Bolthole Index

Glenn County, California

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Glenn County, California

48Index Score / 100
#16 of 58 in California

Unincorporated Glenn County, California requires a building permit before construction, and county zoning under Title 15 applies to rural parcels outside the cities of Willows and Orland123. Septic permits for unincorporated land come from Glenn County Environmental Health, which requires the owner to apply before installation45. An RV or tiny home must be approved as a recognized housing type before anyone lives in it67.

At a glance

Building permit
Required before construction in unincorporated Glenn County1
Zoning
Yes; county zoning applies in unincorporated areas2
Septic
Glenn County Environmental Health runs the local OWTS program for unincorporated land; the city of Orland handles its own489
RV living
Not a permanent dwelling unless a local ordinance provides another lawful path106
Tiny home
Must qualify and be approved under a recognized building or housing classification117
Owner-builder
Available under California licensing rules; Glenn County requires its signed acknowledgment before issuing the permit1213
Water well
A permit is required before construction, modification or destruction14

Who to call

Septic permits

Glenn County Environmental Health — Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Program

Review of test data and design proposals, complaint investigation, and construction and installation inspections for new and repair onsite wastewater treatment systems

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 16, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Glenn County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Glenn County, California?

Yes. Unincorporated Glenn County requires a building permit, and the county's Building Inspector division screens and approves permit applications before construction1. California's current building standards apply to buildings and structures whose permit applications are dated on or after January 1, 202615. The statewide rule also requires a separate permit before a building or structure is constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished16. The county materials do not establish a simple exemption list for sheds, agricultural buildings or minor rural work, so ask the Glenn County Building Inspector about the exact project before ordering materials. California's owner-builder exemption can remove the contractor-license requirement when the owner personally performs the work, uses wage-paid employees, or contracts directly with properly licensed trades, subject to the conditions for the chosen route; it does not waive Glenn County's building permit or inspection requirements13.

Who issues building permits in Glenn County, and how do you reach them?

The Glenn County Building Inspector division issues building permits and enforces the California Building Standards Code1. County planning staff administer zoning for unincorporated Glenn County and review development proposals against permitting requirements and performance standards2. Before submitting a building permit application, contact Planning staff at planning@countyofglenn.net to learn whether the property is zoned for the project and what fees apply, and contact Environmental Health at environmental@countyofglenn.net for the regulations and fees that affect the project17. We could not confirm a reliable published contact for the Building Inspector, so use the Building Department page linked from Glenn County's official website rather than relying on a third-party directory. Glenn County recognizes owner-as-worker, owner-as-contractor and owner-as-employer arrangements, but the property owner must complete, sign and return the county acknowledgment before the permit can be issued; an agent needs prior approval from the permitting authority to execute it12. The owner-builder remains legally and financially responsible for the construction and for checking contractor licenses and workers' compensation coverage12.

Does Glenn County have zoning?

Yes. Glenn County administers zoning under Title 15 in unincorporated areas, while the incorporated cities of Willows and Orland administer their own land-use rules23. Orland sets its own zoning under its Title 17 ordinance18. That boundary matters: a Willows or Orland address does not automatically mean county zoning controls the parcel3. Allowed uses, setbacks, lot coverage, height and minimum lot size depend on the responsible jurisdiction and the parcel's zoning district; California reserves ordinary setback rules to local jurisdictions rather than imposing one statewide number19. We could not confirm one countywide minimum dwelling size, setback, height or lot-size rule for every unincorporated parcel, so ask county Planning for a parcel-specific zoning check before selecting a house plan. California permits a local ordinance to allow an efficiency unit with at least 150 square feet, but the available record does not confirm that Glenn County adopted that option20. Accessory dwelling units are the one housing question state law settles: California requires Glenn County to approve an accessory dwelling unit ministerially, under objective standards and without a hearing, though local zoning, building, health and wastewater requirements still apply2122.

How do septic permits work in Glenn County?

Glenn County Environmental Health operates the local Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems program, reviews test data and designs, and inspects system construction and installation423. The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board has approved the county's local program under the statewide OWTS Policy, so the county, not the state, issues the permit824. State tiers add oversight in some cases: low-risk new and replacement systems up to 3,500 gallons per day fall under Tier 1, and sites near impaired water bodies can face supplemental treatment and monitoring25. Inside the city of Orland, septic tank requests are decided case by case through the city, not Environmental Health9. Under the county's sewage disposal regulations, the owner must apply for a septic permit before installation, on forms provided by the health officer, and the application must be complete before any action on the permit5. The application needs soil test data covering soil profiles, permeability and percolation, plus a scaled plot plan and plans drawn to scale, with at least 3 copies5. Where ordinary site conditions do not permit a standard system, an alternative system needs the health officer's approval26. Every new or repaired system must be inspected by the Glenn County Health Department or Building Department, the Building Department needs at least 24 hours' notice, and a copy of the approved permit must be on site2728. Only about 3% of Glenn County soils avoid a severe USDA limitation for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility a purchase contingency and complete site testing before fixing the building location29. We could not confirm whether public sewer connection is required at a particular site, so ask Environmental Health before committing to an off-grid sanitation plan.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Glenn County?

