Walnut Creek · Building on your lot

Building on your lot in Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek sets its own limits on fences, accessory structures and home businesses. Taller fences need a minor use permit, and some commercial uses, such as auto repair, may not run from a home.

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Key points

Fence height: Walnut Creek limits residential fences to 3 feet in the required front setback and 7 feet in interior side, rear and corner side setbacks.
Accessory structures: Walnut Creek rear-yard accessory structures: at most 9 feet; total roof area 230 sq ft or 20% of the rear yard, whichever is less.
Home businesses: Walnut Creek limits a home business to 20% of the home's floor area and two persons, who must be residents.

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

Fences and walls

Walnut Creek code What Walnut Creek's code adds
Side and rear yard height	No more than 3 feet, measured from the highest adjacent grade. Applies: For residential uses, within the corner side setback of a reversed corner lot. § 10-2.3.104 · code text No fence, wall, or similar structure shall exceed three (3) feet in height within the required front setback or within the corner side setback of a reversed corner lot, as measured from the highest adjacent grade. No more than 7 feet, measured from the highest adjacent grade. Applies: For residential uses, within a required interior side or rear setback, or a corner lot's corner side setback. § 10-2.3.104 · code text No fence, wall or similar structure shall exceed seven (7) feet in height within a required interior side or rear setback, or corner side setback of a corner lot, as measured from the highest adjacent grade.
Height anywhere on the lot	Up to 8 feet for a solid fence or wall. Applies: Residential property next to a highway, along interior property lines by the highway. Over 7 feet needs a landscaped buffer. § 10-2.3.104 · code text a solid fence or wall may be installed along the interior property lines adjacent to the highway within the project site at up to eight (8) feet in height. No single retaining wall over 7 feet, measured from finished grade to the top. Applies: Within a required setback. § 10-2.3.104 · code text No single retaining wall shall exceed seven (7) feet in height within a required setback as measured from the finished grade to the top of wall.
Front yard height	No more than 3 feet, measured from the highest adjacent grade. Applies: Within the required front setback of a residential lot. § 10-2.3.104 · code text No fence, wall, or similar structure shall exceed three (3) feet in height within the required front setback or within the corner side setback of a reversed corner lot, as measured from the highest adjacent grade.
Permit	A minor use permit is required to go above the maximum heights. Applies: For fences, walls, retaining walls or similar structures. § 10-2.3.104 · code text The maximum height standards for fences, walls, retaining walls, or similar structures, as previously specified in this section, may be increased through the issuance of a minor use permit pursuant to the appropriate provisions of Part IV, Article 8

