Before You Build in Carmichael, CA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Sacramento County Zoning Code §5.2.5 governs Carmichael fence heights: front yard in RD zones - 3 ft solid, 4 ft chain-link, or 7 ft open ornamental. Side and rear yard - up to 7 ft without a permit. Over 7 ft requires a building permit.

Retaining walls in Carmichael require a Sacramento County Building Permit under SCC §16.04 when they retain more than 4 feet of soil measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, or when they support a surcharge (driveway, structure, slope).

Fences 7 feet tall or less in Carmichael do not require a building permit when sited per Sacramento County Zoning §5.2.5. Fences over 7 feet, retaining walls over 4 feet, or masonry walls over 6 feet require a Sacramento County Building Permit under SCC Title 16.

Pool barriers in Carmichael must be at least 60 inches high with no openings allowing passage of a 4-inch sphere, self-closing/self-latching gates with latches 60 inches above grade, and at least two of the seven CA Pool Safety Act drowning prevention features. Required by CRC §R326 / CA H&SC §115920.

Any new in-ground swimming pool, spa, or pool remodel in Carmichael requires a Sacramento County Building Permit under SCC Title 16, plus compliance with California Pool Safety Act §115920. Permit fees are approximately $400-$1,200 plus plan check.

California Health & Safety Code §115920-115928 (the Pool Safety Act) requires that when a Carmichael pool building permit is issued, the pool must include at least 2 of 7 drowning-prevention features. Sacramento County also requires self-closing/self-latching gates and 60-inch perimeter barriers.

Converting a Carmichael garage to a JADU (Junior ADU) or living space requires Sacramento County Building Permits under SCC Title 16 and CRC compliance. State law (AB 671, AB 68) facilitates JADU conversions of existing garages, but on-site parking replacement may still apply for the primary dwelling.

Carmichael ADUs follow Sacramento County Zoning Code ADU standards (updated July 2024) - 4 ft setbacks from side/rear, 16 ft max height detached (25 ft attached), max 1 ADU + 1 JADU per single-family lot. The County publishes free Shelf-Ready ADU plans for unincorporated parcels.

Carmichael is an unincorporated CDP in Sacramento County, so tiny home regulation comes from the Sacramento County Zoning Code (Title 5) and the 2022 California Building Code, not a city ordinance. A permanent-foundation tiny home that meets the California Residential Code can qualify as an Accessory Dwelling Unit under Sacramento County Zoning Code Section 5.4.5.F. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are recreational vehicles and cannot be occupied as a permanent residence on a residential lot.

Detached storage sheds in Carmichael under 120 square feet and 9 feet in height are permit-exempt under Sacramento County Code Title 16. Sheds may be placed on the property line if no plumbing or electrical and under that 120/9 ft threshold.

Manufactured residential fire pits (gas or contained wood) are allowed in Carmichael under California Fire Code §307.4.2 if kept at least 25 feet from structures, never left unattended, and used only with seasoned dry firewood. SMAQMD 'Check Before You Burn' restrictions apply November-February.

Open burning of yard waste is illegal in Carmichael under Sacramento Metropolitan Air Quality Management District Rule 407, which prohibits all open burning north of Calvine Road in Sacramento County. Yard waste must go in the green bin or be taken to a county landfill.

Carmichael residents are served by Carmichael Water District and Sacramento Suburban Water District. Both follow the Regional Water Authority drought stages. Under Stage 2 (effective Oct 2025), outdoor watering is limited to 2 days/week (odd addresses Wed/Sat, even addresses Thu/Sun) and prohibited 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Tree trimming and pruning of native oaks 6 inches dbh or larger in Carmichael requires a Sacramento County Tree Permit under SCC Ch. 19.12. Routine maintenance pruning (less than 25% canopy) of non-native trees does not require a permit. Heritage Oaks (60+ inches dbh) have additional protections.

Removing a native oak with 6-inch or greater dbh (or multi-trunk native oak with 10-inch aggregate diameter) in Carmichael requires a Sacramento County Tree Permit under SCC Ch. 19.12. Illegal removal can result in misdemeanor charges and replacement at 1:1 diameter ratio.