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

Lodi enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act and California Building Code Appendix V for residential pool enclosures, adopted through LMC Title 15 (Building Code). New pools and spas must be surrounded by a 60-inch-minimum barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates.

California's Good Neighbor Fence Act (Civil Code §841) applies in Lodi, requiring adjoining landowners to share the cost of maintaining boundary fences equally. Spite fences exceeding 10 feet are prohibited under Civil Code §841.4.

Lodi recently increased the maximum residential fence height from 6 feet to 7 feet along side and rear property lines, eliminating the need for discretionary review for fencing between 6 and 7 feet. Front yard fences have lower limits. Visibility triangle requirements apply at intersections.

Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height are exempt from building permits in Lodi. The recent code update eliminated the discretionary review requirement for fences between 6 and 7 feet in residential zones. Masonry walls may require a building permit.

Lodi requires building, electrical, and plumbing permits for any new in-ground or above-ground swimming pool or spa with a water depth greater than 18 inches, issued through Lodi Building Division under LMC Title 15. Pool barriers must comply with California Building Code Appendix V.

Hot tubs and spas in Lodi are regulated under LMC Title 15 (Building Code) and the California Swimming Pool Safety Act. Permanent spas require building, plumbing, and electrical permits, and barriers or approved safety covers are required for spas over 18 inches deep.

California Building Code Title 24 requires a minimum 60-inch barrier around residential pools. Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and open outward. The latch must be at least 54 inches above ground. No gaps allowing a 4-inch sphere to pass. At least two safety features are required for new or remodeled pools.

Lodi enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC §115920-115929) and the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Act. All new or remodeled pools must include at least two of seven specified safety features. Building permits are required for pool construction.

Above-ground pools in Lodi must comply with all California pool barrier and safety requirements regardless of pool type. A building permit may be required depending on size and installation. All barrier requirements (60-inch fence, self-closing gates) apply to above-ground pools.

Lodi regulates ADUs under Lodi Municipal Code §17.36.130. Attached and detached ADUs are capped at 800 sq ft for a studio or one-bedroom unit and 1,000 sq ft for units with more than one bedroom. JADUs are limited to 500 sq ft and must be within the walls of an existing single-family structure.

Lodi allows conversion of an existing garage to an ADU or JADU under LMC §17.36.130 and California Government Code §65852.2. Replacement parking is not required for an ADU created by converting an existing garage, and existing setbacks are preserved for the conversion footprint.

Carports in Lodi are regulated under LMC Title 17 as accessory structures and as required residential parking. Phase 3 of the Incremental Code Update (adopted October 2025) modified LMC 17.32.040 to remove the allowance for tandem parking inside a carport, meaning required covered parking spaces must be independently accessible.

Lodi does not have a tiny-home-specific ordinance. A tiny house on a permanent foundation is treated as a single-family dwelling or ADU under LMC Chapter 17.36, and a movable tiny house on wheels is treated as a recreational vehicle, which may not be used as a permanent residence on residential lots.

Sheds under 120 sq ft are exempt from building permits in Lodi if they are single-story, not for habitation, at least 6 ft from other buildings, and do not exceed 8 ft in height. Total accessory structure area on a residential lot cannot exceed 1,000 sq ft.

Recreational fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are regulated under the California Fire Code adopted by LMC Chapter 15.20. Safe clearances from structures are required. Wood-burning fire pits are subject to SJVAPCD No Burn day restrictions. Gas fire pits are generally exempt from air quality restrictions.

Lodi adopts the California Fire Code under LMC Chapter 15.20. Residential outdoor burning of trash and yard waste is prohibited. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District regulates all outdoor burning and issues daily burn status for the region.

Lodi enforces year-round watering restrictions under LMC §13.08.250 and §13.08.280. Odd addresses water Wed/Fri/Sun; even addresses Tue/Thu/Sat. No watering on Mondays. May 1–Sep 30: no watering 10 AM–6 PM. No watering within 48 hours of rain. Fines escalate from $35 to $150.

Street trees in Lodi require an encroachment permit from Public Works for removal. Removal is allowed for fruit-causing nuisance, driveway construction, city projects, or repeated utility/sidewalk damage. Private trees on private property generally do not require a city permit for removal.

Lodi is a Tree City USA member. Street trees may be removed with an encroachment permit from Public Works under specific conditions. Minimum 15-gallon stock required for street tree plantings. Low-growing trees (20-40 ft) must be planted under power lines.