In unincorporated LA County, decks not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below are exempt from building permits. Elevated decks, covered patios, and attached patio covers require permits from the DPW Building and Safety Division.
Under the California Building Code (as adopted by LA County in Title 26), decks, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade at any point and not placed over any basement or story below are exempt from building permits. Decks above 30 inches require a building permit and must meet structural, setback, and guardrail requirements (42-inch guardrails required for decks 30+ inches above grade). Covered patios and patio covers (pergolas with roofing) are considered structures and require permits. Setback requirements apply — typically 5 feet from property lines for accessory structures. In hillside areas, additional geotechnical review may be required. Patios at or near grade level (concrete slabs, pavers) generally do not require permits unless they affect drainage or are part of a larger project.
Building an elevated deck without a permit may result in a stop-work order, required engineering review, double permit fees, or mandatory demolition if it cannot meet code.
Santa Clarita, CA
Vehicles cannot be parked in the same street spot for more than 72 hours per state law (CVC 22651). RV use as housing prohibited.
Santa Clarita, CA
Santa Clarita restricts large commercial vehicles in residential zones. Heavy trucks, construction equipment, and oversized commercial vehicles may not be pa...
Santa Clarita, CA
Vehicles parked 72+ hours without moving on public streets may be reported as abandoned per CVC §22651. LA County Sheriff and city code enforcement handle co...
Santa Clarita, CA
Santa Clarita enforces street parking rules under SCMC Title 10. Vehicles may not park on residential streets for more than 72 hours. Posted restrictions var...
Santa Clarita, CA
EV charging supported by state mandates. AB 2097 prohibits parking minimums near transit. CALGreen requires EV-ready infrastructure in new construction.
Santa Clarita, CA
Pool barriers must meet CA Building Code requirements: 60-inch minimum height with self-closing, self-latching gates plus one additional safety feature.
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how Santa Clarita's deck & patio permits rules stack up against other locations.
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