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1. Can I add onto my house?

Yes, the City of San Pablo encourages a well planned home addition. House additions are allowed up to the limits of the minimum setback and maximum lot coverage requirements. Refer to the answer to Question 4 for typical residential setbacks. Typical maximum lot coverage is 45%, and a Design Review permit is required "for all additions over 120 square feet" including any accessory buildings. (An accessory building is a detached, subordinate building, not designed or used for human habitation).

2. Can I change the zoning or General Plan designation of my property?

Zone changes and General Plan amendments require Planning Commission review and the approval of the City Council. Zone changes require a General Plan amendment if the proposed zoning district is not consistent with the General Plan. Planning Commission

3. What is the zoning of my property, and what are the yard/setback requirements?

The Planning Division maintains a map that shows zoning for every parcel in the City. The zoning map can be viewed in the Planning Division lobby, or anyone can call (510) 215-3030 to speak with a planner regarding specific zoning, setback, and related questions. Typical minimum setbacks in single family neighborhoods are 20 feet for front setbacks, 15 feet for rear setbacks, and side setbacks may vary from 3-6 feet.

Zoning Map

4. What are setbacks?

The term setback means the required distance separating a building or structure from a property line. Setback regulations for buildings are included in the Zoning Ordinance under Title 17. Setback regulations for accessory structures are included in the Zoning Ordinance under Title 17.

5. What is zoning?

Zoning is the establishment of various districts that include all the territory within the boundaries of the city, within which the use of land and buildings, the space for buildings, and the height and bulk of buildings are regulated. See zoning map to view districts.

Zoning Map

6. Can I convert my garage into an extra room?

This is a growing problem in the city of San Pablo. Since there is a requirement for two covered parking spaces for each single family, condominium, or apartment dwelling, converting the garage is not possible. In some instances, it may not be possible to locate a useable carport or garage on older, very small lots and still stay outside the setback areas. If the lot can accommodate an additional garage or carport to meet the parking requirement, then converting an existing garage may be possible. Consult with the Planning Division before taking on this project.

7. Can I build a storage shed/shop/garage in my backyard?

One "accessory building" is permitted on each parcel (note: a detached garage does not count as an accessory building). Minimum side and rear setbacks of 3 feet are required, and it is required to separate the accessory building from the primary building by at least 6 feet. If the accessory building is less than 120 square feet, no building permit is required. A building permit and Design Review is required for an accessory building of 120 square feet or larger. The height limit of an accessory building is 12 feet.

8. Can I add a second-floor above my existing residence?

Yes, in almost all cases, but additional side yard setbacks may apply for added privacy. But, typically there are no restrictions to adding a second floor above an existing residence. However, a use permit and Planning Commission approval is required for lots that are 25 feet wide.

9. What is a parcel?

A parcel is the legal term for an individual property. The legal deginifion is: a parcel is a section of land that has frontage on an improved public or private street. Refer to the “Universal Terms” section under Title 17.68 of the Municipal Code for a more detailed definition for this and other terms.

10. Where can I build a six-foot fence?

A six-foot tall fence is allowed on property lines at the rear and sides of most residential properties. A fence up to three (3) feet is allowed within the front yard area.  A six-foot fence may be constructed in the side and rear yard area.  Refer to Section 17.45.040 of the Municipal Code for more information.

11. Is my property in the earthquake fault zone?

The Hayward Fault Zone is shown on an available map in the Planning Division. Many real estate offices also have maps of the fault zones. Check with the Planning Division at 215-3030 for specific determination of fault zone limits.

12. I bought a house with an illegal addition. How do I make things legal?

While these situations are often difficult to resolve, it is to the property owner's advantage to make past construction legal. It is important to determine what permits were previously issued, if any, and what construction has been inspected and properly completed. Some of the questions that will need answers include: Was a permit issued by the City? Were the permits finalized? Was any of the construction inspected but not finalized? If such information can be clarified by the Building Department or Tax Assessors’ records, the Planning Division staff will be able to provide a property owner with options for obtaining the proper permits and inspections. In these cases, it is not unusual for properties to have to demolish or reconfigure illegal work, or to obtain both Planning Division and Building Department approvals and permits for work that was done illegally. This question also applies to Residential Health and Safety inspections that discover illegal construction during a sale transaction

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