A Resident's Guide to Delano's Local Ordinances

Delano, California may not be the biggest city in the state, but it has its own set of local rules that residents need to follow. With 22 tracked ordinances across 13 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Garage & Yard Sales

Frequency, Duration & Permits: Garage sales in Delano require a permit issued by the Finance Director. Delano Municipal Code §6.22.030 sets the fee at $5 for the first and second permit and $10 for the third and fourth during any 12-month period..

Animal Ordinances

Chickens & Livestock: Delano's Right-to-Farm provisions (DC §20.10.270) protect commercial agricultural operations from nuisance claims by neighbors after three years of continuous operation, recognizing the city's central role in the Kern County ag economy..

Parking Rules

RV & Boat Parking: Recreational vehicle spaces are not permitted within Delano multifamily developments unless a dedicated RV parking facility is approved as part of the project (DC §20.13.30.4). RV stalls must provide 400 square feet of usable area..

Also covered: Commercial & Oversized Vehicles (moderate), Driveway Rules (moderate), Overnight Parking (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Delano for details.

Landscaping Rules

Weed Ordinances: Delano regulates hazardous materials under DC §20.10.110, requiring businesses storing more than 55 gallons of liquid, 300 pounds of solid, or 200 cubic feet of compressed gas of any hazardous material to file a Business Plan with Kern County Environmental Health and the Fire Department..

Also covered: Water Restrictions (limited), Tree Trimming (limited). See the full landscaping rules guide for Delano for details.

Accessory Structures

Shed & Carport Rules: Delano Development Code §20.10.30.1.e allows detached accessory structures in interior side and rear yards, with a maximum height of 15 feet and never higher than the main structure..

Solar Energy

Panel Permits: Solar permits in Delano are processed under California's Solar Rights Act (Cal. Civ.

Noise Ordinances

Decibel Limits: Delano Development Code §20.10.90.2 uses walls, not a decibel figure, to manage noise where business districts meet homes. Under §20.10.90.2.c, screening between commercial or employment districts and adjacent existing or planned residential uses must be a decorative masonry wall sufficient for sound attenuation, with a minimum height of six (6) feet on the commercial side..

Also covered: Quiet Hours (moderate), Construction Hours (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Delano for details.

Property Maintenance

Vacant Lot Maintenance: Delano Development Code §20.10.350.2 prohibits use of any vacant or undeveloped residential parcel, or any residential parcel where no main building exists, for storage of motor vehicles, trailers, boats, junk, garbage, building materials, or similar items..

Right to Farm

Farm Nuisance Protection: Delano Development Code §20.10.270.4 requires the Community Development Director to include a Right-to-Farm notice on any proposed land division that lies partly or wholly within or within 300 feet of agriculturally-zoned land..

Outdoor Lighting

Light Trespass & Shielding: Delano Development Code §20.10.140.1.a limits outdoor lighting from nonresidential uses to one-half (0.5) foot-candles of illumination at any property line, and prohibits blinking, flashing, oscillating, or unusually high-intensity light..

Sign Regulations

Garage Sale Signs: Garage sale signs in Delano are limited under DMC §6.22.070 to a maximum of 4 square feet in area. Signs may not be displayed at times other than the permitted sale dates and may not be placed on city-installed traffic-control signs or posts..

Fence Regulations

Height Limits: Delano Development Code §20.10.90.1 limits residential front-yard and street-side-yard fences to 40 inches tall. Interior side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet, measured from adjacent grade..

Also covered: Material Restrictions (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Delano for details.

Trash & Recycling

Bin Placement Rules: Delano Development Code §20.10.290.3 requires outdoor trash receptacles for multifamily and nonresidential uses to be sized for the trash generated and screened on at least three sides by a solid decorative wall ≥5 feet tall, with a working opaque gate on the fourth side..

What to Do With This Information

If you are moving to Delano, buying a home, or starting a project, use this as a starting point. Each category links to detailed pages with the full text, penalties, and FAQs. Verify anything time-sensitive with Delano's city hall or code enforcement office.