit and the Planning Director finds it substantially harms the neighborhood's visual character. § 8176-2.4 · code text then the oversized vehicle shall be screened by a fence, wall or similar structure, or landscape screenings. Storage is denied where the vehicle or its screening would harm scenic or visual resources. Applies: Applies to oversized vehicle storage in a discretionary permit project. § 8176-2.4 · code text Storage of an oversized vehicle shall be denied where the vehicle or its screening will adversely impact scenic or visual resources.

Solar panels and EV chargers

Ventura County code What Ventura County's code adds
EV charger permit	A Zoning Clearance is required. Applies: Chargers attached to a legal building or structure, in the unincorporated coastal zone. § 8176-9.4.1 · code text A Zoning Clearance is required for the following PEV charging stations except when proposed in a location described in Section 8176-10.4.2 [8176-9.4.2]. A Planned Development Permit is required. Applies: DC fast chargers in the unincorporated coastal zone. § 8176-9.4.2 · code text Direct current (DC) fast charging PEV charging stations. A Planned Development Permit is required. Applies: Chargers not attached to a building that need a grading permit, in the unincorporated coastal zone. § 8176-9.4.2 · code text PEV charging stations not affixed to a building or structure and where the construction of the PEV charging station requires earth disturbing activities for which a grading permit is required. A Planned Development Permit is required. Applies: Repairs, maintenance or upgrades to a permitted charger that would substantially harm a coastal resource. § 8176-9.4.2 · code text Repair, maintenance or upgrades to a permitted PEV charging where the proposed method of repair, maintenance or upgrade will involve substantial adverse effects on a coastal resource.

Tree removal

Ventura County code What Ventura County's code adds
Exemptions	Tree emergencies are exempt. Applies: When an official finds the tree or its limbs an imminent threat to public safety, general welfare or the tree's health. § 8107-25.5 · code text Cases of a tree emergency where the Planning Director, or any employee of a government authority or special district, in the performance of his or her duties determines that a tree or its limbs pose an imminent threat to the public safety or general welfare or the health of the tree. Dead limbs or roots may be pruned or trimmed without a Tree Permit. Applies: Applies to dead limbs or root tissue of any size. § 8107-25.5 · code text Pruning and trimming of any size dead limb or root tissue. Naturally fallen trees, or standing trees certified dead, may be removed. Applies: Certification or objective data may be required for a standing dead tree. § 8107-25.5 · code text The removal of any naturally fallen trees and/or the felling and subsequent removal of standing, certifiably dead, trees. Certification by a qualified tree consultant or objective data confirming that a standing tree is dead shall be submitted to the Planning Director upon request. Pruning or trimming is allowed without a Tree Permit. Applies: Living limbs and roots each under 20% of trunk girth; must not endanger the tree, unbalance it, or remove over 20% of canopy or roots. § 8107-25.5 · code text Pruning and trimming of living limbs and roots, each of which is less than twenty (20) percent of the tree trunk's girth, provided such trimming does not endanger the life of the tree, result in an imbalance in structure, or remove more than twenty (20) percent of its canopy or the root system. ESHA trees may be altered or removed only for imminent hazard, minimum economically beneficial use, or an approved plan. Applies: Environmentally sensitive habitat (ESHA) trees in the unincorporated coastal zone; plans are ESHA mitigation or vegetation management plans. § 8178-7.4.2 · code text The alteration or removal of a tree that is ESHA pursuant to Section 8178-2.4.1 shall only be permitted when:
Permit to remove	Yes, a Tree Permit is required. Applies: Protected trees in unincorporated areas outside the coastal zone, unless the work is exempt, such as dead limbs or minor pruning. § 8107-25.6 · code text Except as provided in Sections 8107-25.4, 8107-25.5, or 8107-25.7, no person shall alter, fell, or remove a protected tree without obtaining a Ministerial Tree Permit for the following circumstances: Yes, a Ministerial Tree Permit. Applies: An Introduced Protected Tree, certified by a qualified tree consultant, on private property. § 8107-25.6 · code text The tree to be felled and/or removed is an "Introduced Protected Tree", as certified by a qualified tree consultant, and is located on private property. Yes, a Discretionary Tree Permit approved by the Planning Director. Applies: Removing a heritage or historical tree, 4 or more oaks or sycamores, or 6 or more other protected trees. § 8107-25.7 · code text Except as provided in Sections 8107-25.4, 8107-25.5 or 8107-25.6, no person shall alter, fell, or remove a protected tree without obtaining a Planning Director-approved Discretionary Tree Permit.

Swimming pools

Ventura County code What Ventura County's code adds
Setback from property lines	At least 3 feet from rear and interior side lot lines. Applies: Not in any front or street-side setback; unincorporated coastal zone. § 8175-4.16 · code text Swimming pools, spas, hot tubs and similar structures may be constructed to within three (3) feet of rear and interior side lot lines, provided that they do not intrude into any front or street-side setback.