An RV is not intended to be a permanent dwelling in California, and unless a local ordinance allows otherwise, RV occupancy generally belongs in a mobilehome park or special occupancy park106. We could not confirm a Glenn County ordinance that broadly allows residential RV occupancy or private-land camping, so ask county Planning about the parcel and intended duration before moving an RV onsite. A tiny home may be occupied only when it complies with and is approved as a recognized type, such as a code-built home, manufactured home, factory-built home, recreational vehicle, park trailer or camping cabin117. The location must also be approved for that classification, and a noncomplying tiny home cannot be legally occupied and may face enforcement3031. A qualifying manufactured home may be occupied inside or outside a mobilehome park, but its installation and approval for occupancy remain governed by California's Mobilehome Parks Act framework32.

Building a home in Glenn County: what are the steps?

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is in unincorporated Glenn County, Willows or Orland, because the zoning authority changes with location3.
  2. Ask the responsible planning office to verify the proposed dwelling use, zoning district, setbacks and other parcel standards219.
  3. Apply to Glenn County Environmental Health for the septic permit before installation, with soil test data and a scaled plot plan, whenever the property will use onsite wastewater5.
  4. Obtain the local permit before constructing, modifying or destroying a water well, and use a licensed well-drilling contractor; an owner-builder may not personally perform work covered by California's well-drilling contractor classification1413.
  5. Contact Planning and Environmental Health about zoning, regulations and fees, then submit the building plans and permit application to the Glenn County Building Inspector before construction171.
  6. If using the owner-builder route, choose the applicable California licensing-exemption pathway and file Glenn County's signed acknowledgment before permit issuance1312.
  7. Obtain a county encroachment permit for driveway work in a county-road right-of-way, or a Caltrans encroachment permit for access within a state-highway right-of-way3334.

What should you check before buying land in Glenn County?

Start with jurisdiction and zoning: unincorporated Glenn County, Willows and Orland have different land-use authorities3. Verify legal road access because driveway work within a county-road right-of-way requires a county encroachment permit, while a state-highway connection requires Caltrans approval3334. Treat septic suitability as a major contingency because only about 3% of county soils avoid severe limits for a conventional drain field29. Confirm the well permit path and water availability before purchase, since Glenn County permits well construction, modification and destruction and severe drought occurs in about 39% of years1435. Ask Public Works or the county's floodplain administrator to review the parcel because we could not confirm the applicable development rule from the available county materials. For carrying costs, Glenn County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $2,1903637.

Watch-outs

  • California's owner-builder exemption changes contractor-licensing responsibility; it does not remove Glenn County's building permit or inspection requirements, and it does not allow the owner to perform regulated well-drilling work13.
  • An RV is not a permanent dwelling under the cited California guidance, and we could not confirm a broader Glenn County private-land occupancy exception106.
  • Only about 3% of Glenn County soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so a parcel-specific evaluation can materially change the site plan and budget29.
  • County-road and state-highway driveways use different encroachment-permit authorities3334.
  • A tiny home that does not qualify as a recognized housing type cannot legally be occupied and may be subject to enforcement31.

