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

Retaining walls over 4 ft in height (measured from footing bottom to top) require a building permit and engineered plans per CA Building Code §105.2. Walls supporting surcharge loads (driveways, structures) require permit at any height.

CA Swimming Pool Safety Act (H&S §115920+) requires 60-inch minimum barrier, self-closing/self-latching gate, AND at least one additional drowning-prevention feature (pool cover, alarm, or self-latching door alarms) for all new pools and remodels.

CA Civil Code §841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) presumes equal shared cost between adjoining owners for boundary fences. CA Civil §841.4 prohibits spite fences over 10 ft intended to annoy neighbors. Written 30-day notice before construction required for cost sharing.

Residential fences up to 7 ft generally exempt from building permit per CA Building Code §105.2(1). Fences over 7 ft, masonry walls over 4 ft, and pool barriers require permits. Zoning compliance still required for all fences.

Standard residential fence heights: 3.5 ft front yard, 6 ft side and rear yards per CMC §9.24. Corner lots have sight-triangle restrictions. Fences over 7 ft require a building permit per CA Building Code §105.2.

Above-ground pools with water depth >18 inches must meet the same CA H&S §115920 barrier requirements as in-ground pools. Clovis building permit required for pools >24 inches deep or >5,000 gallons.

CA Swimming Pool Safety Act (H&S §115920-115929) requires 7 safety drowning-prevention features — pool owners must choose at least one in addition to the enclosure. Virginia Graeme Baker Act (federal) drain-cover standards apply.

Clovis Building Division requires combined permits (building, electrical, plumbing) for all new pools/spas. Plan check, soils report for large pools, final inspection before filling. Typical fees $800-$2,500 depending on pool size/scope.

Hot tubs/spas with a lockable safety cover (ASTM F1346) are exempt from the CA pool barrier requirement per CA H&S §115921(b). Clovis building/electrical permits still required for installation.

Pool enclosure required per CA Building Code Ch. 31 / CBC §3109 and CA H&S §115920 (Pool Safety Act). Clovis enforces 60-inch minimum barrier, self-closing/self-latching gates, no gaps >4 inches. Applies to pools deeper than 18 inches.

Garage-to-ADU conversions allowed by-right per CA Gov Code §65852.2(e). Clovis cannot require replacement parking for converted garage when creating an ADU. Building permit required; must meet habitability codes.

ADUs allowed by-right in all Clovis residential zones per CA Gov Code §65852.2. Clovis ADU Ordinance (CMC Ch. 9.24) conforms to state law: max 1,200 sf detached, 4 ft side/rear setbacks, no owner-occupancy, no parking if near transit.

Tiny homes on foundations treated as ADUs under CA Gov Code §65852.2 — must meet CA Building Code (min 150 sf per CBC §1207.4). Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) classified as RVs — only allowed in RV parks; not permitted as permanent residence in Clovis.

Carports in Clovis treated as accessory structures per CMC Ch. 9.36. Front-yard carports generally prohibited; side/rear allowed with 3 ft setback. Building permit required for attached carports; zoning permit for detached.

Sheds and detached accessory structures under 120 sq ft exempt from Clovis building permit per CBC §105.2 / CMC adoption. Larger sheds require permit. Setbacks: 3 ft side/rear for structures under 6 ft tall; 5 ft for taller.

Open burning of vegetation and yard waste is banned in Clovis under San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Rule 4103. Residents must use green waste bins. Recreational fires exempt when in approved devices.

Recreational fire pits allowed with approved devices burning clean wood or propane. Must be 25 ft from structures per CA Fire Code §307.4.2. Wood-burning prohibited on SJVAPCD No-Burn days. Propane/natural gas pits exempt from curtailment.

Removing street trees or trees in public rights-of-way requires city permit. Private property tree removal generally does not require permit unless designated heritage tree or part of development review.

Clovis enforces permanent water conservation rules plus drought-stage restrictions. Outdoor watering limited to assigned days/times. AB 1572 bans irrigating non-functional turf with potable water for commercial properties by 2027-2031.

Street trees trimmed by city; property owner trims private trees. Trees overhanging sidewalks/streets must clear 8 ft pedestrian, 14 ft vehicle. Neighbor may trim encroaching branches to property line.