Chickens for personal use are allowed in all zones, with exceptions. The keeping of crowing fowl as an incidental use shall be allowed in all zoning districts other than RD-10 through RD-40, RM-2, O, Mixed Use, and M-2, and requires a minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet. The minimum lot size for keeping an unregulated number of chickens is 10,000 square feet. On lots less than 10,000 square feet, the keeping of egg-laying chickens and ducks is allowed subject to the following restrictions:
Horses, for personal use, are allowed on parcels greater than 20,000 square feet in all zones, except in multifamily and RM-2 zoning districts unless developed as a duplex or halfplex.
Horse stables in residential zones must meet the standards in Table 5.10.B in Section 5.4.5.A of the Zoning Code.
More than one pig is allowed on parcels located within agricultural, urban reserve, interim-agricultural reserve, and AR10 and AR5 zones, provided all the requirements of the County Health Department are met.
As many chickens and horses as you are able to maintain in a healthy, sanitary, and nuisance-free condition are permitted, provided the minimum lot size of 10,000 square feet for chickens and 20,000 square feet for horses is met and the keeping of animals is incidental to a permitted residential use.
On lots less than 10,000 square feet, the keeping of egg-laying chickens and ducks is allowed subject to the following restrictions:
See standards provided in Section 3.9.3.G of the Zoning Code.
Up to four mature cats and four mature dogs on one lot, building, structure, enclosure or premises are allowed. More than 4 mature animals requires a use permit for a cattery or kennel. Mature is defined: six months or older for cats, four months or older for dogs. More than the allowable number is considered a cattery or kennel which is only allowed in certain zones, on parcels of a certain size and requires a conditional use permit. Contact the County Planning Department at sacplan@saccounty.gov to get permit and permitting information. (See Section 7.3 & 3.2.5, Table 3.1 (Commercial Uses)(A)(1)(b) of the Zoning Code).
Complaints of illegal cattery or kennel are received by Sacramento County Animal Control and Regulation, and properties that do not comply are subject to follow-up enforcement by Code Enforcement.
Household pets other than cats or dogs are not regulated by the zoning code. Domesticated animals kept for pleasure, in a cage, terrarium, aquarium or other confinement within the primary dwelling are not regulated by Code Enforcement as long as they are kept in a safe, healthy and nuisance-free condition.
No. Domesticated animals kept for pleasure, in a cage, terrarium, aquarium, or other confinement within the primary dwelling besides those mentioned above are not regulated by Code Enforcement as long as they are kept in a healthy, sanitary and nuisance free condition.
Dog owners have an obligation to control their animals. If a pet owner is not keeping their animal restrained or under control, county residents can contact Animal Care Services.
Also, the Sacramento Mediation Center at 916-441-7979 is a good resource. This is a non-profit agency that provides mediation services for neighbor disputes. For an initial fee of $25, the mediation center can attempt to open up a dialogue to resolve a neighbor dispute.
If you are a tenant, contact Code Enforcement and file a complaint by dialing 3-1-1 or online at Sacramento County 311 Connect.
For more information about rats and mice, you can visit UC Davis' Quick Tips for Managing Home and Landscape Pests website.
For information about wildlife, including skunks and raccoons, please contact the Wildlife Services Program, run by the County Agricultural Commission.
On property zoned Agricultural or Agricultural-Residential, beekeeping is permitted so long as the hives are registered with the Ag Commissioner.
That is the only requirement; there are no other standards to enforce through Code Enforcement. Complaints regarding bees in these zones should be directed to the Ag Commissioner at 916-875-6603 or agcomm@saccounty.net, who will then communicate with Code Enforcement regarding hives that are not registered with them, if needed.
On all other property in all other zones in Sacramento County, beekeeping is allowed so long as the lot size is at least 5,000 square feet.
Hives must be registered with the Ag Commissioner. The minimum lot size for beekeeping is 5,000 square feet.
Two hives are permitted on lots less than 10,000 square feet. Four hives are permitted on lots from 10,000 to 20,000 square feet. Six hives are permitted on lots greater than 20,000 square feet.
