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

Pool barriers in Compton must comply with CA Building Code Title 24 Chapter 31, requiring 60-inch minimum height fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates. At least one additional safety feature (cover, alarm, or self-closing doors) is also required under the Swimming Pool Safety Act.

California's Good Neighbor Fence Act (Civil Code 841) applies in Compton. Adjoining landowners share equal responsibility for boundary fence costs. Disputes are resolved through the statutory notice process before legal action.

Fence permits in Compton are not required for masonry fences under 5 ft or wood fences under 6 ft. Fences exceeding these heights require a building permit. All fences must comply with Chapter 30 zoning regulations for setbacks and height in yard areas.

Compton Municipal Code Chapter 30, Sections 30-44.1 through 30-44.5 regulate fences and walls. Fences under 6 feet are not considered structures. Standards vary by zone with specific material requirements and prohibited materials.

Retaining walls in Compton under 4 ft from footing to top do not require a building permit unless supporting a surcharge. Walls retaining fill at property limits must be constructed per subdivision code. Walls in required yards cannot exceed 6 ft.

Building permits are required for all swimming pools in Compton holding 3,000+ gallons of water. Plan check, inspections, and compliance with CA Title 24 pool safety standards are mandatory. Separate electrical and plumbing permits may also be needed.

Pool safety in Compton is governed by CA Health & Safety Code 115920-115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act) and CA Title 24. Barriers, drain covers, and at least one additional safety feature are mandatory. Vacant properties must drain pools.

Swimming pool fencing in Compton must meet CA Building Code Title 24 Chapter 31 standards. Minimum 60-inch barrier height is required. Self-closing, self-latching gates mandatory. One additional safety feature required under the Swimming Pool Safety Act.

Hot tubs and spas in Compton must comply with CA electrical and plumbing codes. Permanent installations require building permits. Safety covers are required when not in use. GFCI protection is mandatory for all electrical connections.

Above-ground pools holding 3,000+ gallons require a building permit in Compton per CA building code. All pool barrier requirements (60-inch fencing, self-closing gates) apply equally to above-ground and in-ground pools. Smaller inflatable pools may be exempt from permits.

Compton adopted ADU Ordinance No. 2341 on December 28, 2021. Both attached and detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft and JADUs up to 500 sq ft are permitted in residential zones with no minimum lot size.

Compton allows garage conversions to ADUs under Ordinance No. 2341. No replacement parking is required when converting a garage to an ADU under California Government Code.

Tiny homes on foundations are treated as ADUs under California Gov Code 65852.2 and Compton's ADU ordinance. Tiny homes on wheels are not permitted as permanent dwellings in residential zones. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft and 16 ft tall are allowed.

Compton regulates accessory structures through CMC Chapter 30 (Zoning) and Chapter 15 (Construction Codes). Non-habitable accessory buildings are permitted in residential zones subject to setback and size requirements.

Carports in Compton require a building permit and must comply with Chapter 30 zoning setbacks for the applicable residential zone. Open carports attached to or detached from the primary dwelling must maintain required side and rear yard setbacks.

Recreational fire pits in Compton must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations and fire safety codes. Open burning requires AQMD permits. Portable fire pits using gas or propane are generally allowed. Wood-burning fire pits must follow spare-the-air day restrictions.

Open burning is prohibited in Compton under SCAQMD Rule 444 and the city's fire prevention code. Fire permits are required for recreational fires. Contact the Compton Fire Department for permit requirements.

Water use in Compton is governed by the local water district and state conservation mandates. Watering day and time restrictions may apply during drought conditions. AB 1572 bans irrigating non-functional turf with potable water for commercial properties.

Compton does not have a specific tree trimming ordinance or heritage tree program. Property owners may trim trees on their property. California law (Civil Code 3346) addresses damage to trees. Street trees along public rights-of-way are managed by city public works.

Compton Municipal Code Chapter 24 (Property Maintenance) requires property owners to maintain landscaping. Street trees are city property. Private tree removal may be subject to zoning and property maintenance requirements.