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures

Walnut Creek code What Walnut Creek's code adds
Maximum height	No more than 9 feet, measured from the lower of existing or finished grade to the roof's highest point. Applies: For an accessory structure in the required rear yard. § 10-2.3.103 · code text The accessory structure does not exceed a height of nine feet as measured from the existing or finished grade (whichever is lower), to the highest portion of the roofline. No more than 6 feet or the height of the adjacent fence or wall, whichever is less. Applies: For an accessory structure in the required side yard. § 10-2.3.103 · code text The accessory structure does not exceed six (6) feet in height or the height of the existing adjacent fence or wall, whichever is less. Up to 9 feet. Applies: Detached garages in the Almond-Shuey Neighborhood, in the rear 35 feet of the lot, using up to 45 square feet of the side yard. § 10-2.3.103 · code text In the Almond-Shuey Neighborhood, detached garages up to nine (9) feet in height may occupy up to forty-five (45) square feet of the required side yard, if located within the rear thirty-five (35) feet of the lot, and if there is a clear passageway of three (3) feet in width maintained between the accessory structure (including roof overhang) and the adjoining property line;
Size or lot coverage	No more than 230 square feet or 20% of the required rear yard, whichever is less. Applies: For the total roof area of all accessory structures in the required rear yard. § 10-2.3.103 · code text The total roof area of all accessory structures within the required rear yard does not occupy more than two hundred thirty (230) square feet or twenty percent (20%) of the required rear yard, whichever is less. Up to 45 square feet of the required side yard. Applies: Detached garages up to 9 feet high in the Almond-Shuey Neighborhood, in the rear 35 feet of the lot. § 10-2.3.103 · code text In the Almond-Shuey Neighborhood, detached garages up to nine (9) feet in height may occupy up to forty-five (45) square feet of the required side yard, if located within the rear thirty-five (35) feet of the lot, and if there is a clear passageway of three (3) feet in width maintained between the accessory structure (including roof overhang) and the adjoining property line; No more than 120 square feet of roof area in each required side yard. Applies: For the total roof area of all accessory structures in each required side yard. § 10-2.3.103 · code text The total roof area of all accessory structures does not occupy more than one hundred twenty (120) square feet of the area contained within each respective required side yard.
Side and rear setback	A clear 3-foot passage to any adjacent fence, wall or property line. Applies: For accessory structures in the required rear yard, measured from the roof overhang. § 10-2.3.103 · code text There is a clear passageway of three (3) feet in width between the accessory structure, including roof overhang, and any adjacent fence, wall or property line; A clear 3-foot passage to the adjoining property line. Applies: Detached garages in the Almond-Shuey Neighborhood, in the rear 35 feet of the lot and the required side yard, including roof overhang. § 10-2.3.103 · code text In the Almond-Shuey Neighborhood, detached garages up to nine (9) feet in height may occupy up to forty-five (45) square feet of the required side yard, if located within the rear thirty-five (35) feet of the lot, and if there is a clear passageway of three (3) feet in width maintained between the accessory structure (including roof overhang) and the adjoining property line;
Distance from the house	A clear 5-foot passage to the main home. Applies: For an accessory structure in the required rear yard. § 10-2.3.103 · code text There is a clear passageway of five (5) feet in width between the accessory structure exterior and the main dwelling; A clear 3-foot passage to either the main home or the adjacent fence. Applies: For an accessory structure in the required side yard. § 10-2.3.103 · code text There is a clear passageway of three (3) feet in width either between the accessory structure, including roof overhang, and the main dwelling unit, or between the accessory structure and the adjacent fence;

Running a business from home

Walnut Creek code What Walnut Creek's code adds
Space used	No more than 20% of the home's total floor area. Applies: For all floor area used for any home occupation. § 10-2.3.107 · code text Not more than twenty percent of the total floor area of the dwelling unit shall be used in connection with any home occupation.
Customer visits	The business's main function may not require serving customers or clients at the home. Applies: Educational services, and supplying goods used with them, are excepted if traffic stays normal for the district and no nuisance results. § 10-2.3.107 · code text The primary function of a home occupation shall not necessitate the rendering of services to customers or clients on the premises.
Employees	No more than 2 people, and only residents of the home. § 10-2.3.107 · code text Home occupations shall be confined to the residents of the dwelling unit and shall not exceed two persons engaged therein.
Permit	A home occupation permit from the Community Development Director. § 10-2.3.107 · code text Home occupation permits may be issued by the Community Development Director providing the home occupation is not incompatible in any way with the residential character of the neighborhood, that there is no external evidence of its operation, and that the proposed use conforms to all of the following conditions: A home occupation permit from the Zoning Administrator. Applies: When the Community Development Director refuses the application, or the business will not meet all the standard conditions. § 10-2.3.107 · code text such home occupation permit may be granted by the Zoning Administrator pursuant to the provisions of Part IV. Administration. of this chapter.
Businesses not allowed	repair, manufacture, processing or alteration of goods, materials or objects Applies: when conducted on a commercial basis; exception for dressmaking, tailoring and manufacturing arts and crafts items intended for off-premises sale where no equipment or process creates an adverse neighborhood impact § 10-2.3.107 · code text The repair, manufacture, processing or alteration of goods, materials or objects; exception: dressmaking, tailoring and the manufacturing of arts and crafts items intended for off-premises sale where no equipment or process is used which creates an adverse impact on neighborhood; any use involving food handling, processing or packing Applies: when conducted on a commercial basis § 10-2.3.107 · code text Any use involving food handling, processing or packing; harboring, training or raising dogs, cats, birds, horses or other animals Applies: when conducted on a commercial basis § 10-2.3.107 · code text Harboring, training or raising dogs, cats, birds, horses or other animals; automobile and/or body and fender repairing Applies: when conducted on a commercial basis § 10-2.3.107 · code text Automobile and/or body and fender repairing.

