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

A building/zoning permit is generally required in Lompoc for fences over 6 feet or masonry/retaining walls; pool barrier fences must meet the California Building Code. Standard residential fences at the height limit may be permit-exempt.

Lompoc zoning typically allows fences up to 6 feet in side and rear yards and 3–4 feet in front yards, with corner sight-visibility limits. Taller fences require a permit or variance.

Shared boundary fences in California are governed by the Good Neighbor Fence Act (CA Civil Code §841), presuming adjoining owners share the cost equally after 30 days' notice. Spite fences over 10 feet are a private nuisance (§841.4).

Lompoc zoning permits standard residential fence materials (wood, vinyl, masonry, ornamental metal, chain link). Barbed wire, razor wire and electric fencing are generally restricted in residential zones.

Pools in Lompoc must be enclosed under the California Building Code and Swimming Pool Safety Act: a barrier at least 60 inches (5 feet) high with self-closing, self-latching gates, plus at least one additional drowning-prevention feature.

Above-ground pools holding more than 18 inches of water in Lompoc require a building permit and the same barrier protection as in-ground pools; ladders must be removable or secured when unattended.

Pool construction in Lompoc must meet the California Building Code and Swimming Pool Safety Act — barriers, anti-entrapment drain covers, and electrical bonding. A building permit and inspections are required.

California's statewide ADU law (Gov. Code §65852.2) requires Lompoc to allow accessory dwelling units on residential lots by right — detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft, 4-foot side/rear setbacks, no owner-occupancy requirement, and no added parking within ½ mile of transit.

Converting a garage to living space in Lompoc requires a building permit and zoning review for egress, light/ventilation and parking; converting to a separate unit is often processed as an ADU under state law.

Lompoc Zoning Code Title 17 exempts one-story detached accessory structures (tool/storage sheds, playhouses) up to 120 square feet from building permits, consistent with the California Building Code. Detached accessory structures must be located on the rear half of the lot, with at least 5 feet between the main building and any accessory structure. Side and rear setbacks may be reduced for small sheds subject to a height-at-property-line formula.

Open burning in Lompoc is regulated by the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District and the fire department; residential yard-waste burning is generally prohibited and barred on no-burn days. Agricultural burns require a permit.

Recreational fires in approved fire pits using clean, dry wood are generally allowed in Lompoc subject to fire-code clearances and no-burn / red-flag day restrictions; fires must be attended and a safe distance from structures.

Owners maintain trees on their own property in Lompoc; street trees and trees in the public right-of-way are managed by the city, which requires approval before pruning or removing them.

Owners may remove trees on private property in Lompoc; removal of street trees or protected trees requires city approval, and replacement may be required during development.

Outdoor watering in Lompoc is subject to the city water department's conservation rules, including assigned watering days/times and runoff prohibitions during drought. California's MWELO applies to larger new/renovated landscapes.