126 local rules on file · Pop. 49,327 · Sacramento County
Showing ordinances that apply to North Highlands, CA
North Highlands is an unincorporated community with a population of approximately 49,327 in Sacramento County, California. Because North Highlands is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal government or city code. Instead, Sacramento County ordinances apply directly to residential and commercial properties here. The rules below are the county-level regulations that govern your area. Nearby incorporated cities in Sacramento County may have different rules.
Sacramento County permits ADUs and JADUs on all residential lots per Government Code 65852.2. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft, 4 ft setbacks, and streamlined 60-day ministerial review are standard.
Tiny homes on a permanent foundation can qualify as ADUs in unincorporated Sacramento County. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) are regulated as recreational vehicles and generally cannot be used as permanent dwellings on residential lots.
These unincorporated areas are also governed by Sacramento County ordinances.
Carports in unincorporated Sacramento County are treated as accessory structures requiring a building permit. Setbacks, height, and coverage limits apply, and carports in front yards are generally restricted to driveway areas.
Sacramento County follows California Fish and Game Code 2118 and Title 14 CCR 671, prohibiting most exotic mammals, reptiles, and birds without a CDFW permit. Local exceptions are narrow.
Breed-specific bans are preempted statewide by California Food and Agricultural Code 31683. Sacramento County regulates dangerous dogs by behavior, not breed, under Code Chapter 9.12.
Sacramento County allows beekeeping in most residential and agricultural zones. Hives must be set back from property lines and registered with the County Agricultural Commissioner.
Sacramento County Code 9.60 prohibits feeding wild mammals including deer, raccoons, coyotes, and wild turkeys. Bird feeders are allowed if they do not attract mammals.
Sacramento County residential zones allow up to 4 dogs and 4 cats (over 4 months old) per dwelling without a kennel permit. AR and AG zones have no numeric limit.
Sacramento County Code 9.04 requires dogs to be leashed (maximum 6 feet) in all public places. Off-leash is allowed only in designated off-leash park areas. Fines start at 100 dollars.
Sacramento County allows backyard chickens in most residential zones: up to 6 hens on lots under 10,000 sq ft, no roosters in RD zones. Coops must be set back 20 feet from dwellings on adjacent parcels.
Unincorporated Sacramento County Zoning Code limits commercial vehicle parking in residential zones. Generally one commercial vehicle under a weight threshold (commonly 10,000 lbs GVWR) is allowed if owned by the resident. Semi-trucks and large trailers are prohibited in residential areas. CVC 22507.5 authorizes street parking restrictions.
Driveways in unincorporated Sacramento County require an encroachment permit from DOT where they cross the public right-of-way. Residential driveways typically 10-20 feet wide per Zoning Code. Parking must not block sidewalks or overhang the public way. Paving with impervious surface may be limited by front-yard coverage rules.
Sacramento County abandoned vehicle abatement is handled under County Code Chapter 10.28 and CA Vehicle Code 22660-22669. Vehicles abandoned on public streets or private property may be removed. County participates in the Service Authority for Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (SAVAA) which provides DMV fee funding for removal.
Unincorporated Sacramento County enforces the statewide CVC 22651(k) 72-hour rule on public streets. County Code Title 10 adds local restrictions including no parking on unpaved shoulders in some residential zones. Parked vehicles must display current registration and move every 72 hours.
Unincorporated Sacramento County does not generally prohibit overnight street parking in residential areas. The CVC 22651(k) 72-hour rule applies. Some commercial zones and posted areas restrict overnight commercial vehicle parking from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. under CVC 22507.5. Private lots may tow unauthorized vehicles per CVC 22658.
Sacramento County follows CALGreen Title 24 Part 11 EV charging requirements for new construction. SB 379 streamlines residential EV charging permits to 5 business days with checklist review. Existing SMUD rebates and PG&E programs support home charger installation. HOAs cannot unreasonably restrict EV chargers under Civil Code 4745.