Lots may temporarily have double the number of allowed hives for 60 days to allow for hive management and to minimize the likelihood of swarming.
Ground level hives shall be enclosed by fencing or a similar barrier to prevent unauthorized access. A solid fence, dense hedge, or similar barrier must exist at the entrance to all hives at a minimum of 6' in height and 2' in width beyond both ends of the hives, between the hives and interior property lines.
Roof level hives are permitted when enclosed by fencing or a similar barrier to prevent unauthorized access.
A permanent fresh water source shall be provided within 15 feet on the same lot as the hives.
Notify the property owner, landlord, or property manager of all maintenance issues and allow a reasonable amount of time for the repairs to be made.
It is the responsibility of the tenant to allow access to the unit for such repairs. If the repairs are not made in a timely fashion, then contacting Code Enforcement may be appropriate.
An Officer will conduct an inspection within 72 business hours of receiving a complaint for Priority Housing Violations (See examples).
For all others, an advisory letter will be mailed to the property owner allowing thirty days for the repairs/corrections to be made. After thirty days, the officer will contact the tenant to verify the repairs were made. If the violations remain, an inspection will be conducted. Examples of Housing Violations:
Priority Violations:
Other Violations:
A vacant house is not a violation of any County code. However, if a home is vacant, open and accessible and is also being accessed by unauthorized persons, Code Enforcement can respond and ensure that the property is secured. Contact the Sheriff’s Department if you see such illegal activity.
It is also a violation if the landscaping of a vacant building is not being maintained and the dead grass/weeds exceed 12 inches over 50% of the yard. (SCC 16.18.401(X) & (Y), 16.23.010).
If you have discovered water intrusion within your unit, you should first check with your landlord. Typically, structural or plumbing repair work is the landlord's responsibility. Problems with surface accumulation of mildew are the responsibility of the tenant to fix.
Mold is a similar problem to mildew, but may be caused by problems that go beyond the surface to deeper levels of the structure.
If you are not able to resolve your structural, plumbing, or mold issues with your landlord, you may call file a complaint at Sacramento County 311 Connect.
Get more information about mold issues, how to get rid of mold and additional contact information if you live within the cities of Sacramento, Citrus Heights, Elk Grove or Folsom at the Sacramento Environmental Management Department.
California state law allows for the cultivation of six cannabis plants inside all single private residences, or in a secured accessory structure.
Ordinances for the unincorporated areas of Sacramento County allow for small indoor cannabis grows of 6 plants or fewer, but with significant limitations.
Any cultivation operations that do not meet all the guidelines are subject to enforcement action, along with any applicable fees and penalties. See Sacramento County Code Chapter 6.88 for more information.
No. Outdoor cultivation of cannabis is completely prohibited in unincorporated Sacramento County.
Outdoor grows are subject to enforcement from Sacramento County Code Enforcement and Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department.
In order to comply with Sacramento County ordinances, the cannabis grow must meet ALL of the following requirements:
Property owners and tenants that maintain or allow an illegal cannabis grow are subject to Code Enforcement actions including but not limited to:
Federal law still prohibits general cultivation, possession, and use of cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance.
Federal drug laws and enforcement policy are the responsibility of federal authorities and are separate from any State and County regulations and regulatory agencies.
Compliance with State and/or County laws does not provide protection or exemption from criminal prosecution at the federal level.
No, with a few exceptions (see below). It is unlawful to park or store, or permit others to park or store, automotive vehicles or trailers without current registration or in an inoperable condition on any lot in any residential, interim residential, interim estate, recreation, agricultural, interim agricultural, or agricultural residential zone unless they are stored in a fully enclosed building. This answer does not apply to commercial or industrial zones.
Storage of up to two vehicles “may” be allowed outside of a fully enclosed building, if all of the following conditions are met:
No. In residential uses, vehicles cannot be parked on the grassy or unsurfaced area of your front or side-street yard.
