Building on your lot in Wheatland

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

Sheds, garages and other accessory structures

Wheatland code What Wheatland's code adds
Size or lot coverage	No more than 1,200 square feet of floor area for all accessory buildings combined. Applies: On a lot in a residential zone, with at most 3 accessory buildings per lot. § 18.60.010 · code text The combined floor area of accessory buildings on any individual lot shall not exceed one thousand two hundred square feet of floor area.
Side and rear setback	At least 4 feet from the side and rear lot lines. § 18.60.010 · code text Any accessory building shall have a minimum setback four feet from the side and rear lot lines.
Distance from the house	At least 4 feet from the main home and from any other accessory building. § 18.60.010 · code text Any accessory building shall have a minimum four-foot separation between the primary residence and/or any other accessory building.

Solar panels and EV chargers

Wheatland code What Wheatland's code adds
EV charger permit	An expedited building permit; you may apply by email. § 18.64.020 · code text An application for an expedited building permit for electric vehicle charging stations may be filed by email.
Solar permit process	Expedited permits are handled by the County of Yuba building department. Applies: Applies to small residential rooftop solar systems. § 15.19.010 · code text The City of Wheatland hereby designates the County of Yuba building department as the authority for implementing the city's compliance with the required State of California process for expedited permitting of "small residential rooftop solar energy systems,"

Swimming pools

Wheatland code What Wheatland's code adds
Pool barrier	No openings larger than 4 inches. § 18.60.320 · code text Such pool or the property on which it is located shall be completely enclosed by a wall or fence not less than five feet (sixty inches) in height, containing no openings greater than four inches except for self-closing and self-latching gates on which the latch is at least five feet (sixty inches) above ground level, in order that full control of access by children may be maintained.
Barrier height	At least 5 feet (60 inches) high. § 18.60.320 · code text Such pool or the property on which it is located shall be completely enclosed by a wall or fence not less than five feet (sixty inches) in height, containing no openings greater than four inches except for self-closing and self-latching gates on which the latch is at least five feet (sixty inches) above ground level, in order that full control of access by children may be maintained.
Equipment and alarms	Filter and heating systems may not be within 5 feet of any lot line. Applies: Applies to pool filter and heating systems. § 18.60.320 · code text Filter and heating systems shall not be located within five feet of any lot line.
Gates	Self-closing and self-latching, with the latch at least 5 feet (60 inches) above the ground. § 18.60.320 · code text Such pool or the property on which it is located shall be completely enclosed by a wall or fence not less than five feet (sixty inches) in height, containing no openings greater than four inches except for self-closing and self-latching gates on which the latch is at least five feet (sixty inches) above ground level, in order that full control of access by children may be maintained.
Setback from property lines	At least 50 feet from the front lot line. Applies: The pool must also be on the rear half of the lot. § 18.60.320 · code text Such pool shall be located on the rear one half of the lot and in any case not less than fifty feet from the front lot line and not less than three feet of any side and rear lot line. At least 3 feet. Applies: Distance from side and rear lot lines. § 18.60.320 · code text Such pool shall be located on the rear one half of the lot and in any case not less than fifty feet from the front lot line and not less than three feet of any side and rear lot line.

Who this affects

HomeownersContractorsDesigners

Frequently asked questions

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

In residential zones, Wheatland limits all accessory buildings on a lot to 1,200 square feet of floor area combined. Wheatland allows at most three accessory buildings per lot in a residential zone.

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

Wheatland's code: An expedited building permit; you may apply by email. (§ 18.64.020); Expedited permits are handled by the County of Yuba building department. (Applies to small residential rooftop solar systems.) (§ 15.19.010).

What are the pool fence and setback rules in Wheatland?

Wheatland's code: No openings larger than 4 inches. (§ 18.60.320); At least 5 feet (60 inches) high. (§ 18.60.320).

General information, not legal advice.