Unincorporated Sacramento County Zoning Code restricts RV, boat, and trailer storage in residential zones. Generally allowed in side or rear yards with screening; front yard storage on driveways is limited to loading and unloading periods. No habitation of parked RVs on residential property.
Sacramento County has one of Californias strongest Native Oak Tree Ordinances. Pruning of protected native oaks (heritage oaks 36 inch DBH plus) requires a permit and an arborist report. Illegal trimming can trigger fines up to 25,000 dollars per tree.
AB 1572 and Civil Code 4735 protect artificial turf installation in unincorporated Sacramento County. HOAs and the county cannot prohibit drought-tolerant landscaping or artificial turf on residential lots subject to reasonable design standards.
Sacramento Countys weed abatement program under Chapter 8.12 requires property owners to clear dry weeds, overgrown grass, and combustible vegetation annually. The County Agricultural Commissioner administers enforcement.
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in unincorporated Sacramento County. Rooftop collection for outdoor landscape use requires no permit. Larger cistern systems and indoor non-potable use require plumbing permits.
Sacramento County and its water providers enforce permanent water waste prohibitions plus drought-response watering schedules. Outdoor watering is generally limited to two or three days per week with no daytime irrigation and no runoff.
Removal of protected native oaks in unincorporated Sacramento County requires a Tree Permit and mitigation planting. Heritage oak removal requires discretionary approval and mitigation at ratios up to 12:1.
Sacramento County encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping through MWELO and regional water-wise programs. New development over 500 sq ft must meet Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance water budget rules.
Sacramento County Code Chapter 8.12 treats grass or weeds over 6 inches as a public nuisance subject to abatement. Owners receive notice and must cut or the county will abate and lien the property.
Sacramento County permits leaf blowers 7 AM to 7 PM but bans the sale of new gas-powered models statewide under AB 1346 (effective January 1, 2024). SMAQMD offers electric blower rebates.
Sacramento County nighttime quiet hours run 10 PM to 7 AM weekdays and 10 PM to 8 AM weekends under Title 6 of the County Code. Exterior noise in residential zones is capped at 55 dBA daytime, 50 dBA nighttime.
Vehicle Code 27150 and 23130 govern modified exhaust and loud vehicles countywide. Sacramento County CHP and Sheriff issue fix-it tickets; sustained loud idling over 5 minutes is also a County nuisance.
Sacramento County hosts SMF (Sacramento Intl), Mather, Executive, and former McClellan airfields. Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans restrict residential density in 65+ dB CNEL contours.
Sacramento County Code 9.36 classifies a dog that barks continuously for 30 minutes or intermittently for 60 minutes as a public nuisance. Animal Services handles enforcement.
Amplified music audible beyond the property line after 10 PM is prohibited in unincorporated Sacramento County. Outdoor events need a Special Event Permit with a noise-variance component.
Commercial operations in unincorporated Sacramento County must keep noise at adjacent residential property lines below 55 dBA day and 50 dBA night. Industrial zones along Power Inn and Florin-Perkins allow higher thresholds.
Construction in unincorporated Sacramento County is allowed 7 AM to 6 PM Monday through Saturday and prohibited on Sundays and holidays under Chapter 6.68 of the County Code.
Sacramento County contains Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in the eastern foothills and portions of the Delta. Properties in VHFHSZ face stricter defensible space, building ignition-resistant construction, and insurance disclosure requirements.
All consumer fireworks, including Safe and Sane, are banned in unincorporated Sacramento County. Only permitted public displays are legal. Violations carry administrative fines up to 1,000 dollars plus state penalties.
Property owners in unincorporated Sacramento County must maintain 100 ft defensible space per Public Resources Code 4291 in designated fire hazard zones, especially in foothill and Delta WUI areas. Metro Fire and Cal Fire inspect annually.
Open burning of yard waste, trash, and vegetation is generally prohibited in unincorporated Sacramento County under SMAQMD Rule 421 and county fire code. Agricultural burns require SMAQMD permits and burn-day authorization.
