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Sierra Madre, California: what can you build or do?

Plain-English answers to common homeowner questions, taken from Sierra Madre's published ordinances, with every rule linked to the section it comes from.

Last reviewed 2026-10-15

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
  Yes. Under Ordinance No. 1494 (adopted May 26, 2026), Sierra Madre must approve an ADU on a single-family lot ministerially (no hearing), and an application not acted on within 60 days is deemed approved. A new detached ADU of up to 800 sq ft of interior living space, 16 feet tall and 4 feet from side and rear lot lines is guaranteed; a new detached unit can be up to 1,200 sq ft if the lot's floor-area and lot-coverage limits allow. In the R-1 zone no extra parking space is required.Allowed with a permit
• Backyard Chickens
  Unclear, and Sierra Madre's code contradicts itself. The animal ordinance treats chickens as a nuisance only within 50 feet of a neighbor's house or 100 feet of any street, or above 24 birds, which implies small flocks are tolerated; but the R-1 zoning chapter allows only listed uses, doesn't list poultry, and its pet definition excludes chickens. Get a written answer from Planning before buying hens.Restricted
• Short-Term Rentals (Airbnb / VRBO)
  Yes, with a permit. Sierra Madre treats a short-term rental (30 days or less) of your home as a home occupation, so you need a Home Occupation Permit and an annual city business license. The code ties the rental to guest counts of two per bedroom (standard ministerial permit) or three per bedroom (discretionary permit), and an ADU or junior ADU can't be used as a short-term rental. The code describes home occupations as run by the home's inhabitants, so confirm with Planning whether you must live there.Allowed with a permit
• Fences
  In Sierra Madre's residential zones, fences and walls in the required front yard can be up to 42 inches tall, and fences up to 6 feet are allowed on or next to interior side and rear property lines. On corner lots, nothing over 42 inches is allowed in a 15-foot sight triangle at the corner. Barbed wire and spiked fencing are prohibited on residential property; the code we reviewed doesn't mention a city permit for an ordinary fence within these limits.Allowed
• Sheds & Accessory Buildings
  In Sierra Madre's R-1 zone, a single-story shed or workshop up to 600 sq ft and 15 feet tall is allowed behind the front building line of your house if it meets the same setbacks as the house (15 feet from the rear line, and 5 feet or more from side lines depending on lot width). It can sit as close as 5 feet to a side or rear line with an administrative design review permit, or with a minor conditional use permit for a small structure under 120 sq ft. The sources we reviewed don't give the building-permit size threshold.Allowed
• Burn Permits & Backyard Fires
  You can't burn brush or yard waste at home: South Coast AQMD Rule 444 prohibits residential burning. A backyard fire pit or other recreational fire is allowed but must be at least 25 feet from any structure or combustible material under Sierra Madre's fire code. In the City's designated protected fire areas, any outdoor fire other than a barbecue or outdoor fireplace used for cooking in a cleared area needs a written permit from the fire chief.Restricted
• Home-Based Businesses
  Yes, with a permit. Every home business in Sierra Madre, even one with no customer visits, needs a one-time Home Occupation Permit and an annual city business license. A standard (ministerial) permit requires no added traffic or parking impact, no signs, all work indoors, and use of no more than the greater of 25% of the home's floor area or 400 sq ft; businesses that can't meet those limits can seek a discretionary permit with neighbor notice.Allowed with a permit
• Swimming Pools
  Yes, with a building permit. In Sierra Madre's R-1 zone a pool, spa or hot tub (including its equipment) must be at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines. If it's within 25 feet of a street and visible from it you need a conditional use permit, unless a 6-foot solid fence or wall hides it from the street; a pool more than 25 feet away but still visible needs a minor conditional use permit.Allowed with a permit
• Building Near the Coast or Creeks
  Sierra Madre is an inland foothill city with no coastline. The only waterside rule we found is in the Hillside Management (R-H) zone: no building or structure may be placed within 100 feet of natural, unaltered riparian (streamside) areas, and all construction there needs a hillside development permit. The R-1 rules we reviewed don't set a creek setback.Depends on your zone
• Docks, Piers & Floats
  Sierra Madre's municipal code chapters we reviewed don't regulate docks, piers or floats. Sierra Madre is an inland foothill city with no coastline, lake or navigable water.Not specifically regulated