Sources

  1. Glenn County Building Inspector (2026 county census)
  2. Zone Change 2014-002, Square Footage Permitting Thresholds, quoted and re-checked
  3. Zone Change 2014-002, Square Footage Permitting Thresholds, quoted and re-checked
  4. Sewage Disposal Regulations — Glenn County Administrative Code Chapter 20.06 (2026 county census)
  5. Sewage Disposal Regulations — Glenn County Administrative Code, Chapter 20.06, quoted and re-checked
  6. hcd.ca.gov, quoted and re-checked
  7. Information Bulletin 2016-01: Tiny Homes, quoted and re-checked
  8. Sewage Disposal Regulations — Glenn County Administrative Code, Chapter 20.06, quoted and re-checked
  9. Orland: Orland Code 13.04.270 Individual sewage disposal systems terms and conditions (Glenn County), quoted and re-checked
  10. hcd.ca.gov, quoted and re-checked
  11. Information Bulletin 2016-01: Tiny Homes, quoted and re-checked
  12. Owner Builder Notice and Acknowledgment Form, quoted and re-checked
  13. California Business and Professions Code Section 7044, quoted and re-checked
  14. Wells, quoted and re-checked
  15. Approved Building Standards (California statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  16. Do I need a building permit for my project? (California statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Building Department, quoted and re-checked
  18. Orland: Orland Code 17.20.050 R-1 Lot requirements (Glenn County), quoted and re-checked
  19. California Health and Safety Code Section 17922 (California statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.1 (California statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook March 2026, quoted and re-checked
  22. Zoning for a Variety of Housing Types Requisite Analysis, quoted and re-checked
  23. Glenn County Environmental Health — Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Program (countyofglenn.net)
  24. Sewage Disposal Regulations — Glenn County Administrative Code Chapter 20.06, quoted and re-checked
  25. Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Policy Implementation Program, quoted and re-checked
  26. Sewage Disposal Regulations — Glenn County Administrative Code Chapter 20.06, quoted and re-checked
  27. Sewage Disposal Regulations — Glenn County Administrative Code, Chapter 20.06, quoted and re-checked
  28. Sewage Disposal Regulations — Glenn County Administrative Code Chapter 20.06, quoted and re-checked
  29. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Information Bulletin 2016-01: Tiny Homes (California statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  31. Information Bulletin 2016-01 Tiny Homes, quoted and re-checked
  32. Information Bulletin 2016-01: Tiny Homes, quoted and re-checked
  33. Glenn County Public Works Encroachment Permit General Conditions, quoted and re-checked
  34. Encroachment Permits | Caltrans (California statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  35. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  36. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  37. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 16, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Glenn County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleGlenn CountyTehama CountyColusa CountyLake CountyButte CountyMendocino CountySutter County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Env. HealthCounty Env. Health Dept.County Env. Health Div.County Health Services Dept.County Env. Health Div.County Env. Health Div.County Development Services

County locator

Glenn County in California

48
County map
Glenn County highlighted among the California counties · colored by Index score

How Glenn County scores

Seclusion55100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency56100% ev.
Admin Boringness41100% ev.
Durability21100% ev.
Property Autonomy56100% ev.
Carry Cost58100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$370kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$10,262Land / acre
27.4"Annual rain
39.1% of yrsSevere drought
32.4 / yr (+18.3)Mid-century 100°F days
83.9 daysMid-century dry spell
1.76" (+5.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.09×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,083Home insurance / yr
5.1% / yrInsurance growth
1.07%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
12,925Radius comparison (15 mi)
21.4People / sq mi
28.6%Federal land
58.8%Land at 15% slope or less
3.4%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
23,820 acWorkable land screen
33.2%Wooded land
61.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac
60.4°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Glenn County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Answers from the rulebook for Glenn County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Glenn County rules

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Owner-builder construction permits administered by the Glenn County Building Inspection Division

    • Glenn County recognizes owner-builder permit arrangements including owner-as-worker, owner-as-contractor, and owner-as-employer.
    • The property owner must complete, sign, and return the county owner-builder acknowledgment before the county will issue the building permit.
    • An agent may not execute the owner-builder notice unless the property owner obtains prior approval from the permitting authority.
    • If the owner employs or engages persons other than California licensed contractors and the construction value is at least $500 including labor and materials, the owner may be considered an employer and must comply with applicable payroll, workers’ compensation, and unemployment requirements.
    • For single-family residential structures intended to be offered for sale, the owner-builder must use licensed subcontractors and build no more than four structures in a calendar year, or perform all work under contract with a licensed general building contractor.
    • The owner-builder is legally and financially responsible for the proposed construction activity and must verify contractor licensing and workers’ compensation coverage.
    • The form states an effective date of January 1, 2009 for the referenced owner-builder notice requirements.

    construction value threshold for possible employer status: >= 500 USD (Includes labor and materials.) · single-family structures offered for sale: <= 4 structures per calendar year (Alternatively, all work may be performed under contract with a licensed general building contractor.)

    “Before a building permit can be issued, this form must be completed and signed by the property owner and returned to the agency responsible for issuing the permit.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning under Glenn County Code Title 15 in unincorporated Glenn County.

    • The County Planning & Public Works Agency administers the county zoning code and reviews development proposals for compliance with permitting requirements and performance standards.
    • The cited source does not establish that Glenn County administers zoning inside incorporated municipalities.
    “Project Location: The unincorporated areas of Glenn County [...] Zone Change 2024-002 (ZC2024-002) Housing Element Zoning Updates amending Glenn County Code”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate local zoning across Glenn County, including county-regulated unincorporated areas and incorporated cities.

    • Glenn County has a county zoning code administered through its county planning authority.
    • The City of Willows separately administers its city zoning code and zoning requirements.
    • The City of Orland separately has primary responsibility for zoning and land-use permits and provides guidance on city zoning district regulations.
    • The applicable zoning authority depends on whether the property is in unincorporated Glenn County, Willows, or Orland.
    “Planning staff administer the City’s zoning code and provide information about allowable uses, development standards, and zoning requirements.”
  • Who permits septicCounty

    Onsite wastewater treatment systems in Glenn County.