All dwellings in unincorporated Sacramento County must have working smoke alarms in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level, plus CO alarms, per California Health and Safety Code 13113.7 and 13260.
Small recreational backyard fires are allowed in unincorporated Sacramento County when conducted in approved containers with proper clearance, except on SMAQMD no-burn days. Only clean, dry, seasoned firewood may be used.
Unincorporated Sacramento County allows backyard fire pits subject to California Fire Code and SMAQMD rules. Fire pits must be 3 ft or smaller, burn only clean seasoned wood or propane, and sit at least 15 ft from structures, fences, and combustible vegetation.
Sacramento County requires a building permit for all in-ground pools and most above-ground pools over 18 inches deep. CA Building Code and HSC 115920 apply.
Hot tubs and spas in Sacramento County require building/electrical permits and must have locking covers meeting ASTM F1346 or barriers per HSC 115922.
New or remodeled pools in Sacramento County must have at least 2 safety features under CA HSC 115922 (Pool Safety Act).
Pool enclosures must be at least 60 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates per CA HSC 115923. Sacramento County enforces through building inspections.
Above-ground pools over 18 inches deep require a Sacramento County building permit. Pool safety act barriers apply if capable of holding 18 inches of water.
Sacramento County Zoning Code limits front-yard fences to 3.5 feet and rear/side fences to 7 feet. Solid front fencing over 3.5 feet requires a zoning clearance.
Fences 7 feet and under in unincorporated Sacramento County do not require a building permit, but a zoning clearance is required for front-yard fences over 3.5 feet or in setback areas.
California Civil Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) presumes equal cost-sharing for boundary fences. 30-day written notice is required before building or repairing a shared fence.
Sacramento County requires a clear sight triangle of 25 feet at corner lots. Fences, walls, and landscaping over 3 feet tall are prohibited in this triangle.
Sacramento County allows wood, vinyl, masonry, chain link, and wrought iron fencing in most zones. Barbed wire and electric fences are restricted to AR and AG parcels.
Pools in Sacramento County must have a 5-foot barrier and meet 2 of 7 safety features under California Health and Safety Code 115922. Pool fence permits issued with the pool permit.
Home occupations in unincorporated Sacramento County are limited to minimal customer visits and may not generate traffic, parking demand, or deliveries greater than normal residential use. Most businesses must operate without on-site clients.
Unincorporated Sacramento County allows home occupations as accessory uses in residential zones under Title 22 Zoning Code. Operations must be clearly incidental to residential use with no outward evidence of business activity.
Sacramento County allows small (up to 8 children) and large (up to 14) family daycare homes by right in residential zones under CA HSC 1597.30 state preemption.
Sacramento County requires a Home Occupation Permit for businesses operated from a dwelling. Zoning Code 5.9.2 sets strict conditions on employees, signage, and customer visits.
Cottage Food Operations are legal in unincorporated Sacramento County under AB 1616 and AB 1240. Registration or permitting through Sacramento County Environmental Management Department is required, and sales are capped at 150,000 dollars annually (Class B).
Home occupations in unincorporated Sacramento County may not display signs or other outward evidence of business activity. Commercial signage is prohibited on residential properties operating under a home occupation permit.
Sacramento County STR permit applicants must show proof of liability insurance, typically 1 million dollars minimum, per Zoning Code 3.10 permit conditions.
STR guests must comply with Sacramento County noise ordinance Chapter 6.68. Quiet hours 10 PM to 7 AM. Operator liable for guest violations.
STR parking must be on-site per Zoning Code 3.10. Street parking by guests is discouraged. One on-site space required per bedroom rented.
Sacramento County charges 12 percent Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on all STR stays under 30 days. Operators must register and remit monthly or quarterly.
Sacramento County does not impose a blanket annual night cap on STRs. Non-hosted rentals may face higher scrutiny than hosted rentals under Zoning Code 3.10.
Sacramento County STR occupancy is typically limited to 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional, per Zoning Code 3.10 and housing code standards.
