Planning Division

A tree removal permit is required for the removal of any native trees, with the following exceptions:

• Removal of deciduous native trees under 2 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH).
• Removal of nondeciduous (evergreen) trees under 4 inches in diameter at breast height (DBH).
• Removal of native trees on a single-family property in a single-family zone with no open construction or grading permits or construction or grading projects planned within the next year.

Tree removal permits cost $259 per permit, and require mitigation of the tree removal.

• One tree removal permit can be used for the removal of multiple trees.
• Mitigation can take the form of replanting trees elsewhere on the property or paying mitigation fees towards a City fund for planting native trees on public land.
• For more information on native tree mitigation, see the Native Tree Regulations handout.

To apply for a tree removal permit, you will need to complete a planning application.

The maximum number of dogs or cats allowed on a property is three (3).

Farm Animals are based on the amount of acreage on a property. For more information, please review the Municipal Code Section 9-6.112 & Section 9-6.115 and the Farm Animal Regulations handout.

Senate Bill 9 became effective January 1, 2022, and allows up to four (4) units on a single-family residentially zoned lot. The State law also allows subdivision of certain single-family parcels regardless of City minimum lot size standards.

For more information, please see the "Subdivision and Lot Split Regulations" section on the What Can I Do With My Property & Home? page.

Typical setbacks for a single family residence (except those in a planned development (PD)) are 25-feet from the edge of right-of-way in the front yard; 5-feet on the sides, and 10-feet in the rear of the property or along the street side of a corner lot. However, these can vary with the size and location of a lot.

Please note, the edge of right-of-way may not be the edge of pavement.

For more information, see Atascadero Municipal Code, Setbacks 9-4.103.

If you have a multi-family project, commercial project, or want information on specific property setbacks please contact the Planning Department at (805) 461-5035.

Fencing standards vary based on the type of fencing, zoning district, and size of the lot. Please see the Fencing & Screening Regulations handout for more information.

For specific questions, please contact the Planning Department at (805) 461-5035.

At least one gross acre is required in order to consider adding a cargo container in a residential zone. The container must be located in the rear half of the property and must be approved by the Design Review Committee. Containers over 120 square feet require a building permit. Two or more cargo containers may be permitted with a minor conditional use permit (CUP). See the Accessory Storage - Cargo Containers Handout for more information.

At least one gross acre is required in order to consider adding a cargo container in a Lot splits are dependent on the zone in which your property is located. The City has various minimum lot sizes throughout the City. For more information about lot split regulations, please visit the City's What Can I Do With My Property & Home page.

The City recently adopted a new ADU ordinance that is consistent with State guidelines. For a quick overview, please see our ADU handout. For an estimate of fees associated with second units, please fill out a fee estimate form and return it to the Community Development Department.

View ADU Stock Plans.

If you have specific questions about second units, please contact the Planning Department at (805) 461-5035.