    • California's statewide OWTS Policy authorizes local agencies such as county environmental health departments to issue OWTS permits.
    • Glenn County is listed among the Region 5 local agency jurisdictions.
    “An application for a permit shall be made on forms provided by the health officer. [...] Health Officer: The Glenn County Health Officer, or a duly authorized representative.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation of all or part of a sewage disposal system, including new and repaired onsite wastewater systems, in Glenn County.

    • The application must be made by the owner.
    • The application must be complete before permit action.
    • Required materials include owner and parcel information, soil test data, a scaled plot plan, plans and specifications, and written soil-test data.
    • Plans must include septic-tank and leachfield locations and applicable pump, tank, pipe, and control specifications.
    • Alternative systems require approval by the health officer where ordinary site conditions do not permit a standard system.
    • The State OWTS Policy has additional tiers and corrective-action requirements for existing, replacement, impaired-water, high-flow, and failing systems.

    maximum flow for standard Division I-VI systems: <= 1500 gallons per day (Systems with flows greater than 1,500 gallons per day must comply with Division VII.) · minimum residential design flow: 300 gallons per day (A two-bedroom residence is designed at 300 gallons per day, with additional flows for bedrooms above two.)

    “Application for a permit to install all or part of a sewage disposal system shall be made by the owner. The application shall be complete prior to any action on the permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    New or repaired sewage disposal systems in Glenn County.

    • The applicant must notify the Building Department at least 24 hours before inspection.
    • A copy of the approved permit must be onsite at inspection.
    • Covering installed improvements before inspection is limited to portions where open excavation impedes equipment movement and requires prior administrative approval.
    • Alternative sewage disposal systems must be inspected by the system designer and Health Department before covering.
    • The regulation does not establish a universal periodic inspection schedule for all properly functioning existing conventional systems in the cited passage.

    inspection notice: >= 24 hours

    “All new or repaired sewage disposal systems shall be inspected by the Glenn County Health Department or Building Department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Well permitRequired

    Water well construction, modification, or destruction in Glenn County.

    • A permit must be obtained from the local environmental health agency or local water district before construction, modification, or destruction.
    • Water well construction must be performed by a licensed C-57 Well Drilling Contractor.
    • Applicable local and state well standards must be met.
    • Glenn County Environmental Health Department is listed by California DWR as the Glenn County permitting agency.
    • Wells may be inspected during and after construction, modification, or destruction.
    • Well drillers must submit well completion reports to DWR within 60 days.

    well completion report deadline: <= 60 days

    “Well owners need to obtain permits from local environmental health agencies or local water districts before construction, modification, or destruction takes place.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Driveway work within a Glenn County road right-of-way.

    • The encroachment permit form specifically lists driveway work, including permanent and temporary driveways, as proposed work in the right-of-way.
    • All work under the permit must be inspected; the applicant must call Public Works 48 hours before starting work.
    • The permittee must notify the County within five days after completion and obtain final approval and acceptance from Public Works.
    • The permittee is responsible for obtaining all required permits, approvals, and easements.

    inspection notice: 48 hours before start of work · completion notice: 5 days after completion

    “I, WE, the undersigned, hereby apply to the County of Glenn for an Encroachment Permit to do the following work within the County Right of Way in accordance with county ordinances and general laws. TYPE OF WORK PROPOSED TO BE DONE IN RIGHT OF WAY _____ Driveway (_____ Permanent _____ Temporary or _____ Natural Gas)”
  • Permit processPartial

    Building permit applications handled by Glenn County's Building Department.

    • Before submitting a building permit application, the applicant must check zoning and environmental regulations.
    • The applicant must contact Planning Department staff to determine whether the property is zoned for the proposed project and to determine applicable fees.
    • The applicant must contact Environmental Health to determine regulations affecting the project and applicable fees.
    “Please note: Before submitting an application to the Building Department, please check zoning and environmental regulations. Prior to submitting for a building permit, you will need to contact the Planning Department staff (planning@countyofglenn.net) in order to determine if your property is zoned for the type of project you want to do and for any fees involved. Contact the Environmental Health Department (environmental@countyofglenn.net) in order to determine if there are regulations that may affect your project and for any fees involved.”

California rules that apply here

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction projects within the California Department of Health Care Access and Information Office of Statewide Hospital Planning and Development jurisdiction, including health-facility projects requiring HCAI review.

    • Written plan approval must be issued before the building-permit application proceeds.
    • The application must provide contractor information, Inspector of Record information, and a Testing Inspection and Observation program.
    • The TIO program must be field-approved before approval and subsequent issuance of the building permit.
    • This claim does not establish the permit rule for projects outside HCAI jurisdiction.
    “Once a project receives written plan approval, a Building Permit application is submitted through the e-Services Portal.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — California owner-builders who sign a building permit application for construction projects.
      “When you sign a building permit application as an owner-builder, you assume full responsibility for all phases of your project and its integrity. You must pull all building permits. Your project must pass codes and building inspections.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    California Building Standards Code, California Code of Regulations, Title 24, including the 2025 California Building Code and related parts, for buildings and structures subject to the state code.