STR registration with Sacramento County is mandatory before listing. Permit number must appear in all online advertisements per Zoning Code 3.10.
Unincorporated Sacramento County requires a Short-Term Rental Permit under Zoning Code Chapter 3.10. Operators must register, pass inspection, and renew annually.
Sacramento County honors posted No Soliciting and No Trespassing signs. Solicitors who ignore signs can be cited for trespass under Penal Code 602 in addition to county peddler violations.
Commercial door-to-door solicitors must obtain a Sacramento County Peddler permit through the Sheriff. Hours typically limited 9 AM to sunset or 8 PM. Religious and political canvassing exempt.
Sacramento County grading regulated under County Code Chapter 16.44. Permits required for earthwork exceeding 50 cu yd, cuts/fills over specified depths, or work on steep slopes. Drainage must not be diverted onto neighboring properties. County drainage standards follow the Sacramento County Improvement Standards and Hydrology Manual.
Sacramento County requires erosion and sediment control BMPs on all grading and construction sites. County Code Chapter 16.44 implements the Grading, Erosion, and Sediment Control Ordinance. Wet-season (October 1 to April 30) requires enhanced measures including stabilization of disturbed areas. Violations can stop work and trigger penalties.
Sacramento County operates under a joint NPDES MS4 Permit (R5-2016-0040) with the City of Sacramento and other co-permittees. County Code Chapter 15.12 implements stormwater pollution prevention. New and redevelopment projects over 1 acre (or smaller in some cases) must comply with Post-Construction Stormwater Standards including LID and hydromodification controls.
Large portions of Sacramento County lie within FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas including Natomas, the Pocket, Delta communities, and areas along the American and Sacramento Rivers. SAFCA manages regional levee improvements. CA SB 5 requires 200-year flood protection for urban development in Central Valley. County Code Chapter 27.10 is the Floodplain Management Ordinance.
Food trucks in unincorporated Sacramento County need a Mobile Food Facility permit from Sacramento County Environmental Management (health) plus a county business license. SB 946 (2018) limits local regulation of sidewalk vendors. Trucks must operate from an approved commissary and follow CA Retail Food Code (CalCode) for mobile facilities.
Sacramento County permits food trucks in most commercial, industrial, and mixed-use zones with property owner consent. Residential zones generally restrict vending except for special events. SB 946 requires objective health, safety, or traffic justification for sidewalk vendor location restrictions. Parks allow vending with permits.
Unincorporated Sacramento County follows California AB 1482 (Civil Code 1946.2) just cause eviction rules. No additional county-level tenant protection ordinance beyond state law.
Unincorporated Sacramento County has NO local rent cap. Statewide AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act of 2019) applies: annual rent increases capped at 5 percent plus CPI, or 10 percent maximum, whichever is lower. Just-cause eviction required for tenants of 12+ months. Single-family homes owned by individuals and buildings under 15 years old are generally exempt.
No countywide rental registration program in unincorporated Sacramento County. Landlords must comply with state disclosure laws but no local registry or annual fee exists.
Sacramento County Code Title 6 declares blighted conditions a public nuisance. Junk, graffiti, inoperable vehicles, and dilapidated structures can trigger abatement liens.
Residential garage sales allowed in unincorporated Sacramento County without a permit, limited to a reasonable number per year with state sales-tax exemptions for occasional sales.
Snow is extremely rare in the Sacramento Valley. No county sidewalk snow removal ordinance exists. Owners must keep sidewalks free of debris and hazards under Streets and Highways Code 5610.
Sacramento County Zoning Code requires trash and recycling carts to be stored out of public view except on collection day. Front-yard cart storage is a code enforcement violation.
Vacant lots must be kept free of weeds, trash, and combustible debris. County weed abatement program clears lots and records liens for noncompliance, with inspections starting each spring.
Sacramento County permits a limited number of commercial cannabis dispensaries in unincorporated areas under Chapter 4.45 with 600-foot school buffer and conditional use permit.
