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

Retaining walls in Sacramento over 4 feet from base of footing require a building permit, engineered plans, and inspection under SMC Title 15.

California Health and Safety Code 115920 et seq. requires 60-inch pool barriers with self-closing gates; Sacramento enforces at permit and inspection.

Sacramento requires building permits for fences over 7 feet tall, all retaining walls over 4 feet, and pool barriers; shorter residential fences do not need permits but must meet zoning.

California Civil Code 841 presumes shared fences are equal responsibility between adjoining neighbors; Sacramento enforces boundary setbacks and tree-fence interactions.

Sacramento City Code §17.620.110 sets residential fence heights: 4 ft maximum in front yards (6 ft for open wrought iron/tubular steel). Fences over 6 ft are allowed outside rear-yard setbacks. Corner lots: 3.5 ft max near driveways on local streets.

Sacramento enforces both state law (Cal. Health & Safety Code §§115920-115929) and Sacramento City Code 15.64.070, which require every swimming pool or spa to be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches high. Gates must self-close, self-latch with the release no lower than 60 inches, and open away from the pool. New or remodeled pools must include at least two of seven approved drowning prevention features.

Sacramento treats above-ground pools the same as in-ground pools when water exceeds 18 inches deep. A building permit, manufacturer's specs, retractable ladder details, and the same 60-inch barrier and two-of-seven safety features all apply.

Per Sacramento City Code 9.16.090, all pools and spas need a 60-inch barrier with a self-latching gate. New or remodeled pools at single-family homes must have at least two of the seven drowning prevention features listed in California Health & Safety Code 115922.

Sacramento City Code §17.228.105 governs ADUs per CA Gov Code §65852.2. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft allowed with 4 ft side/rear setbacks. Attached ADUs up to 25 ft height. ADUs under 750 sq ft exempt from impact fees. JADUs up to 500 sq ft within primary structure. ADUs built after Jan 1, 2020 cannot be used as STRs.

Garage conversions in Sacramento are regulated as ADUs or accessory structures under Sacramento City Code §17.228.105 and CA Gov Code §65852.22 (JADU rules). Conversion permits required. AB 2097 means off-street parking cannot be required if within ½ mile of transit.

Sacramento sheds under 120 sq ft don't need a building permit (Sac. City Code §15.20). Max 18 ft overall height, 10 ft wall height, min 4 ft from main house, and zero electrical/plumbing for the permit exemption. Setback rules still apply.

The City of Sacramento does not have a stand-alone movable tiny house (THOW) ordinance like neighboring West Sacramento's Ordinance 24-9. Tiny homes are only allowed as permanent dwellings when built on a permanent foundation and permitted as an Accessory Dwelling Unit under City Code Chapter 17.228, Article XIV (ADU regulations) and the 2022 California Building Code adopted in SCC Title 15.

Sacramento regulates carports under City Code Chapter 17.624 (Residential Accessory Structure and Use Regulations). Attached carports are governed by section 17.624.040 and must meet minimum interior dimensions of 10 feet wide by 20 feet deep, while detached carports follow the setback and height limits in section 17.624.050.

Open burning of yard waste is banned in Sacramento under SMAQMD Rule 401 and SMC 8.08; only permitted recreational fires in approved devices are allowed.

Fire pits in Sacramento require compliance with Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District rules. Portable fire pits in approved containers: max 3 ft diameter, min 25 ft from structures, constant attendance. Must be on a permissive burn day. Gas fire pits may require permit under California Fire Code §307.

Sacramento enforces watering limits under SMC Chapter 13.04: 2 days per week in summer, 1 day per week in winter, never between 10 AM and 7 PM.

Removing any city or Heritage tree in Sacramento requires a Tree Permit under SMC 12.56 with arborist report and replacement mitigation.

Sacramento's strict tree canopy is protected by SMC Chapter 12.56; permits are required to prune city trees and Heritage trees above light maintenance.