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

Santa Ana allows fences up to 8 feet in side and rear yards and 3-4 feet in front yards under SAMC Sec. 41-610. Front yard fences over 18 inches require a Planning permit and must allow visibility through the upper portion.

Santa Ana exempts fences not over seven feet high from building permit requirements, but front-yard fences require a separate permit from the Planning Division per SAMC Chapter 41. Fences over seven feet require a building permit.

Santa Ana regulates shared fences and walls between neighbors under SAMC Section 41-610. Side and rear yard fences up to 8 feet are permitted. California Civil Code Section 841 governs cost-sharing obligations for boundary fences between adjacent property owners.

Santa Ana enforces California Building Code and Health & Safety Code Section 115920-115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act) requiring pool barriers for all residential swimming pools and spas. A secondary pool barrier is also required per Orange County Ordinance No. 19-006.

Retaining walls in Santa Ana not over four feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall are exempt from building permits under California Building Code provisions adopted by the city. Taller retaining walls require engineering plans and a building permit.

Prefabricated above-ground pools accessory to a single-family home that are less than 24 inches deep and do not exceed 5,000 gallons are exempt from building permits under the California Building Code as adopted by Santa Ana. Larger above-ground pools require permits and pool barriers.

Santa Ana enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC §115920-115929) requiring all residential pools to have a primary barrier at least 60 inches high plus a secondary barrier. Orange County Ordinance No. 19-006 adds secondary barrier requirements.

Hot tubs and spas in Santa Ana require a building permit and electrical permit for installation. They must comply with the California Swimming Pool Safety Act barrier requirements if capable of holding 18 inches or more of water.

Swimming pool construction in Santa Ana requires a building permit, electrical permit, and compliance with the California Building Code and Swimming Pool Safety Act. Plan review and inspections are conducted by the city's Planning and Building Agency.

Santa Ana enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC §115920-115929) and Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act requiring anti-entrapment devices, barrier systems, and safety equipment for all residential pools and spas.

Santa Ana allows ADUs on all residential lots per SAMC Sec. 41-194 and California Gov. Code Sec. 65852.2. Up to one ADU and one JADU per single-family lot. Detached ADUs may be up to 16 feet tall with 4-foot side/rear setbacks. No owner-occupancy requirement.

Garage conversions in Santa Ana are treated as ADUs under SAMC Sec. 41-194 and California ADU law. Converted garages do not require replacement parking. The structure must meet habitability standards including kitchen, bathroom, ventilation, and structural integrity requirements.

Tiny homes in Santa Ana are primarily regulated through the ADU framework under SAMC Section 41-194 and California Government Code Section 65852.2. Tiny homes on wheels are generally not permitted as permanent residences on residential lots unless they meet ADU or JADU requirements.

Santa Ana exempts one-story detached storage sheds under 120 square feet from building permit requirements. Larger structures require permits and must comply with zoning setbacks under SAMC Sec. 41-606 and 41-607. Accessory structures may not be located within 12 feet of an alley centerline.

Carports in Santa Ana are regulated as accessory structures under SAMC Chapter 41 (Zoning). Attached carports must maintain the same yard setbacks as the main building per Section 41-607. A building permit is required for carport construction.

Gas fire pits (natural gas or propane) are generally allowed in Santa Ana with a building permit and proper clearances. Permanently installed wood-burning fire pits are prohibited in new construction under SCAQMD Rule 445. Portable wood fire pits are restricted during no-burn days.

Open burning is prohibited in Santa Ana under SAMC Chapter 14 and South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 444. Recreational fires in approved fire pits may be permitted subject to OCFA regulations and air quality restrictions.

Tree trimming on public rights-of-way in Santa Ana requires authorization from the Public Works Agency under SAMC Chapter 33. Private property tree trimming is generally unrestricted but should be done by licensed arborists for larger trees.

Santa Ana regulates tree removal on public property and street trees under SAMC Chapter 33 (Streets and Sidewalks). Private property tree removal generally does not require a city permit unless the tree is in a designated area or subject to environmental review.

Santa Ana enforces water conservation measures through the city's water utility consistent with the Metropolitan Water District and state drought regulations. Outdoor irrigation restrictions include prohibited watering times and limits on watering days.