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

Tracy Municipal Code Title 10, Chapter 10.08, Article 24 (§10.08.3250) governs fences, walls, and hedges. Front yard fence heights are typically limited to 3 feet; rear and side yard fences are typically limited to 6 feet in residential zones. Contact Planning for exact limits by zoning district.

Most residential fences within standard height limits do not require a building permit in Tracy. Fences over 7 feet or in special locations may require permits. Contact Tracy Building Safety for current requirements.

Shared fence costs in Tracy are a civil matter governed by California Civil Code §841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act). The City of Tracy does not enforce boundary fence disputes. Notice must be given 30 days before constructing or replacing a shared fence.

Tracy enforces California's Swimming Pool Safety Act (CA H&S Code §115920). A 60-inch minimum barrier is required around all private pools over 18 inches deep. Pools or spas built or remodeled after January 1, 2018 must have a second safety feature.

Above-ground pools over 18 inches deep are subject to the same California Swimming Pool Safety Act barrier requirements as in-ground pools. Removable ladders that lock may satisfy some barrier requirements. Small kiddie pools under 18 inches are exempt.

Tracy requires building permits for pool construction and enforces California Building Code safety standards. Anti-entrapment drain covers (Virginia Graeme Baker Act) are federally required. Pool owners are responsible for keeping pools securely fenced at all times.

Garage conversions in Tracy creating an ADU are permitted by right under state law with no replacement parking required. Under SB 987, permits for demolishing a detached garage and building an ADU must be reviewed simultaneously. Building permits are required.

Tracy permits ADUs by right in residential zones under state law (CA Gov. Code §65852.2) and city ADU regulations. One ADU plus one JADU is permitted on single-family lots. Tracy Planning Division contacts: (209) 831-6400 or planningadmin@cityoftracy.org.

Carports in Tracy are regulated as accessory structures under Tracy Municipal Code Chapter 10.08 (Zoning Regulations). TMC 10.08.180 defines the carport, and detached accessory building rules in the residential zones (e.g., LDR Article 7) govern placement, separation, and yard location. Building permits and California Building Code apply to construction.

Sheds up to 120 square feet without electricity or plumbing generally do not require a building permit in Tracy under California Building Code exemptions. All sheds must comply with TMC Title 10 zoning setbacks.

Recreational fire pits in Tracy are subject to SJVAPCD daily burn day restrictions. Wood-burning fire pits are prohibited on no-burn days. Gas fire pits (propane or natural gas) are generally not subject to burn day restrictions.

Tracy falls within the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD), where open burning is generally prohibited on the valley floor. SJVAPCD Rule 4106 restricts hazard reduction burning to the State Responsibility Area. Rule 4901 governs residential wood burning.

Removing street trees or trees in Tracy's public right-of-way requires Public Works approval. Private property tree removal generally does not require a city permit unless specified by zoning overlay. CA Civil Code §833 governs neighbor tree disputes.

Tracy regulates tree trimming in public rights-of-way through its Public Works Department. Private property tree trimming does not require a city permit unless the tree is in a protected species category or within a special overlay district.

Tracy is in Stage 3 water restrictions under TMC Chapter 11.28. Residential landscape irrigation is limited to 3 days per week. Odd addresses water Monday, Wednesday, Saturday; even addresses water Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday. Watering must occur before 9 AM or after 7 PM.