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

Citrus Heights limits fences to 3.5 feet in front yard setback areas and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Fences above 6 feet require a building permit and may require zoning approval. Maximum residential fence height with permit is typically 7 to 8 feet depending on zoning.

Citrus Heights does not require a permit for residential fences 6 feet or under in side and rear yards. Fences over 6 feet, retaining walls over 4 feet, and pool barriers require building permits. Permit fees typically run $100-$300 depending on fence length and type.

California Civil Code §841, the Good Neighbor Fence Act of 2013, governs boundary fences in Citrus Heights. Adjoining landowners are presumed equally responsible for reasonable costs of construction, maintenance, or replacement of boundary fences. Written 30-day notice is required before construction.

All swimming pools in Citrus Heights must have a barrier at least 60 inches (5 feet) high with self-closing, self-latching gates. California Health & Safety Code §115920-115929 requires pools built after 2007 to have at least 2 of 7 approved safety features. Barriers are inspected at pool permit final.

Hot tubs and spas in Citrus Heights require a building and electrical permit. Spas with locking safety covers meeting ASTM F1346 are exempt from pool barrier requirements under California Health & Safety Code §115921(c).

Citrus Heights requires a building permit for construction of any in-ground or above-ground swimming pool, spa, or hot tub exceeding 18 inches in depth. Plans must include barrier details, drainage, and electrical, with inspections required at rough-in and final stages.

Citrus Heights pools must comply with the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC §115920-115929), including anti-entrapment drain covers meeting the Virginia Graeme Baker Act, at least 2 of 7 approved drowning prevention features, and real estate disclosure at sale.

Pool barriers in Citrus Heights must be at least 60 inches (5 feet) tall per California Health & Safety Code §115923, with self-closing, self-latching gates opening outward from the pool. Gaps must be under 4 inches and no climbable features within 12 inches of the top.

Above-ground pools over 18 inches deep in Citrus Heights require a building permit and must meet the same barrier and safety requirements as in-ground pools under California Health & Safety Code §115920-115929. The pool wall itself can serve as a barrier if at least 60 inches tall.

Citrus Heights allows ADUs and JADUs on all residential lots under California Government Code 65852.2, with up to 1200 square feet and ministerial approval.

Garage conversions in Citrus Heights are facilitated by state ADU law, with no replacement parking required within half a mile of transit.

Tiny homes on permanent foundations may qualify as ADUs in Citrus Heights, while tiny homes on wheels are regulated as recreational vehicles and cannot be permanent residences.

Carports in Citrus Heights require a building permit and must meet zoning setbacks, with front yard carports generally discouraged.

Sheds under 120 square feet in Citrus Heights do not require a building permit but must meet setback and zoning rules.

Open burning of yard waste and debris is prohibited in Citrus Heights under SMAQMD Rule 401, with only recreational and cooking fires allowed subject to burn-day status.

Citrus Heights allows portable and permanent fire pits with structure setbacks and burn-day compliance under Sacramento Metro Fire and SMAQMD Rule 421.

Citrus Heights protects designated trees through its tree preservation ordinance, requiring a permit to remove protected or oak trees on private property.

Citrus Heights Water District and San Juan Water District enforce permanent conservation rules, with watering limited to assigned days and no runoff allowed.

Private tree trimming in Citrus Heights generally does not require a permit, but street trees and heritage trees require city approval before pruning.