Generally, your front yard is the area between the front lot line and the front wall of the primary dwelling that is furthest from the front lot line, and your side-street yard is the area from the side-street lot line and the side wall of the primary dwelling that is the furthest from the side-street lot line. Vehicles parked beyond this area are ok.
To park vehicles in the front or side-street yard, the following surfacing requirements must be met:
The zoning where your home is located determines the allowance to store commercial vehicles on private property. Vehicles parked on the street have different regulations as to what constitutes a commercial vehicle and they are enforced by Parking Enforcement. Commercial vehicle violations in the street should be reported by calling the Sheriff’s non-emergency line at (916) 874-5115 Option #0.
Agricultural, Agricultural-Residential, and Recreation Zones
Residential Zones
No motor vehicle or equipment used for, or designed primarily for, commercial, industrial or agricultural purposes with a manufacturer’s gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more, and no trailer used for, or designed primarily for, commercial, industrial or agricultural purposes, shall be parked or stored on any residential or interim residential zoned property except when loading, unloading, or rendering service. (See Section 3.2.5, Table 3.2 (N) of the Zoning Code.)
Code Enforcement and DMV define commercial vehicle differently, according to the separate codes each enforces. A DMV determination a vehicle is or isn't a commercial vehicle does not mean the vehicle is or isn't a commercial vehicle violation for Code Enforcement and vice versa.
The Sacramento County Zoning Code does not allow for anyone to occupy a recreational vehicle on residential property.
RVs may only be lived in while at a specially designated and permitted RV or trailer park located in Recreation zones or a General Commercial zone, provided that the property has a Conditional Use Permit on file with the Planning department to conduct that use.
If constructing a new single-family dwelling, you may also obtain a temporary use permit to reside in a recreational vehicle for up to one year while the home is constructed. The occupancy must cease within 30 days of the issuance of the final building permit.
Maybe! Certain home-based businesses are allowed with a business license. Others are allowed with a business license and if certain conditions are met. Some businesses are strictly prohibited.
Guidelines:
Certain home-based businesses are allowed with a business license. Others are allowed with a license as long as certain conditions are met. Some businesses are strictly prohibited. Generally, all home-based businesses must comply with the following:
Only occupants of the home may be engaged in the home business.
Off-site employees may not report for work at residence
The use of the home as a business shall be clearly incidental and subordinate to its use as a residence. The area subject to the home occupation may not exceed 20% of the habitable floor space of the primary dwelling.
No mechanical equipment shall be used which creates or makes dust, odor, vibration or other effects detectable at the property line. Noise level at the property line shall not exceed 65 dBA.
No products shall be sold on the premises except artists' originals.
The products produced shall not be displayed on the property in a manner to be visible outside of the residence.
Materials shall not be stored outdoors.
The home may not be remodeled to change the external appearance into a commercial-appearing structure.
Visitors & customers shall not exceed one person per hour and eight per day. Deliveries shall not exceed one per week..
For additional guidelines on Home occupations, please refer to Section 3.9.3.F of the Sacramento County Zoning Code.
The following uses are expressly prohibited as home occupations:
All businesses require a business license and must adhere to specific guidelines intended to reduce the impact on the surrounding residential neighborhood.
For example, your home cannot be remodeled or constructed to appear like a commercial structure and “the use of the dwelling for the home occupation shall be clearly incidental and subordinate to its use for residential purposes.”
Certain businesses have specific limitations and restrictions.(See section 3.9.3.F. of the Zoning Code).
Yes. Up to 3 garage sales per year are permitted at the property where the sale operator resides and the sale may not exceed two consecutive days in length. (See Section 3.9.3.M. of the Zoning Code).
Signs can only be placed on your property and cannot exceed a total of 12 square feet. (See Section 3.9.3.M. of the Zoning Code).
A temporary concession is any individual retail sales operation from a location not involving a permanent building or structure and uses a temporary table, stand, cart, or similar equipment. (See Section 7.3 of the Zoning Code).
Temporary concessions are permitted within the following zones and are subject to the approval of the zoning administrator through a temporary concession stand permit:
Temporary concessions on private property are permitted subject to the approval of the zoning administrator through a temporary concession stand permit while meeting development standards within the following zones:
No, the vending of food products is regulated separately and requires a conditional use permit.