    • The 2025 California Building Standards Code applies to buildings and structures with a permit application date on or after January 1, 2026.
    • The applicable local building department or enforcing agency determines how the permit application date is established in a specific jurisdiction.
    • The code includes multiple parts, including the California Building Code, California Residential Code, Existing Building Code, Electrical Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Energy Code, Wildland-Urban Interface Code, Fire Code, and Green Building Standards Code.

    effective date: 2026-01-01 · permit application date: >= 2026-01-01

    “The 2025 California Building Standards Code (CBSC), California Code of Regulations (CCR), title 24, will become effective on January 1, 2026, as a result of the 2024 Triennial Code Adoption Cycle. [...] The 2025 CBSC applies to all buildings and structures with a permit application date on or after January 1, 2026.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted — California statewide building standards, including residential construction subject to Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations.
      “Except as otherwise specifically provided by law, the building standards adopted and submitted by the department for approval [...] shall be adopted by reference”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction projects within HCAI jurisdiction involving California health facilities.

    • HCAI field personnel make periodic site visits.
    • The Inspector of Record is responsible for continuous inspection of the work.
    • The inspections address seismic, fire, life-safety, and other building-code requirements.
    “The approved IOR with the required personal knowledge performs only those duties associated with the required continuous inspections”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — California owner-builder projects addressed by the Contractors State License Board guidance.
      “Your project must pass codes and building inspections.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Completed construction projects within HCAI jurisdiction involving California health facilities.

    • The HCAI Compliance Officer issues the project-completion Substantial Compliance or Certificate of Occupancy once required conditions are met.
    • The stated examples include delivery of all test reports to the Inspector of Record, clearance of outstanding items, and completion of the Testing, Inspection and Observation Program.
    • Once construction is completed, the certificate of occupancy allows the owner to apply to the Department of Health Services for a license to operate the health facility.
    “Issues the certificate of occupancy and/or construction final.”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    California city and county zoning codes and the zoning districts established by those local jurisdictions.

    • The city or county zoning code implements general-plan policies at the individual-parcel level.
    • Local zoning codes identify allowed land uses in the jurisdiction’s zoning districts.
    • Since 1971, state law requires city or county zoning codes to be consistent with the jurisdiction’s general plan, except in charter cities.
    • The source does not publish a statewide list of parcel-specific zoning districts; the applicable local jurisdiction must be consulted.
    “The zoning code presents standards for different land uses and identifies which land uses [...] are allowed in the various zoning districts of the jurisdiction.”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Efficiency units permitted by a California city, county, or city and county.

    • The local jurisdiction must adopt an ordinance permitting the efficiency unit.
    • Occupancy is limited to no more than two persons.
    • The unit may have partial kitchen or bathroom facilities as specified by the local ordinance.
    • All other applicable minimum standards under Health and Safety Code Part 1.5 continue to apply.

    minimum floor area: >= 150 square feet · maximum occupancy: <= 2 persons

    “Notwithstanding Sections 17922, 17958, and 17958.5, a city, county, or city and county may, by ordinance, permit efficiency units for occupancy by no more than two persons which have a minimum floor area of 150 square feet and which may also have partial kitchen or bathroom facilities, as specified by the ordinance.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Qualifying SB 9 housing developments in single-family residential zones, including development of up to two primary residential units, subject to the cited statutory eligibility requirements and local ministerial review.

    • The parcel must be located in a single-family residential zone.
    • The project must involve no more than two residential units.
    • Objective standards may be applied only if they do not physically preclude the statutory housing objectives, subject to the stated exceptions.
    • No setback may be required for an existing structure or a structure constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing structure.
    • For SB 9 projects, side and rear setbacks may not exceed four feet; a local agency may apply a lesser setback, such as 0–4 feet.
    • The local agency cannot apply existing side and rear setbacks applicable in the single-family residential zones.
    • The four-foot side and rear setback standards are not subject to modification.
    • The fact sheet cites Government Code Sections 65852.21(b)(2)(B) and 66411.7(c)(3).

    maximum side setback: <= 4 feet (A local agency may choose to apply a lesser setback, including 0–4 feet.) · maximum rear setback: <= 4 feet (A local agency may choose to apply a lesser setback, including 0–4 feet.)

    “SB 9 establishes an across-the-board maximum four-foot side and rear setbacks.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Building setbacks, side and rear yard requirements, and property line requirements under California's State Housing Law framework.
      “building setback, side and rear yard requirements, and property line requirements are hereby specifically and entirely reserved to the local jurisdictions”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    Occupancy of recreational vehicles as residential units in California.