Lot splits under SB 9

Walnut Creek code What Walnut Creek's code adds
How the lot may be divided	No new lot may be smaller than 40% of the existing lot's area. Applies: Applies to each lot created by an urban lot split. § 10-1.1405 · code text No lot created by an urban lot split shall be smaller than forty percent (40%) of the area of the existing lot being subdivided.
Unit size	Inclusionary housing rules do not apply to units up to 850 square feet. Applies: Studio or 1-bedroom SB 9 units on net lots of 14,999 square feet or less. § 10-2.3.1508 · code text 14,999 square feet or less \| 850 square feet \| 1,000 square feet Inclusionary housing rules do not apply to units up to 900 square feet. Applies: Studio or 1-bedroom SB 9 units on net lots of 15,000 to 19,999 square feet. § 10-2.3.1508 · code text 15,000 to 19,999 square feet \| 900 square feet \| 1,000 square feet Inclusionary housing rules do not apply to units up to 950 square feet. Applies: Studio or 1-bedroom SB 9 units on net lots of 20,000 square feet or more. § 10-2.3.1508 · code text 20,000 square feet or more \| 950 square feet \| 1,000 square feet Inclusionary housing rules do not apply to units up to 1,000 square feet. Applies: SB 9 units with 2 or more bedrooms on net lots of 14,999 square feet or less. § 10-2.3.1508 · code text 14,999 square feet or less \| 850 square feet \| 1,000 square feet Inclusionary housing rules do not apply to units up to 1,000 square feet. Applies: SB 9 units with 2 or more bedrooms on net lots of 15,000 to 19,999 square feet. § 10-2.3.1508 · code text 15,000 to 19,999 square feet \| 900 square feet \| 1,000 square feet Inclusionary housing rules do not apply to units up to 1,000 square feet. Applies: SB 9 units with 2 or more bedrooms on net lots of 20,000 square feet or more. § 10-2.3.1508 · code text 20,000 square feet or more \| 950 square feet \| 1,000 square feet
Minimum new lot size	Each new lot must be at least 1,200 square feet. Applies: Applies to each lot created by an urban lot split. § 10-1.1405 · code text In addition, no lot created by an urban lot split shall be smaller than one thousand two hundred (1,200) square feet in area.
Standards	An urban lot split may create no more than 2 lots. Applies: Applies to urban lot splits. § 10-1.1405 · code text An urban lot split shall create no more than two (2) lots. Each new lot must have vehicle access to a public or private street. Applies: Applies to each lot from the urban lot split. § 10-1.1405 · code text Each lot resulting from the urban lot split shall have vehicular access to a public or private street. Rentals or leases must be at least 31 days. Applies: Applies to SB 9 units. § 10-2.3.1508 · code text The rental period or lease term for any SB 9 dwelling unit shall be a minimum of thirty-one (31) days. New utility connections must be underground. Applies: All new connections serving pre-SB 9 main homes or SB 9 units. § 10-2.3.1508 · code text All new utility connections serving pre-SB 9 primary dwellings or SB 9 dwelling units shall be installed underground.

RV and boat parking

Walnut Creek code What Walnut Creek's code adds
Parking on the street	No street parking from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. without a Chief of Police permit. Applies: Vacation trailers or motor coaches over both 20 feet long and 7 feet high, on residential streets. § 3-5.1901 · code text No vacation trailer or motor coach in excess of both 20 feet in length and seven feet in height shall be parked or left standing upon any street in any residential district between the hours of 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. unless a permit has first been issued therefor by the Chief of Police. A free permit for 2 back-to-back 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. periods before and after a trip. Applies: For loading or unloading an oversized vacation trailer or motor coach on a residential street. § 3-5.1901 · code text For the purpose of loading or unloading, for two consecutive periods from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. before and after a trip. A free permit for up to 3 back-to-back 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. periods. Applies: For visitors traveling in an oversized vacation trailer or motor coach, on a residential street. § 3-5.1901 · code text For the purpose of accommodating visitors who are traveling in the vehicle, not to exceed three consecutive periods from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., providing that the vehicle is not in violation of §3-5.1005 of this code.