The vending of food products is regulated separately. Without the separate permit, obtained through the County Environmental Management Department and a conditional use permit from the planning commission, food cannot be sold under a temporary concession permit.
Mobile vending vehicles licensed and operated pursuant to the provisions of the Sacramento County Code do not constitute a temporary concession, so long as they move every hour.
However, mobile vending vehicles that are licensed and operated pursuant to the provisions of the Sacramento County Code do not constitute a temporary concession. (See Section 7.3 of the Zoning Code).
Sacramento County hauls away thousands of tons of illegally-dumped junk and rubbish every year. Illegal dumping pollutes rivers and streams, drives down property values, and costs county taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.
If you see illegal dumping, report it to Sacramento County 3-1-1 Connect. You may be eligible for a reward.
Get involved! With your help, we can keep our communities clean.
If you see a vehicle that appears to have been abandoned in Sacramento County, whether on a public road or private property, please report by calling 3-1-1 (or 916-875-4311), so that Code Enforcement can investigate.
On-Street Vehicle Abatement
By ordinance, Sacramento County Code Enforcement removes (abates) vehicles that are a public nuisance. Nuisance vehicles include abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, inoperative, unregistered (in excess of six months), and unmoved (for more than 72 hours) vehicles.
Note: Code Enforcement does not enforce parking laws and will not remove a car solely because it has been parked in the same spot for more than 72 hours. Please report parking violations to the Sacramento Sheriff Parking Enforcement Division, 916-874-5115, including: parking in excess of 72 hours; parking in front of a fire hydrant; parking the wrong way; and blocking a driveway.
If you reported an abandoned vehicle and it has not been moved after more than two weeks, it was likely investigated and found not to be abandoned; i.e., someone demonstrated interest in that car. It should not be re-reported as abandoned, but referred to the Sacramento Sheriff Parking Enforcement Division, 916-874-5115, for possible parking violations.
The presence, accumulation and storage of abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, or inoperative vehicles, creates conditions likely to reduce the value of real property in the area, promotes blight and deterioration, attracts crime, creates fire hazards and harborage for rodents and insects, and is injurious to the public peace, health, safety, and general welfare. (See Section 6.56.010 of the Sacramento County Code).
The California Vehicle Code allows county governments to establish procedures for the abatement and removal of vehicles, or parts thereof, from the public right-of-way.
It also allows for the recovery of costs associated with vehicle abatement. (See Sacramento County Code section 6.18.601 & 10.24.070 and Section 22660 of the California Vehicle Code).
The vehicle owner has ceased to assert or exercise any interest, right or title to such vehicle. (See Section 6.56.110 of the Sacramento County Code).
A vehicle that has been taken apart, or disassembled into pieces, and/or stripped, or otherwise deprived of any of its integral parts or equipment. (See Section 6.56.120 of the Sacramento County Code).
A vehicle that is physically incapable of working, functioning, or otherwise operating. (See Section 6.56.130 of the Sacramento County Code).
Consists of disordered or broken remains, or which has been brought to a physically impaired or unsound condition, or other ruinous state by reason of collision, crash or other forceful impact. (See Section 6.56.140 of the Sacramento County Code).
If a vehicle remains after a complaint was filed and an inspection conducted, it is indicative of the reporting party filing a complaint with the wrong department. The vehicle likely only had parking violations and should have been reported to Parking Enforcement to investigate the concern. Parking Enforcement may be reached at (916) 874-5115, Option #0.
Junk is defined as “any worn out, cast off, or discarded article or material which is ready for destruction or has been collected or stored for salvage or conversion to some use.”
Garbage is defined as including, but not limited to the following:
Rubbish includes, but is not limited to waste such as:
No. It is unlawful for any person to store or keep, or permit others to store or keep, junk, garbage, and/or rubbish.
This includes, but is not limited to:
All such items should be stored inside a fully enclosed structure.