    • RVs are not intended for occupancy as permanent dwellings.
    • Unless a local ordinance allows otherwise, RV occupancy generally is limited to mobilehome parks or special occupancy parks governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act or Special Occupancy Parks Act.
    • Applicable state or local approval and enforcement requirements depend on the RV's location and classification.

    maximum gross area: <= 400 square feet (Measured at maximum horizontal projections; internal living room area must be less than 320 square feet excluding specified built-in equipment and bath/toilet rooms.)

    “RVs are not intended for occupancy as a permanent dwelling. [...] Unless otherwise allowed by a local ordinance, RVs generally may be occupied only in mobilehome parks or special occupancy parks”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Occupancy of recreational vehicles in California, including Glenn County, subject to applicable local ordinances and park requirements.
      “RVs are not intended for occupancy as a permanent dwelling.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping in units operated by the California Department of Parks and Recreation statewide.

    • Camping is confined to areas designated for that purpose.
    • Occupancy by the same persons, equipment, or vehicles is generally limited to 30 days in any calendar year in that unit.
    • The Department may establish shorter or longer occupancy limits.
    • When a shorter seasonal limit applies, the camper must vacate the campsite and may not reregister in the unit until 48 hours have expired, measured from 12:00 noon on the checkout day to 12:00 noon on the second day following.
    • A district superintendent may permit one-night camping in a day-use area or portion of one, subject to Department-established fees and vehicle limitations; occupants must vacate by 9:00 a.m. the following morning.
    • California State Parks' current reservation policy states that each campground has a consecutive-night limit, requires a 48-hour absence after that limit, and generally has a 30-night annual maximum, subject to individual park policies.

    general annual occupancy limit: 30 days per calendar year per unit (The Department may establish shorter or longer limits of occupancy.) · return interval after shorter seasonal limit: 48 hours (Measured from 12:00 noon of the checkout day to 12:00 noon of the second day following.) · one-night camping in day-use area: 1 night (Only if permitted by the district superintendent; occupants must vacate by 9:00 a.m. the following morning.)

    “Occupancy by the same persons, equipment, or vehicles of any camping facility is limited to a total of 30 days in any calendar year in that unit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Temporary camping in California special occupancy parks, including parks containing recreational vehicles, tents, or camping cabins.
      ““Special occupancy park” means a recreational vehicle park, temporary recreational vehicle park, incidental camping area, or tent camp.”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Occupancy of a structure marketed or described as a tiny home in California.

    • The tiny home must comply with applicable standards and be approved as a HUD-Code manufactured home, California Residential or Building Code home, factory-built housing, recreational vehicle, park trailer, or camping cabin.
    • The location must be approved for the applicable classification.
    • A tiny home that does not fit one of those classifications and does not comply with the California Building Standards Code is a noncomplying structure whose occupancy is illegal.
    • Approving and enforcing agencies vary depending on whether the unit is inside or outside a mobilehome or special occupancy park.

    park trailer or RV gross area limit: <= 400 square feet (Applicable classification-specific exclusions and standards apply.)

    “In order to be occupied, a tiny home must comply with the standards of, and be approved as one of the following types of structures: a HUD-Code manufactured home (MH), California Residential Code or California Building Code home, factory-built housing (FBH), recreational vehicle (RV), park trailer (PT) or camping cabin (CC).”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Occupancy of structures described as tiny homes in California, including Glenn County.
      “In order to be occupied, a tiny home must comply”
    • Limited — Occupancy of tiny homes in Glenn County and elsewhere in California.
      “In order to be occupied, a tiny home must comply with the standards of, and be approved as one of the following types of structures: a HUD-Code manufactured home (MH), California Residential Code or California Building Code home, factory-built housing (FBH), recreational vehicle (RV), park trailer (PT) or camping cabin (CC). The approving agency will vary depending upon whether the tiny home is located inside or outside of a mobilehome park or special occupancy park.”
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Occupancy of a structure characterized as a tiny home anywhere in California, including Glenn County, when it qualifies as and is approved as an RV, park trailer, manufactured home, factory-built housing, or site-constructed California Building Standards Code dwelling.
      “As residential structures, tiny homes must receive one of several types of State or local government approvals prior to occupancy, depending on the design of the structure and the location of its installation.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Occupancy of manufactured homes inside or outside mobilehome parks in California.

