A Resident's Guide to Manteca's Local Ordinances

Manteca, 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 38 tracked ordinances across 11 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Landscaping Rules

Water Restrictions: Manteca adopted Ordinance No. O2023-17 restricting landscape irrigation to 2 assigned days per week.

Also covered: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (moderate), Tree Trimming (moderate), Grass Height Limits (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Manteca for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Limits: Manteca caps STR occupancy at two adults plus one child per rented bedroom (max three per room) under Municipal Code Chapter 3.40. Hosts may only rent up to two bedrooms per unit, capped at 30% of the home's square footage, and the entire dwelling cannot be rented out.

Also covered: Insurance Requirements (moderate), Taxes & Fees (moderate), Noise Rules (strict). See the full short-term rentals guide for Manteca for details.

Accessory Structures

Carport Rules: Manteca regulates carports under Municipal Code Chapter 17.40 (Accessory Structures). A carport is treated as a covered patio: an accessory structure that does not exceed 15 feet in height and is enclosed on no more than three sides except for posts needed for roof support.

Also covered: Garage Conversions (moderate), ADU Rules (permissive), Shed Rules (permissive). See the full accessory structures guide for Manteca for details.

Noise Ordinances

Quiet Hours: Manteca Municipal Code Chapter 9.52 prohibits unnecessary, excessive, and annoying noise on public or private property. General quiet hours for residential noise run 10 PM–8 AM; amplified devices (radios, stereos, TVs) are restricted between 10 PM and 8 AM..

Also covered: Construction Hours (moderate), Barking Dogs (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Manteca for details.

Parking Rules

Street Parking Limits: Manteca prohibits parking any vehicle on a public street or alley for more than 72 consecutive hours under MMC Title 10. Oversized vehicles (over 20 ft long, 7 ft high, or 7 ft wide) are banned from residential streets Monday–Friday..

Also covered: Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate), RV & Boat Parking (moderate), Driveway Rules (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Manteca for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Manteca participates in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program and maintains FIRM flood maps. Areas near the San Joaquin River have 100-year (Zone AE) and 200-year flood exposure.

Fire Regulations

Outdoor Burning: Outdoor burning in Manteca is subject to SJVAPCD Rule 4901 (residential wood burning) and Rule 4106 (prescribed burning). Most open burning on valley floor residential lots is prohibited; daily burn day status must be checked with the Valley Air District before any burning..

Also covered: Fireworks (moderate), Fire Pit Rules (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Manteca for details.

Fence Regulations

Permit Requirements: Fences not exceeding 7 feet high generally do not require a building permit in Manteca under MMC §15.04.140, unless located in the front yard setback or over easements. Permits are required for fences over 7 feet or retaining walls over 4 feet..

Also covered: Neighbor Fence Rules (permissive), Height Limits (moderate). See the full fence regulations guide for Manteca for details.

Animal Ordinances

Exotic Pets: Manteca Municipal Code Chapter 6.08 prohibits ownership of vicious animals. California state law (CA Fish & Game Code) bans many exotic animals statewide.

Also covered: Breed Restrictions (permissive), Dog Leash Laws (moderate), Beekeeping (moderate). See the full animal ordinances guide for Manteca for details.

Home Business

Signage Rules: Manteca Municipal Code Chapter 17.78 prohibits home occupation businesses from displaying any external signage or producing any external evidence of business activity. No business signs are permitted on the exterior of a home used for a home occupation..

Also covered: Zoning Restrictions (moderate), Customer Traffic Restrictions (strict). See the full home business guide for Manteca for details.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Manteca enforces California's Swimming Pool Safety Act (CA H&S Code §115920–115929), requiring a 60-inch (5 ft) minimum barrier around all private pools over 18 inches deep. Two drowning prevention safety features are required for new and remodeled pools..

Also covered: Safety Rules (moderate), Above-Ground Pools (moderate). See the full swimming pools & spas guide for Manteca for details.

What to Do With This Information

This overview covers the big picture, but the details matter. Each ordinance page for Manteca includes the full text, violation penalties, and frequently asked questions. Use those pages when you need specifics.