Pets, chickens and bees

Ventura County code What Ventura County's code adds
Bees	Yes; at most 2 beehives. Applies: Backyard beekeeping on lots of at least 10,000 square feet; not in front yards; at least 10 feet from side and rear lines. § 8107-2.6.2 · code text \| 2 \| 10,000 sq. ft. \| Not Allowed \| 10 ft. \| 20 ft. \| 10 ft. \| 20 ft. \| 150 ft. \| Yes; at most 3 beehives. Applies: Backyard beekeeping on lots of at least 20,000 square feet; not in front yards; at least 20 feet from side and rear lines. § 8107-2.6.2 · code text \| 3 \| 20,000 sq. ft. \| Not Allowed \| 20 ft. \| 50 ft. \| 20 ft. \| 50 ft. \| 300 ft. \| Yes; at most 4 beehives. Applies: Backyard beekeeping on lots of at least 1 acre; not in front yards; at least 50 feet from side and rear lines. § 8107-2.6.2 · code text \| 4 \| 1 acre \| Not Allowed \| 50 ft. \| 100 ft. \| 50 ft. \| 100 ft. \| 450 ft. \| No hives on lots under 10,000 square feet; backyard beekeeping is limited to 4 hives. Applies: Backyard beekeeping in unincorporated areas outside the coastal zone. § 8107-2.6.2 · code text Backyard beekeeping is limited to a maximum of four (4) beehives pursuant to the standards set forth in Section 8107-2.6.2(d) below. Allowed only in the OS, AE, RA and TP zones, at least 400 feet from any off-site home. Applies: Applies to beekeeping other than backyard beekeeping. § 8107-2.6.1 · code text This type of beekeeping is only allowed in the OS, AE, RA, and TP Zones.
Large animals	Up to 2 equine units. Applies: RO, RE and RA lots of 10,000 to 20,000 square feet, with a waiver. § 8107-2.5.2 · code text Up to two (2) units of equines may be kept on RO, RE, and RA zoned lots of ten thousand (10,000) to twenty thousand (20,000) square feet if a waiver is obtained pursuant to Section 8111-1.1.2.
Permit	A Zoning Clearance is required. Applies: Applies to building any structure over 7 feet tall to house beehives. § 8107-2.6.2 · code text A Zoning Clearance is required for the construction of any structure over seven (7) feet tall to house beehive(s). A Zoning Clearance is required. Applies: Keeping more pets than normally allowed, up to twice the number, on a lot of at least the zone's minimum size. § 8107-2.4.6 · code text A Zoning Clearance must be obtained from the Planning Division before bringing additional pet animals onto the property.

Who this affects

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Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Ventura County?

In the coastal zone, Ventura County limits fences to 6 feet, and to 3 feet in a required setback next to a street.

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Ventura County?

In the coastal zone, Ventura County limits detached non-living accessory structures in interior side or rear setbacks to 15 feet.

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

Ventura County allows only household members to work in a home business, which needs a Zoning Clearance.

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

Ventura County's code: Allowed on residential, agricultural or open space lots. (Unincorporated coastal zone; legal lot, resident-owned operable vehicle not taking required parking; other cases are emergency, farm or repair vehicles.) (§ 8176-2.4); Screened by a fence, wall or similar structure, or by landscaping. (When parking is in a discretionary permit and the Planning Director finds it substantially harms the neighborhood's visual character.) (§ 8176-2.4).

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

Ventura County's code: A Zoning Clearance is required. (Chargers attached to a legal building or structure, in the unincorporated coastal zone.) (§ 8176-9.4.1); A Planned Development Permit is required. (DC fast chargers in the unincorporated coastal zone.) (§ 8176-9.4.2).

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

Ventura County's code: Tree emergencies are exempt. (When an official finds the tree or its limbs an imminent threat to public safety, general welfare or the tree's health.) (§ 8107-25.5); Dead limbs or roots may be pruned or trimmed without a Tree Permit. (Applies to dead limbs or root tissue of any size.) (§ 8107-25.5).

What are the pool fence and setback rules in Ventura County?

Ventura County's code: At least 3 feet from rear and interior side lot lines. (Not in any front or street-side setback; unincorporated coastal zone.) (§ 8175-4.16).

Can I keep chickens or bees at my home in Ventura County?

Ventura County's code: Yes; at most 2 beehives. (Backyard beekeeping on lots of at least 10,000 square feet; not in front yards; at least 10 feet from side and rear lines.) (§ 8107-2.6.2); Yes; at most 3 beehives. (Backyard beekeeping on lots of at least 20,000 square feet; not in front yards; at least 20 feet from side and rear lines.) (§ 8107-2.6.2).

General information, not legal advice.

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