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

Under California Health and Safety Code §115920 (the Swimming Pool Safety Act) and FMC Chapter 15, all swimming pools in Fresno must have at least two drowning prevention safety features. Enclosure fencing must be at least 60 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates that open outward away from the pool.

Fresno requires a building permit for fences over 7 feet tall or any retaining wall over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing to top. Fences 6 feet and under in side and rear yards, and 3 feet in front yards, are permit-exempt provided they meet FMC §15-2019 zoning setback and materials rules.

California Civil Code §841 (the Good Neighbor Fence Act) presumes shared boundary fences are a mutual benefit and requires neighbors to split reasonable costs of construction and maintenance. Fresno does not override this; disputes go to small claims court. Written 30-day notice to the neighbor is required before any cost-share project.

Retaining walls in Fresno require a building permit when they are 4 feet or taller measured from bottom of footing to top, or at any height when they support a surcharge load (slope, driveway, structure). Engineered plans stamped by a California licensed engineer are required for walls over 4 feet.

FMC §15-2006 sets fence heights: 6 ft maximum for side/rear yards, 3 ft for front yards. Wrought iron/tubular steel up to 4 ft in front yard if 80% open. Decorative entry gates up to 7 ft in residential with Director approval.

Beyond the H&S §115920 two-feature enclosure rule, Fresno pool operators must comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB) for anti-entrapment drain covers, NEC Article 680 for electrical bonding and GFCI protection, and FMC §10-105 noise limits on pool equipment. Commercial and STR pools have additional California public pool rules under H&S §116025.

Hot tubs and spas require a building permit from Fresno Development Services. Must have an approved safety cover (ASTM F1346) OR comply with 60-inch barrier rules per CA §115922. Electrical permit required for 240V installations.

Every new swimming pool or spa in Fresno requires a building permit, an electrical permit, a plumbing permit, and often a gas permit from the Fresno DARM. Plan review verifies setbacks (typically 5 feet to property line, 10 feet to septic), equipment enclosure, two required drowning-prevention safety features under H&S §115920, and energy code compliance.

Above-ground pools holding 18 inches or more of water require a building permit in Fresno. Must comply with CA Swimming Pool Safety Act (§115920-115929) 60-inch barrier requirement. Pool ladders must be removable or lockable.

California Health and Safety Code §115920 (Swimming Pool Safety Act) requires all new and remodeled pools in Fresno to have at least two of seven drowning-prevention safety features. The most common pair is an enclosure fence at least 60 inches tall with self-closing self-latching outward-opening gate, plus self-closing devices on doors leading to the pool.

Garage conversions to ADUs or habitable space are allowed under FMC §15-2754. When a garage is converted to an ADU, the city cannot require replacement of the demolished parking spaces per CA Gov Code §65852.2.

FMC §15-2754 implements CA Gov Code §65852.2. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft allowed on single-family lots. 4 ft side/rear setbacks. ADUs under 750 sq ft exempt from impact fees. Pre-approved plans available through the city.

Carports allowed as accessory structures in residential zones per Fresno Municipal Code (FMC) Title 15 (Citywide Development Code). Must meet setbacks for primary structure in most zones; attached carports follow garage standards. Building permit required.

Fresno allows tiny homes primarily as ADUs under CA Gov Code §65852.2 and FMC accessory-dwelling-unit provisions. Tiny homes on wheels permitted only as Movable Tiny Houses (MTH) meeting HCD standards, not as permanent dwellings on private lots.

FMC §15-2004 allows sheds/accessory structures under 120 sq ft and 12 ft height without a permit if 3 ft from property lines. Structures over 120 sq ft require a building permit. Must not be in required front yard or street-side setback.

Open burning of yard waste, leaves, and trash is prohibited in Fresno year-round under SJVAPCD Rule 4103 and FMC Chapter 15. Recreational campfires are prohibited in residential yards. Only approved cooking appliances (gas or charcoal BBQ, outdoor fireplace with spark arrester) are allowed. San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District's Rule 4901 Check Before You Burn program also restricts woodburning fireplaces on declared no-burn days.

Recreational fire pits in Fresno are only allowed on SJVAPCD permissible burn days. The San Joaquin Valley's severe air quality issues make burn day restrictions common November through February. Approved devices must be used with seasoned wood.

The Fresno Water Division enforces year-round watering rules: no watering between 9 AM and 6 PM, no runoff onto streets or sidewalks, and watering on assigned odd/even days based on address. Mandatory schedules tighten in drought stages declared by Fresno and the State Water Board under Water Code §10608 and SB 606/AB 1668 long-term conservation rules.

Street trees in the Fresno public right-of-way are jointly the responsibility of the property owner and the city Urban Forestry division. Property owners must maintain 14-foot clearance over streets and 8 feet over sidewalks under FMC §13-605. Removal or major pruning of street trees and protected trees requires a permit from Urban Forestry.

FMC §13-305 requires a Tree Removal Permit for protected/heritage trees. Permits evaluated by licensed arborists. Licensed contractor required. Fruit trees exempt. Violators must pay double fee plus replacement costs.