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

Retaining walls in San Ramon require a building permit if over 4 feet in height measured from bottom of footing to top, or if supporting a surcharge load. Engineered plans are required for taller walls. Given San Ramon's hillside terrain in Canyon Lakes, Bollinger Canyon, and Crow Canyon areas, drainage and geotechnical review are often required.

Hedges in San Ramon are regulated similarly to fences for sight-line purposes. Front yard hedges must not exceed 3.5 feet within the front setback, and corner lot sight triangles apply. Hedges over 6 feet that block a neighbor's solar access or constitute a 'spite fence' under Civil Code §841.4 may be actionable.

Pool safety barriers in San Ramon must meet California Health & Safety Code §115920-115929 requirements: minimum 60-inch height, self-closing/self-latching gates, no climbable features, and pools built after 2007 require at least two additional safety features. The Building Division enforces compliance through permit inspections.

San Ramon permits 6-foot fences in side and rear yards and 3.5-foot (42-inch) fences in front yards. Corner lots have additional sight-triangle restrictions at intersections. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit. HOA CC&Rs in master-planned communities often impose stricter architectural review requirements.

Pool and spa drain covers in San Ramon must comply with the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA) and California Health & Safety Code 116064. Anti-entrapment drain covers certified to ANSI/APSP-16 or ANSI/ASME A112.19.8 are required on all public and residential pools and spas.

Swimming pool barriers in San Ramon are governed by California Health & Safety Code sections 115920-115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act). Pools built or substantially remodeled after 2018 must have at least two of seven listed safety features, and perimeter barriers must be at least 60 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates. Building permits and Building Division inspections are required.

San Ramon enforces the 2022 California Building Standards Code for residential pool installations and exempts only small prefabricated above-ground pools from the building permit (less than 24 inches deep, or accessory pools with capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons); an electrical permit is still required for all prefabricated pool equipment. Above-ground pools are accessory structures under Zoning Ordinance D4-26 and follow its setback rules: 18 inches or less in height needs no setback, more than 18 inches up to 6 feet needs a 3-foot side and rear setback, and over 6 feet uses height-minus-3-feet. State law layered on top requires at least two of seven approved drowning-prevention features under California Health and Safety Code Sections 115921 to 115929 (the Pool Safety Act, expanded by SB 442 effective January 1, 2018), including a compliant 60-inch enclosure.

Garage conversions to ADUs permitted under CA statewide ADU law. No replacement parking required. Must meet building code for habitable space. Reviewed through building permit process.

ADUs allowed per CA Gov Code §65852.2 and San Ramon Zoning Ordinance §D4-39. One detached ADU and one JADU per single-family lot. Setbacks: 4 ft side/rear, 20 ft front for detached units. JADU up to 500 sq ft within existing home. Permit review: 6–12 weeks. Pre-approved plans available through Permit Ready ADU program.

Accessory structures limited to 12 ft height in most residential zones (HR, RE-B, RS, RM, RMH, RH, RVH) and 16 ft in RC, RR, and RE-A zones. Structures in front setback limited to 3 ft plus 18 inches for decorative features/lighting.

Wood-burning fire pits and chimineas in San Ramon are restricted by BAAQMD Regulation 5. Permanent natural gas fire features may be permitted with appropriate building permits. No burning is allowed on Spare the Air days. Contact the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District or City Building Division for permit requirements.

Open burning is prohibited in the Bay Area under BAAQMD Regulation 5. San Ramon falls within BAAQMD jurisdiction. Backyard burning of leaves, trash, and yard waste banned since 1970. San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District handles fire safety enforcement.

San Ramon water service is provided by EBMUD and Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD). Permanent statewide water waste rules under SWRCB prohibit runoff, watering within 48 hours of rain, and hosing hard surfaces. Local drought stages trigger day-of-week watering limits, typically 2-3 days per week during drought.

San Ramon's Tree Preservation Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter D2-50) requires a permit to remove protected trees including native oaks, California bay, buckeye, and sycamore above specified trunk diameters. Removal of heritage trees and significant trees on private property without approval carries fines up to $1,000+ per tree and replanting requirements.