No. It is a violation of the zoning code to have junk, garbage, and rubbish on the property whether screened from view or not. In addition, the storage of junk, garbage and rubbish within view of the public right-of-way or neighboring properties constitutes a public nuisance and can result in the case being taken to a Nuisance Hearing.
Examples of Junk, Garbage, and Rubbish:
Yes. Live vegetation and vegetable gardens are permitted. Code Enforcement does not regulate gardens
County Code Enforcement does not enforce or restrict lawn watering cycles.
You can plant mulch, or do a xeriscape, or drought-resistant garden using rocks, install landscaping and plants and/or ground covers other than grass.
It is up to the individual's discretion. Code Enforcement does not regulate materials used for landscaping.
Owners of vacant homes are required to maintain landscaping on their property. This means ensuring overgrown, diseased, dead, or decaying trees, weeds, or other vegetation are not:
If a vacant home in your neighborhood has not maintained their landscaping, you can file a complaint with Code Enforcement at Sacramento County 311 Connect.
Major body and engine work and repairs to automobiles, other passenger vehicles, or boats.
Examples include but are not limited to: Rebuilding of radiator, transmission, and other major machine shop, body rebuilding, and painting. (See Section 7.3 of the Zoning Code).
Minor adjustments, service, and repairs to automobiles or other passenger vehicles. Examples include but are not limited to: radiator, transmission, muffler, and brake repair, lubricant shops, diagnosis and tune-up, smog inspection, auto glass repair and installation, automotive seat covers and re-upholstery, tire sales and service, and car washes.. Shall not include body and engine work as defined in “Major Automobile Repair." (See Section 7.3 of the Zoning Code).
Major Automobile Repair is authorized in the LC, GC, M-1, and M-2 zones subject to the requirements found in SZC 3.2.5, Table 3.1 (Commercial Uses)(H)(6), and the use standards found in SZC 3.7.9.E.
Minor Automobile Repair is authorized in the CMC, LC, GC, M-1, and M-2 zones subject to the requirements found in SZC 3.2.5, Table 3.1 (Commercial Uses)(H)(7), and the use standards found in SZC 3.7.9.E
Minor repair and maintenance of farm equipment or vehicles and similar equipment, for personal use or as a hobby use, may be permitted in all zoning districts for the benefit of the owner or resident(s), subject to meeting the following criteria:
It shall be unlawful for any person to engage in, or permit others to engage in, minor vehicle repair or maintenance under any of the following circumstances:
The chemicals involved in automobile repair can pollute our neighborhoods and endanger the health and well being of our residents.
Furthermore, this kind of activity increases vehicle traffic and the visual impact can negatively impact property values.
Neighbor fences are not required. Construction and maintenance of a fence is between the adjoining property owners
Generally, fences between neighbors in the RD zone and outside the front yard, seven or less feet in height, can be placed on your property line without any minimum setback limits and do not require a permit.
Fences in your front yard in the RD zone are limited to: 3 feet when solid, 4 feet when chain link or similar woven material, or 7 feet when open ornamental such as wrought iron. Fences in the side-street yard may be 7 feet.
Fences in the AG or AR zone may be seven feet at all property lines. If your property is located within a Neighborhood Preservation Area or a Special Planning Area, please contact the Planning and Environmental Review’s Public Information Counter at sacplan@saccounty.gov to discuss if your property has different allowances.
Please see the additional FAQs regarding Residential Information.
Fences in the front yard in RD zones shall be limited to:
Note: For purposes of measuring fence height, the frontage with the primary entrance to the main dwelling shall be considered the front yard and the other frontage(s) shall be considered the side street yard(s). In the case of a corner lot with a duplex, or two or more dwellings, where primary entrances face both frontages, both frontages shall be considered the front yard. Where a home demonstrates multiple established primary entrances on both frontages, both frontages shall be considered the front yard.
All fences adjacent to drives and street intersections. When fences, walls, and/or landscape screening are adjacent to street intersections and points of ingress and egress the visibility requirements of the Sacramento County Improvement Standards enforced by the Department of Transportation shall be adhered to.
