Brentwood, CA
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Accessory Buildings, Accessory Structures and Fences/Walls
- Attached Accessory Structures (patio covers, carports)
- Detached Accessory Buildings (detached sheds, garages, patio covers, gazebos, etc.);
- Detached Accessory Structures (landscape features such as arbors and trellises, play structures, etc.); and
- Fences and Walls.
Detailed information available here: 2023 New Accessory Structure Code Update
Community Resource Guide
The community resource guide is an extensive directory created to provide residents with essential information and contacts. The guide offers contact details for various city services, local resources and organizations that contribute to the betterment of our community.
Building Permit
The guide below will assist you residents in determining if a building permit is needed. Building permits are required for almost all construction related work. This includes plumbing, mechanical, electrical, structural work and even demolition. The only exceptions are listed in the document below.
Business Tax Certificates and Home Occupations
Brentwood Municipal Code Chapter 5.04 requires any entity conducting business in Brentwood to obtain a Business Tax Certificate (sometimes called a business license). This includes but is not limited to residential landlords, hairstylists, commercial businesses, etc. If the business is home-based, business owners are also required to obtain a Home Occupation Permit in addition to a Business Tax Certificate. Home-based businesses consist of activities related to a cottage food operation or office use only, including but not limited to computer, telephone, book keeping, and drafting uses. Please consult Planning Division staff to confirm a potential home-based business is compliant with the Home Occupation Zoning Review guidelines.
- More information is available the Business Tax Certificate page
Domestic Animals Kept on a Residential Property
Residents are permitted to keep domestic animals within residential zoning districts in accordance with the Brentwood Municipal Code requirements (see table below). Please contact Planning Division staff to determine the residential zoning designation for your property and review the requirements for the keeping of domestic animals. In addition, there are minimum setback requirements* that apply to the housing of animals (i.e. chicken coops/houses, barns, pastures or other enclosures).
*Setback requirements are the required minimum distance measured from property lines (front/side/rear).
The minimum lot size required to keep chickens is 20,000 square feet. The minimum lot size required for large and small livestock is 1 acre. Pigs can only be kept on properties zoned Ranchette Estate (R-E), and must have a minimum lot size of 1 acre.
Large livestock includes cows, horses, and similar animals. Small livestock includes goats, sheep, pigs and similar animals (pigs are only allowed in the R-E zone). Small animals includes fowl (such as chickens or geese), rabbits, and similar grain fed rodents.
| Zoning | Animals Allowed | Number Allowed Per Acre | Min. Lot Size |
| R-E | Cows, pigs, goats, sheep, fowl, rabbits, horses, and similar animals | 2 large livestock, or 4 small livestock, or 24 small animals (or combination thereof) | Large and small livestock: 1 ac. No min. lot size for small animals (no minimum needed due to 1 acre min. lot size required by zoning) |
| R-1-E | Same as above except no pigs | Same as above | Large and small livestock: 1 ac. Small animals: 20,000 sq. ft. |
| R-1-6, 8, and 10 | Same as above | Same as above | Same as above |
| R-2 and R-3 | Same as above** | Same as above | Same as above |
* * Animals indicated in the above table are permitted in the R-2 and R-3 zones only on properties which are used for single-family residential or agricultural purposes.
More information is available here Chapter 17.670 ANIMALS
Planning Division staff can be contacted by calling 925-516-5405, via email: planning@brentwoodca.gov or by visiting the Permit Center located on the 1st floor of City Hall. The Permit Center hours are Monday-Thursday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Fridays by appointment only.
Tree Guide
As a city that proudly holds the Tree City USA recognition, we understand and appreciate the numerous benefits that trees bring to our community. They enhance the beauty of our city and contribute to a healthier environment.
Property owners are responsible for maintaining street trees (BMC 7.03.070). Well maintained street trees serves multiple purposes beyond aesthetics. It ensures accessibility for pedestrians, emergency vehicles, delivery vehicles and waste management vehicles, allowing for smooth and safe move throughout the city.