    • The manufactured home must satisfy applicable federal standards and California Manufactured Housing Act and Title 25 requirements.
    • Installation and approval for occupancy are governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act.
    • HCD or a local enforcement agency with assumed Mobilehome Parks Act authority is responsible for ensuring compliance with statutory construction and maintenance requirements.
    • Local agency approvals may be necessary for the project.

    minimum width for a new manufactured home: >= 8 body feet (The statutory definition also includes units at least 40 body feet in length.) · minimum erected floor area for a new manufactured home: >= 320 square feet

    “MHs may be occupied outside or inside of mobilehome parks and installation and approval for occupancy is governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act (MPA), HSC Sections 18200, et seq., and Title 25, CCR Sections 1000, et seq.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Occupancy of qualifying manufactured homes inside or outside mobilehome parks in California, including Glenn County.
      “MHs may be occupied outside or inside of mobilehome parks and installation and approval for occupancy is governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act (MPA), HSC Sections 18200, et seq., and Title 25, CCR Sections 1000, et seq.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    ADUs and junior ADUs subject to California State ADU Law.

    • Approval is ministerial and without discretionary review or a hearing.
    • Development standards must be objective and knowable in advance.
    • The local permitting agency must determine application completeness and provide written notice within 15 business days.
    • If an application is incomplete, the agency must identify missing items and explain how to complete it.
    • Local site, building, health, safety, fire, utility, and other applicable requirements continue to apply.

    written completeness determination: <= 15 business days (Measured from the permitting agency's receipt of the application.) · final written determination after appeal: <= 60 business days (Applies after receipt of the written appeal.)

    “A permit application for an accessory dwelling unit shall be considered and approved ministerially without discretionary review or a hearing [...] A permitting agency shall determine whether an application to create or serve an accessory dwelling unit is complete and provide written notice of this determination to the applicant not later than 15 business days after the permitting agency received the application.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Accessory dwelling units in California, including Glenn County, where the unit and site satisfy applicable state and local objective standards.
      “The housing element must demonstrate that the jurisdiction permits an ADU with only ministerial approval and describe the jurisdiction’s local ADU ordinance or whether the jurisdiction defers to Government Code (GC) Section 65852.2(b).”
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units in California, including Glenn County, subject to applicable state standards and ministerial local permitting.
      “Although cities and counties are mandated to permit ADUs and JADUs, they are not required to adopt ADU and JADU ordinances. However, any city/county that does adopt an ADU ordinance, must submit the ordinance to HCD within 60 days.”
    • Allowed (with conditions) — Accessory dwelling units in Glenn County under California State ADU Law.
      “Yes. ADUs and JADUs subject to State ADU Law must be considered, approved or denied, and permitted ministerially, without discretionary review or a hearing (Gov. Code, §§ 66317, subd. (a); 66335, subd. (a); 66335.5). Development standards must be objective to allow for ministerial review (Gov. Code, § 66314, subd. (b)(1)).”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Certain existing OWTS in California Tier 3 impaired-water-body areas that commit to connect to a centralized wastewater collection and treatment system regulated through waste discharge requirements.

    • The OWTS must have been constructed and operating, or permitted, on or before the date the nearby water body was added to OWTS Policy Attachment 2.
    • The owner must commit by legally binding document to connect to a centralized wastewater collection and treatment system regulated through waste discharge requirements.
    • The owner must sign the legally binding document within 48 months after the nearby water body's initial listing on Attachment 2.
    • The specified connection date may not extend beyond nine years after the date the nearby water body is added to Attachment 2.
    • The rule is an exception to Section 10 requirements for qualifying existing or permitted systems; it is not a general statewide requirement that every property connect to public sewer.

    deadline to sign connection commitment: 48 months (Measured from the date the nearby water body is initially listed on Attachment 2.) · maximum time to complete connection: <= 9 years (Measured from the date the nearby water body is added to Attachment 2.)

    “The owner must sign the document within forty-eight months of the date that the nearby water body is initially listed on Attachment 2. The specified date for the connection to the centralized community wastewater collection and treatment system shall not extend beyond nine years following the date that the nearby water body is added to Attachment 2.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Division of land in California that falls within the statutory definition of subdivision, including division for sale, lease, or financing.

    • A parcel map is generally required unless a final or parcel map is otherwise required or the preparation is waived by local ordinance.
    • Local ordinances may require a tentative map and may establish additional area, improvement, design, drainage, road, sanitary-disposal, water-supply, environmental-protection, and related requirements.
    • Certain railroad-right-of-way and governmental or public-utility conveyances are excepted from the parcel-map requirement described in Government Code section 66428(a).
    “A parcel map shall be required for subdivisions as to which a final or parcel map is not otherwise required by this chapter, unless the preparation of the parcel map is waived by local ordinance as provided in this section.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Occupancy and use of manufactured homes and mobilehomes in California mobilehome parks and other locations subject to HCD jurisdiction.

