Downey, CA

Downey adopts the California Fire Code with local amendments. Gas and propane fire pits are generally permitted and are exempt from SCAQMD no-burn days. Wood-burning fire pits and outdoor fireplaces must comply with SCAQMD Rule 445 and are prohibited during mandatory no-burn advisories. Recreational fires must not exceed 3 feet in diameter and 2 feet in height, with a minimum 10-foot clearance from structures.

Downey allows home-based businesses in residential zones with a Home Occupation Permit, provided the business remains secondary to the residential use of the property. No exterior signage, customer visits, or employees working on-site are permitted. The business must be conducted entirely within the dwelling and may not generate noise, traffic, or other impacts noticeable from the exterior.

Downey prohibits the storage or parking of recreational vehicles, boats, trailers, and other oversized vehicles on public streets in residential areas. RVs and boats may be stored on private property behind the front setback line, screened from public view. Vehicles over 7 feet in height or 20 feet in length are subject to oversized vehicle restrictions.

Downey enforces a 72-hour limit for vehicles parked on any public street. Vehicles must be moved before posted street sweeping times. Parking on unpaved surfaces in front yards is prohibited. The city designates specific no-parking zones near intersections, fire hydrants, and other restricted areas.

Downey limits front yard fences to 42 inches (3.5 feet) in residential zones. Side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet. Fences taller than 6 feet require a building permit. Barbed wire is prohibited in residential zones. Corner lots have additional sight-line restrictions to maintain visibility for traffic safety.

Downey restricts the keeping of chickens and livestock in residential zones. Hens are permitted in R-1 (single-family residential) zones with limitations on the number of birds and setback requirements. Roosters are prohibited in all residential zones. Livestock such as horses, goats, and pigs are prohibited in standard residential zones but may be permitted in areas zoned for agricultural or equestrian use.

Dogs in Downey must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and under the control of a responsible person when on any public property. Dogs running at large are subject to impoundment by the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA). All dogs over 4 months of age must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies.

Downey regulates noise through Chapter 4, Article VII of the Municipal Code. Quiet hours run from 10 PM to 7 AM on weekdays and 10 PM to 8 AM on weekends and holidays in residential zones. Exterior noise in residential areas is limited to 55 dBA during the day and 50 dBA at night. Amplified music, loudspeakers, and sustained loud activities that disturb the peace are prohibited during quiet hours.

Construction activity in Downey is permitted Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 7 PM and Saturdays from 8 AM to 5 PM. Construction is prohibited on Sundays and federal holidays. These restrictions apply to all construction, demolition, grading, excavation, and similar activities that generate noise audible at nearby residential properties.

Downey declares overgrown weeds, dead vegetation, and unmaintained landscaping a public nuisance subject to abatement. Property owners must maintain yards free of weeds exceeding 12 inches in height, dead trees, and accumulated debris. The City conducts seasonal weed abatement programs and may perform cleanup at the owner's expense if violations are not corrected.