Solar panels and EV chargers

Walnut Creek code What Walnut Creek's code adds
EV charger permit	Expedited, nondiscretionary administrative review; apply over the counter, by mail or electronically. Applies: Applies to permits to install an EV charging station. § 9-0.5.309 · code text An applicant may submit a permit application and associated documentation over-the-counter, by mail, or through electronic submittal, using the electronic submittal method(s) specified on the City's website. Approved administratively when complete and meeting local, State and federal health and safety requirements. Applies: EV charging station permits, absent findings of a specific, adverse impact. § 9-0.5.309 · code text Upon confirmation that the application is complete, the Building Official shall review the application to ensure the electric vehicle charging station meets local, State, and federal health and safety requirements. Absent any specific, adverse impact findings, the Building Official shall administratively approve the application and issue the permit.
Solar height and setbacks	Panels may not exceed the City's maximum legal building height to qualify for the expedited permit. Applies: Small rooftop solar, up to 10 kilowatts AC or 30 kilowatts thermal, on a single-family home or duplex. § 9-0.5.308 · code text Contains a solar panel or module array that does not exceed the City's maximum legal building height.
Solar permit process	Administrative, nondiscretionary review; permit same day over the counter or within 3 business days electronically; apply in person or electronically. Applies: Small residential rooftop solar; applications must meet the approved checklist. § 9-0.5.308 · code text Applicants may submit the required permit application and documents in person at Building Division's public counters or via electronic submission.

Tree removal

Walnut Creek code What Walnut Creek's code adds
Exemptions	The Director may give written permission to remove a hazardous tree when immediate action is needed for safety. Applies: Only when the tree threatens structures or human life and needs immediate action. § 3-8.03 · code text Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, whenever the Director determines that a tree(s) is in a hazardous or dangerous condition requiring immediate action for the safety of structures or human life, such tree(s) may be removed by written permission of the Director.
Permit to remove	Yes, a tree removal permit is required. Applies: Applies to any tree growing within City limits, except as the code allows. § 3-8.03 · code text No person shall cut down, destroy or remove any tree(s) growing within the City limits from any property without a tree removal permit, except as provided herein. Yes; apply to the Director at least 10 days before removal when no development is involved. Applies: Applies to tree removal on any property in the City. § 3-8.04 · code text Any person desiring to cut down, destroy or remove one (1) or more trees on any property in the City of Walnut Creek shall file an application for a tree removal permit with the Director.

Other Walnut Creek rules on this

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

Pets, chickens and other animals at home (§ 10-2.3.108)
Pools not allowed in the front yard (§ 10-2.3.112)

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

How tall can a fence be in Walnut Creek?

Walnut Creek limits residential fences to 3 feet in the required front setback and 7 feet in interior side, rear and corner side setbacks.

How big can a shed or accessory building be in Walnut Creek?

Walnut Creek rear-yard accessory structures: at most 9 feet; total roof area 230 sq ft or 20% of the rear yard, whichever is less.

Can I run a business from my home in Walnut Creek?

Walnut Creek limits a home business to 20% of the home's floor area and two persons, who must be residents.

Can I split my lot under SB 9 in Walnut Creek?

Walnut Creek's code: No new lot may be smaller than 40% of the existing lot's area. (Applies to each lot created by an urban lot split.) (§ 10-1.1405); Inclusionary housing rules do not apply to units up to 850 square feet. (Studio or 1-bedroom SB 9 units on net lots of 14,999 square feet or less.) (§ 10-2.3.1508).

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

Walnut Creek's code: No street parking from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. without a Chief of Police permit. (Vacation trailers or motor coaches over both 20 feet long and 7 feet high, on residential streets.) (§ 3-5.1901); A free permit for 2 back-to-back 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. periods before and after a trip. (For loading or unloading an oversized vacation trailer or motor coach on a residential street.) (§ 3-5.1901).

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

Walnut Creek's code: Expedited, nondiscretionary administrative review; apply over the counter, by mail or electronically. (Applies to permits to install an EV charging station.) (§ 9-0.5.309); Approved administratively when complete and meeting local, State and federal health and safety requirements. (EV charging station permits, absent findings of a specific, adverse impact.) (§ 9-0.5.309).

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Walnut Creek?

Walnut Creek's code: The Director may give written permission to remove a hazardous tree when immediate action is needed for safety. (Only when the tree threatens structures or human life and needs immediate action.) (§ 3-8.03); Yes, a tree removal permit is required. (Applies to any tree growing within City limits, except as the code allows.) (§ 3-8.03).

General information, not legal advice.

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