Building on your lot in Vernon

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

Fences and walls

Vernon code What Vernon's code adds
Corner visibility	No bush, hedge or tree may block a driver's view at an intersection. No height limit is stated. Applies: For bushes, hedges and trees on private property or between the property line and the curb. § 8.24.040 · code text No person shall maintain any bush, hedge, or tree upon private property or between the property line and the curb of any public street which interferes or obstructs the passage of pedestrians or vehicles along a sidewalk or a public street, or which covers any City street sign, or which obscures the vision of any vehicle driver at an intersection.
Permit	Yes, a permit for any hedge, shrub, planting, fence or similar structure in a right-of-way. Applies: In a right-of-way. Some exceptions apply. § 12.08.320 · code text No hedge, shrub, or other planting whatever, fence or similar structure, except as provided in Section 12.08.330 shall be planted or erected in a right-of-way without a permit.

Solar panels and EV chargers

Vernon code What Vernon's code adds
EV charger permit	A complete application meeting the city checklist is approved and permits issued; the charger stays off until the city approves. § 15.48.010 · code text A permit application that satisfies the information requirements in the City's adopted checklist shall be deemed complete and be promptly processed.
Solar permit process	Apply to the Public Works Department in person, by mail or electronically, with any required fees. Applies: Applies to small residential rooftop solar systems. § 15.44.020 · code text The applicant may submit the permit application and associated documentation to the City's Public Works Department by personal, mail, or electronic submittal together with any required permit processing and inspection fees. Complete applications meeting the checklist are approved administratively; only 1 inspection; grid connection needs Vernon Public Utilities approval. § 15.44.020 · code text Upon confirmation by the Director of Public Works, or designee, of the application and supporting documentation being complete and meeting the requirements of the checklist, the Director of Public Works, or designee, shall administratively approve the application and issue all required permits or authorizations.

Other Vernon rules on this

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

Permit to keep farm animals (§ 6.12.070)

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Vernon?

Vernon does not allow a bush, hedge or tree to block a driver's view at an intersection. Vernon requires a permit for a hedge, shrub, fence or similar structure in a right-of-way.

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

Vernon's code: A complete application meeting the city checklist is approved and permits issued; the charger stays off until the city approves. (§ 15.48.010); Apply to the Public Works Department in person, by mail or electronically, with any required fees. (Applies to small residential rooftop solar systems.) (§ 15.44.020).

General information, not legal advice.