(See Section 5.2.5.B for full text regarding Residential Fences)
Any material extending the height of the fence above legal limits. This includes decorative items such as lattice, unless it has been approved to exceed the normal height with a conditional use permit or a variance.
Fence height for fences within five (5) feet of a public right-of-way or right-of-way with PUPF shall be measured from the grade of the right-of-way or right-of-way with PUPF.
Beyond five (5) feet, fence height shall be measured from highest elevation of the ground on either side of the fence.
No. Fences do not indicate legal property lines. Fences are frequently erected without regards to legal property lines.
To determine the legal boundaries of your property, it is recommended that a surveyor be hired.
Code Enforcement cannot resolve property line disputes.
Special advertising devices may be permitted subject to the approval of the Zoning Administrator if the following conditions are met:
Signs for garage sales can be placed only on your property and cannot exceed a total of 12 square feet.
Your sign entitlements depend on where you are located, the type of business you operate, the actual frontage of the building, and the size of the business use and/or property.
Please contact the Planning Department's Public Information Counter at sacplan@saccounty.gov for any questions pertaining to your sign entitlements.
Signs displayed for the purpose of advertising, identification, direction, attention, warning, or designation of any firm, group, place, commodity, product, service or business.
These signs are regulated by the Sacramento County Zoning Code and enforced by the Code Enforcement Division
Use of property including display of signs for the purpose of advertising, identification, direction, attention, warning, or designation of any firm, group, place, commodity, product, service, business, etc. are regulated by the Sacramento County Zoning Code. The County Code Enforcement Division is the designated Agency responsible for enforcing the Zoning Code.
The Zoning Code contains provisions that tell you what type of signs you may display for your business. What your sign entitlements are depends upon where you are located, the type of business you operate, and the actual tenant frontage as well as lot size of a business and/or property. You should always contact the Sacramento County Office of Planning and Environmental Review’s Public Information Counter at sacplan@saccounty.gov to determine the sign entitlements as well as restrictions for your business.
Prohibited Signs - (SCZC 5.10.1.I (partial list)
Permitted Tempory Signs - SCZC 5.10.1.J
Special advertising devices such as banners, flags, pennants, and searchlights for grand openings and special sales events not exceeding 30 days within a given year may be permitted subject to approval of a Temporary Use Permit. Properties located in the Special Sign Corridor as defined in SCZC 5.10.7.F and 5.10.7.G are not eligible for this special provision. E-mail the Sacramento County Office of Planning and Environmental Review at sacplan@saccounty.gov for details.
Other Zoning Code Provisions affecting Businesses - (Partial list)
Please Note:
If you are found to be in violation of County Code, it may result in one or more of the following actions:
For any questions regarding sign regulation, use of property, building height or setback, parking requirements, business license questions, conditional use permits, zoning, landscaping requirements, etc., please e-mail the Sacramento County Office of Planning and Environmental Review at SacPlan@saccounty.gov, or go to planning.saccounty.gov for details.
Contact your owner/manager and allow them the opportunity to make the necessary repairs in a reasonable amount of time.
If they fail to make repairs then you may file a complaint through the Complaint Intake Center at 311 (875-4311).
Please see the additional FAQs regarding Substandard Housing
The zoning where your home is located determines the allowance to store commercial vehicles on private property. Vehicles parked on the street have different regulations as to what constitutes a commercial vehicle and they are enforced by Parking Enforcement. Commercial vehicle violations in the street should be reported by calling the Sheriff’s non-emergency line at (916) 874-5115 Option #0.
Agricultural, Agricultural-Residential, and Recreation Zones
Residential Zones
Code Enforcement and DMV define commercial vehicle differently, according to the separate codes each enforces. A DMV determination a vehicle is or isn't a commercial vehicle does not mean the vehicle is or isn't a commercial vehicle violation for Code Enforcement and vice versa.
Please see additional FAQs regarding vechcles.
Yes. It is department policy not to disclose information regarding complainants.
Please see additional FAQs regarding violations.