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

Concord fence height limits are typically 3.5 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards on residential lots. Fences exceeding these limits require a building permit and may require a variance. Corner lots have additional sight-distance restrictions to maintain traffic safety.

Retaining walls in Concord over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing) or supporting a surcharge require a building permit and engineered plans. Walls under 4 feet are generally exempt from permits but must still meet property line setbacks. All walls must comply with grading and drainage requirements.

Pool fences in Concord must comply with California Health & Safety Code §§115920–115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act). Pools built or remodeled after January 1, 2007 require at least two drowning prevention safety features, including a 60-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates. Enforcement occurs through Building Division permits and inspection.

Hedges in Concord that function as fences are subject to the same height limits as fences: generally 3.5 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Overgrown hedges obstructing sight triangles or sidewalks can be abated as a public nuisance. Hedges on boundary lines can be shared under California Civil Code §841 principles.

The federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act and California Health & Safety Code 116064+ require anti-entrapment drain covers meeting ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 on all public and residential pools and spas. Single main drains must also have a secondary anti-entrapment system such as a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS), dual drains, or gravity drainage. Concord building officials verify compliance on new construction and major equipment replacement.

California Health & Safety Code 115920-115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act) governs pool barriers statewide and applies in Concord. Any new or substantially remodeled residential pool or spa must include at least two of seven listed safety features, one of which is typically a 60-inch enclosure fence with self-closing, self-latching gate opening away from the pool. Concord enforces these rules through building permits and inspections.

Concord Development Code 18.150.160 treats above-ground pools the same as in-ground pools: a 5-foot setback from side and rear property lines (water's edge), no front-yard placement, walled or fenced enclosure per the Uniform Swimming Pool Code, and pool equipment under 6 feet tall. California's Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code 115921 et seq., as amended by SB 442) requires at least two of seven approved drowning-prevention features for new or remodeled residential pools.

Garages in Concord must remain available for vehicle parking under zoning code, and cannot be converted to living space without ADU or habitable-conversion permits. Detached garages follow accessory structure setbacks. Garage conversions to ADUs are streamlined under state law.

Concord must allow at least one ADU plus one Junior ADU per single-family residential lot under California Government Code §65852.2 (AB 68/881). ADUs up to 800 sq ft cannot be denied. Permits process within 60 days, 4-foot setbacks, no parking near transit, no impact fees under 750 sq ft.

Sheds under 120 square feet and 12 feet tall do not require a building permit in Concord under California Residential Code R105.2. Sheds must still comply with zoning setbacks (typically 3 feet from rear/side property lines) and cannot contain plumbing or electrical without permits.

Open burning is prohibited in Concord under Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (ConFire) regulations and BAAQMD Regulation 5. No residential yard-waste, leaf, or debris burning is permitted within the city limits at any time of year.

Residential fire pits in Concord must use gas or manufactured logs due to BAAQMD wood-burning restrictions. Portable fire pits must be placed at least 25 feet from structures and cannot be used on Spare the Air days.

Concord water customers served by Contra Costa Water District must follow permanent statewide conservation rules: no runoff, no watering during or 48 hours after rain, no hosing hard surfaces. Outdoor watering is limited to assigned days and early morning or evening hours during drought declarations.

Concord regulates removal of protected trees under Concord Municipal Code chapter 8.50 (Tree Preservation). Protected trees over 10 inches DBH require a permit before removal. Heritage oaks and street trees have additional protection. Permit fees and replacement planting are required.