Adults 21+ may grow up to 6 plants for personal use under Prop 64 and HSC 11362.2. Sacramento County requires indoor cultivation only; outdoor grows prohibited in unincorporated areas.
Elevators in Sacramento County are regulated by Cal/OSHA Division of Occupational Safety and Health Elevator Unit. Annual state inspection and permit required.
Sacramento County Environmental Management enforces pest and vector control under County Code Chapter 6.36 and CA Health and Safety Code 2270+. Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito and Vector Control District handles mosquito abatement. Fumigation requires licensed structural pest control operators registered with the CA Structural Pest Control Board.
Sacramento County enforces CA HSC 17920.10 (lead hazard as substandard housing) and federal EPA RRP Rule for renovations in pre-1978 homes.
Unincorporated Sacramento County scaffolding must comply with CA Building Code Chapter 33 and Cal/OSHA Title 8 standards. Scaffolds over 35 feet require engineering and permits through Community Development. Public right-of-way encroachment needs a separate encroachment permit from DOT.
Sacramento County Zoning Code includes outdoor lighting standards requiring shielded fixtures, limits on illumination spillover, and uplighting restrictions. Agricultural and rural-residential zones have stricter dark-sky provisions to protect night skies. New commercial development must meet Title 24 Part 6 energy-efficiency outdoor lighting standards.
Unincorporated Sacramento County Zoning Code prohibits light trespass onto neighboring properties. Illumination at the property line generally cannot exceed 0.5 foot-candles in residential zones. Code enforcement investigates complaints. Persistent offenders may be cited under the county nuisance ordinance.
HOA architectural review in California is governed by Civil Code 4765. Boards must provide fair, reasonable, and timely review with written decisions.
HOAs in Sacramento County operate under the Davis-Stirling Act (Civil Code 4000-6150). Board meetings, notices, and elections must follow statutory rules.
CC and Rs enforcement in California requires due process under Civil Code 5850-5865. Fines require notice, hearing, and published schedule.
California HOA assessments are governed by Civil Code 5605. Regular increases over 20 percent or special assessments over 5 percent require member approval.
Davis-Stirling Act requires Internal Dispute Resolution (Civ Code 5900) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (Civ Code 5925) before most HOA lawsuits.
Sacramento County Zoning Code (Title 3) sets residential setbacks by zone. Typical RD-5 standards: 20 ft front, 5 ft side, 15 ft rear. Agricultural and rural residential zones require greater setbacks. ADUs benefit from state-mandated 4 ft side/rear setbacks under Gov Code 65852.2 regardless of underlying zone.
Sacramento County residential height limits: typically 30-35 feet in single-family zones, 45 feet in some multi-family zones. Agricultural zones allow taller structures (up to 50 ft for barns). ADUs limited to 16-25 feet depending on type per state law. Height measured from finished grade to highest point excluding chimneys and antennas.
Sacramento County lot coverage limits: typically 40-50 percent in single-family residential zones for all structures combined. Rural and agricultural zones have lower percentages but larger absolute footprints allowed. Impervious surface coverage (driveways, patios) separately regulated under stormwater rules. Floor Area Ratio (FAR) may also apply.
California Civil Code 714 (Solar Rights Act) prohibits HOAs and CC&Rs from banning or unreasonably restricting solar panel installation. Restrictions that increase cost by more than $1,000 or reduce efficiency by more than 10 percent are void. HOAs must approve or deny solar applications within 45 days.
Sacramento County offers expedited residential solar permits under AB 2188 and SB 379, with online submittal and typical approval within 1-3 business days for standard rooftop systems. Title 24 (2020) Solar Mandate requires solar on most new single-family homes. SMUD handles interconnection for its service territory; PG&E for the rest.
Sacramento County Waste Management and Recycling (SWA/Republic Services) provides weekly solid waste, recycling, and organics pickup for unincorporated residents. Set out by 6 AM on service day.
Unincorporated residents receive 2 free Neighborhood Clean-Up events per year plus on-call bulky item pickup through the franchise hauler. Kiefer and North Area landfills accept drop-offs.
