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

Fences over 42 inches require a building permit in Downey. Fences at or below 42 inches still need Planning and possibly Engineering approval. Street side yard fences up to 7 ft allowed with 3 ft setback from property line.

Downey Municipal Code Article IX (Land Use) regulates fence and wall heights. Fences under 42 inches do not require a building permit. Interior side and rear fences may be up to 7 feet. Front yard and corner visibility restrictions apply.

Pool barriers in Downey must meet California Building Code requirements: minimum 60-inch height with self-closing, self-latching gates. At least one additional safety feature required (cover, alarm, or self-closing door).

Retaining walls in Downey require building permits. Height is measured from the higher finished grade when lots differ in elevation. Retaining walls combined with fences must meet total height limits.

California's Good Neighbor Fence Act (Civil Code 841) requires neighbors to share costs of boundary fences equally. Spite fences over 10 ft are a private nuisance under Civil Code 841.4.

Above-ground pools in Downey must meet the same CA Building Code barrier requirements as in-ground pools. Pools with walls under 60 inches require additional fencing to reach the minimum barrier height.

Swimming pool construction in Downey requires a building permit from the Building & Safety Division. Plans must comply with California Building Code Title 24 and the Swimming Pool Safety Act.

Pool fencing in Downey must meet California Building Code: 60-inch minimum height, self-closing/self-latching gates, plus one additional safety feature (cover, alarm, or self-closing doors).

California Swimming Pool Safety Act applies in Downey. All residential pools require barriers, drain covers per federal VGBA, and at least one additional safety feature. Pool owners are liable for maintaining safety equipment.

Hot tubs and spas in Downey must comply with CA Building Code barrier requirements when accessible to children. Locking covers meeting ASTM standards can serve as the required safety feature.

Downey allows garage conversions to ADUs under state law and DMC §9414.08. Replacement parking is not required. No minimum setback for conversions. Height limits don't apply to conversions. Driveway max 20 feet wide.

Downey regulates ADUs under DMC §9414.08. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft allowed. Max 2 bedrooms. Height: 16 ft detached, 25 ft attached. 4-foot setbacks. Pre-approved ADU plans available through the city.

Downey Municipal Code Article IX regulates accessory structures. Detached accessory structures and attached patio covers may occupy up to 50% of the required rear yard. Structures must comply with setback, height, and lot coverage requirements.

Tiny homes on foundations in Downey are regulated as ADUs under CA Gov Code 65852.2. Tiny homes on wheels are treated as RVs and cannot be used as permanent dwellings. ADU rules allow up to 1,200 sq ft detached.

Carports in Downey require a building permit. They must comply with zoning setback requirements and cannot encroach into required yards without approval. Height limited per zone standards.

Downey Municipal Code Chapter 3 (Fire Code) requires permits for recreational fires. Open burning is restricted by SCAQMD rules. Fires are prohibited before 7 AM and after 10 PM Sunday-Thursday or midnight Friday-Saturday.

Outdoor fire pits in Downey must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations. No open burning without a permit. Manufactured gas or propane fire pits are generally allowed with proper clearances from structures.

Downey follows MWELO requirements for water-efficient landscaping. New/renovated landscapes over 500 sq ft must meet Maximum Applied Water Allowance. Water district restrictions on watering days and times apply.

Downey's Urban Forest Management Plan governs street and median tree maintenance. The Director oversees all parkway tree planting, pruning, and removal. Property owners may not trim or remove street trees without authorization.

Downey requires front setback areas to be landscaped with drought-tolerant plants. Street trees are managed by the city and may not be removed without authorization. Landscaping screening between dwellings must meet specific planting requirements.