    • HCD administers titling and registration for manufactured homes and mobilehomes.
    • HCD-inspected mobilehome parks are subject to health and safety enforcement where local government has not assumed enforcement.
    • Manufactured/mobilehome park regulations address construction, use, maintenance, and occupancy.
    • Separate local land-use, building, fire, health, and utility requirements may apply.
    “MHs may be occupied outside or inside of mobilehome parks and installation and approval for occupancy is governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act (MPA), HSC Sections 18200, et seq., and Title 25, CCR Sections 1000, et seq.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Occupancy of recreational vehicles in California, including Glenn County, when located in a mobilehome park or special occupancy park.
      “Unless otherwise allowed by a local ordinance”
    • Limited — Occupancy and use of recreational vehicles in California special occupancy parks and designated RV sections of mobilehome parks.
      “Unless otherwise allowed by a local ordinance, RVs generally may be occupied only in mobilehome parks or special occupancy parks governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    California county legislative bodies' authority to adopt zoning ordinances regulating buildings, structures, land uses, lots, yards, open space, lot coverage, intensity of use, parking, loading, and setbacks within county jurisdiction, including unincorporated areas.

    • The authority is exercised pursuant to Government Code Chapter 4, Zoning Regulations.
    • The statute separately authorizes city legislative bodies; incorporated municipalities may exercise their own zoning authority.
    • Government Code Section 65850 also lists authority to regulate signs and billboards, building and structure location, height, bulk, number of stories, and size, lot and open-space size and use, lot coverage, intensity of land use, offstreet parking and loading, and building setback lines.
    • The cited section states it was amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 376, Sec. 1, effective January 1, 2018.
    “The legislative body of any county or city may, pursuant to this chapter, adopt ordinances that do any of the following:”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    California counties administering and enforcing state building standards through county building departments, including residential construction in unincorporated areas.

    • Each county must maintain building standards and state building regulations in the office of the building official responsible for administration and enforcement of state building standards.
    • The statewide Title 24 standards apply subject to statutory exceptions and any authorized local amendments or local requirements.
    • The cited HCD bulletin concerns the 2019 California Building Standards Code and its July 1, 2021 supplement; later code editions may supersede those particular edition dates.
    “These codes shall be maintained in the office of the building official responsible for the administration and enforcement of state building standards”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Glenn County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Glenn County.
  • Building height — Building height in unincorporated Glenn County.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation, including individual onsite wastewater systems, in Glenn County, California.
  • Agricultural exemption — Possible building-permit or zoning exemption for agricultural structures or agricultural uses in unincorporated Glenn County
3 more unanswered
  • Building in a floodplain
  • Short-term rentals
  • Permit fees

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Water rights & wells in Glenn County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from California’s water agency.

Actively managed

This basin is under active state management — new water use is scrutinized, though a domestic well is usually still allowed.

Household wellPermit required — restricted

California requires no STATE permit for a domestic well — wells are permitted by the county — but under SGMA a Groundwater Sustainability Agency can meter or restrict new wells in medium/high-priority and critically overdrafted basins, and Executive Order N-7-22 requires counties in those basins to get GSA verification that a new well is consistent with the Groundwater Sustainability Plan before permitting.

Limit: 2 acre-feet/year de minimis under SGMA (Water Code §10721(e)) — largely exempt from GSA metering/fees

California DWR / State Water Board — SGMA de minimis & EO N-7-22 Action 9 FAQ ↗
  • Sacramento Valley high-priority subbasinspartial of county

    High-priority SGMA subbasins (Corning, Colusa, Vina, Antelope-Tehama, South Yuba, North & South American, Solano, Yolo) with adopted GSPs; a new well is subject to GSA/EO N-7-22 consistency review.

    California DWR — SGMA Basin Prioritization ↗

Hybrid state (appropriation + riparian). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the California state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Glenn County, California

Is Glenn County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Glenn County scores 48/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: higher long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure and more administrative friction around building and land use.

Do you need a building permit in Glenn County, California?

Glenn County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Glenn County Environmental Health, Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Program. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Glenn County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Glenn County is allowed on a temporary basis only: Statewide rule. Occupancy of recreational vehicles as residential units in California. RVs are not intended for occupancy as permanent dwellings. Unless a local ordinance allows otherwise, RV occupancy generally is limited to mobilehome parks or special occupancy parks governed by the Mobilehome Parks Act or Special Occupancy Parks Act. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Glenn County, California?

Land in Glenn County runs about $10,262 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Glenn County?

Glenn County gets about 27.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 39.1% of years. On water rights, Glenn County lies in the Sacramento Valley high-priority subbasins — High-priority SGMA subbasins (Corning, Colusa, Vina, Antelope-Tehama, South Yuba, North & South American, Solano, Yolo) with adopted GSPs; a new well is subject to GSA/EO N-7-22 consistency review..

How remote is Glenn County?

A typical private-land location has about 12,925 people within 15 miles and 3,961,400 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Glenn compares in California

Compare side-by-side →See all 58 California counties ranked →