Carts must be at the curb with wheels against the curb, at least 3 feet from obstacles, no earlier than the evening before pickup and removed within 24 hours of service.
SB 1383 mandates organics (food scraps and green waste) separation in the green cart. Recycling cart accepts bottles, cans, paper, cardboard. Contamination may trigger fees.
Sacramento County juvenile curfew prohibits minors under 18 from public places between 10 PM and 5 AM (Sun-Thu) and midnight to 5 AM (Fri-Sat) without adult or exemption.
Sacramento County regional parks close from sunset or 10 PM to sunrise depending on the park. Entering a closed park is an infraction unless by permit or for authorized fishing areas.
Seasonal holiday lights and displays permitted on private property with no permit required. Inflatables and roof displays must not create traffic hazards or violate fire or electrical codes.
Temporary garage sale signs allowed on private property with owner permission. Prohibited on utility poles, trees, traffic signs, and in the public right-of-way. Must be removed within 24 hours.
Political signs allowed on private property in unincorporated Sacramento County. HOAs preempted by Civil Code 4710 from banning most political signs in common interest developments.
Recreational drone pilots must follow FAA rules including Remote ID and TRUST test. Sacramento County bans launch and landing in Regional Parks without permit. SMF Class C airspace requires LAANC.
Commercial drone pilots need FAA Part 107 certification. LAANC required for SMF, Mather, and McClellan airspace. County parks require Special Use Permit plus liability insurance.
Common code violations in unincorporated Sacramento County include junk and debris accumulation, overgrown vegetation, junk vehicles, unpermitted construction, substandard housing conditions, illegal fencing materials, and zoning violations.
Sacramento County Code Enforcement investigates violations of housing, zoning, and vehicle abatement laws in unincorporated areas. Complaints can be filed by calling 916-874-6444 or through the county's online complaint system.
Sacramento County Code Enforcement responds to complaints based on severity. Initial investigations typically begin within 5-10 business days for standard complaints. Health and safety hazards receive priority response. The division processes over 6,000 investigations annually.
Most renovation work in unincorporated Sacramento County requires building permits. Cosmetic changes are exempt. Structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work all require permits and inspections through the Building Permits and Inspection Division.
Fences that comply with Sacramento County zoning standards (Section 5.2.5) are exempt from building permits. Standard residential fences up to 6 feet are typically exempt. Fences must use approved materials and comply with height restrictions.
In unincorporated Sacramento County, storage sheds under 120 sq ft without electrical or plumbing are generally exempt from building permits. Sheds must meet setback, height, and placement requirements per county zoning standards.
Small ground-level decks and patios in Sacramento County may be exempt from permits under certain conditions. Elevated decks over 30 inches above grade require building permits. Guardrails are required on decks 30+ inches above grade.
Sacramento County does not have a specific bamboo ban, but running bamboo that encroaches onto neighboring properties is considered a nuisance. Property owners are responsible for installing root barriers and preventing spread under California civil law.
Sacramento County follows California's CDFA noxious weed list and Cal-IPC invasive plant inventory. Key invasive species in the Sacramento region include yellow starthistle, Scotch broom, giant reed (Arundo donax), and water hyacinth.
Front-yard food gardens are protected under California law (AB 2561) and cannot be banned by Sacramento County. Gardens must be maintained and not create nuisance conditions. Water-efficient landscaping standards apply to new landscapes over 500 sq ft.
Security cameras are legal on private property in Sacramento County. Video-only recording in public-facing areas is permitted without consent. Audio recording triggers California's strict two-party consent law (Penal Code 632), requiring all parties' consent.
California is a two-party (all-party) consent state under Penal Code 632. Recording any confidential communication without all parties' consent is a crime. This applies to phone calls, in-person conversations, and audio on security cameras throughout Sacramento County.
Sacramento County allows residential fences up to 6 feet in rear and side yards. Front yard fences are regulated by the zoning code (Section 5.2.5). Privacy fences help establish legal privacy expectations under California recording and surveillance law.