112 local rules on file · Pop. 158 · Fresno County
Showing ordinances that apply to Bowles, CA
Bowles is an unincorporated community with a population of approximately 158 in Fresno County, California. Because Bowles is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal government or city code. Instead, Fresno County ordinances apply directly to residential and commercial properties here. The rules below are the county-level regulations that govern your area. Nearby incorporated cities in Fresno County may have different rules.
CA Civil Code §841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) presumes equal cost-sharing for boundary fences. Requires 30 days written notice before construction with cost estimate. §841.4 prohibits spite fences over 10 ft.
Fences in unincorporated Fresno County must comply with zoning ordinance setback, height, and visibility requirements. The county regulates fence placement relative to property lines, road rights-of-way, and utility easements. Agricultural fences follow different standards than residential fencing.
These unincorporated areas are also governed by Fresno County ordinances.
California Health & Safety Code §115920-115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act) requires a 60-inch barrier with self-closing/self-latching gate AND at least one additional safety feature (cover, alarm, or ASTM door alarms).
California native plant landscaping is encouraged and protected under CA Gov Code §65595. Fresno County supports MWELO-compliant native landscaping. Central Valley natives include valley oak, California poppy, deergrass, toyon.
Fresno County Code Chapter 15 weed abatement requires vegetation height not to exceed 18 inches on unimproved parcels and vacant lots. Fresno County Fire Protection District enforces to reduce wildfire fuel loads.
Fresno County weed abatement ordinance requires vacant parcels and structure perimeters to be cleared of flammable vegetation annually. 100-ft defensible space required in State Responsibility Areas per CA PRC §4291.
Fresno Irrigation District and local water purveyors set watering schedules. Statewide non-functional turf irrigation with potable water is banned for commercial/industrial per AB 1572. MWELO applies to new landscapes >500 sq ft.
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged under CA AB 1750 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012). Residential rain barrels don't require permits. Systems >5,000 gallons or connected to plumbing require plan review under CPC Chapter 17.
Tree trimming on private property is generally unregulated in Fresno County, except for protected oaks and riparian trees. Branches overhanging county roads must be cleared to 15-ft vertical clearance per §15.68.
Artificial turf is protected under CA Civil Code §4735 for residential use; HOAs cannot prohibit drought-tolerant landscaping. Fresno County permits artificial turf in all residential zones. Commercial installations may require stormwater review.
Removal of non-protected trees on private property is generally permitted without a permit in Fresno County. Protected native oaks (valley oak, blue oak) in designated preservation zones require permits and replacement mitigation.
Fresno County does not impose breed-specific restrictions. California Food & Ag Code §31683 preempts breed-based bans but permits breed-specific spay/neuter rules. County regulates dangerous dogs by behavior under §6.04.200, not breed.
Feeding wildlife is discouraged under CA Fish & Game Code §251.3, which prohibits feeding big game (deer, bear, elk). Fresno County foothill and Sierra Nevada areas have active bear and mountain lion populations; feeding attracts predators.
Beekeeping is broadly permitted in Fresno County's agricultural and rural zones with apiary registration under CA Food & Ag Code §29040. Commercial beekeepers must register with the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner annually.
Exotic pets follow California Fish & Game Code §2118 and 14 CCR §671 restricted species lists. Ferrets, hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and most non-native wildlife are illegal statewide. CDFW permits required for permitted exotic species.
Fresno County is one of California's top agricultural counties with over $7 billion in annual production. Livestock operations including cattle, dairy, poultry, and sheep are extensively permitted in agricultural zones under the county zoning ordinance and protected by the Fresno County Right to Farm Ordinance.
Fresno County Ordinance Code Title 6 Chapter 6.04 requires dogs to be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet when off the owner's property. Dogs at large are subject to impoundment by Fresno County Animal Control.
Livestock and poultry are permitted as of right in Fresno County's AE (Exclusive Agricultural), AL (Limited Agricultural), and RR (Rural Residential) zones. CA Civil Code §3482.5 Right to Farm Act protects established operations from nuisance claims.
Unincorporated Fresno County allows home occupations in residential and rural zones under Title 18 with clearance permit; business must be incidental to residential use and conducted by resident only.
Home occupations in unincorporated Fresno County are governed by the zoning ordinance (Title 18). Most home occupations meeting the standard conditions do not require a separate permit. Non-conforming or higher-impact home businesses may require a conditional use permit from the Department of Public Works and Planning.
Cottage food operations permitted in unincorporated Fresno County under CA Health & Safety Code §113758 (AB 1616). Fresno County Environmental Health registers Class A and permits Class B operations.
Family daycare homes preempted by CA Health & Safety Code §1597.40 — Fresno County must treat as residential use. Small (up to 8 children) and large (up to 14 children) licensed by CA DSS.
Home occupations in unincorporated Fresno County prohibit on-site business signage in residential zones. No exterior evidence of the business is allowed.
Home occupation customer visits in unincorporated Fresno County must not generate traffic exceeding normal residential volume. Limited on-site customers typically permitted in rural zones.
Industrial noise regulated by Title 11 and zoning standards. Packing sheds, pumps, and ag processing facilities receive Right-to-Farm protection if lawfully operated.
Fresno County declares habitual barking a public nuisance. Animal Services investigates complaints; sustained barking 15+ minutes can trigger citation.
Fresno County does not establish specific decibel limits in its ordinance code for unincorporated areas. The General Plan Noise Element uses CNEL/Ldn standards for land use planning, and CEQA review applies project-specific limits based on receptor sensitivity.
Amplified music audible beyond property line between 10 PM-7 AM violates Title 11. Daytime sound that exceeds 60 dBA at property line also prohibited.
Outdoor music in unincorporated Fresno County is not specifically regulated beyond general nuisance provisions. Large outdoor music events on agricultural or rural land require special event permits from the Department of Public Works and Planning.
Unincorporated Fresno County has no specific leaf blower ban. Gas blowers permitted subject to general noise ordinance hours and CA AB 1346 (2024) gas equipment sales ban.
Aircraft noise near Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is governed by federal FAA regulations, which preempt local noise ordinances. The Fresno County Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan establishes noise contours and land use restrictions around FAT and smaller county airports.
Fresno County Code Title 11 sets quiet hours 10 PM to 7 AM in unincorporated areas. Excessive noise is also a misdemeanor under CA Penal Code §415.
Unincorporated Fresno County limits construction noise to 7 AM-7 PM weekdays and 8 AM-5 PM Saturdays per Title 11. No Sunday/holiday construction without permit.
Fresno County follows CA Government Code §65850.7 (AB 1236) requiring streamlined, ministerial permitting for residential EV charging stations. Level 2 residential chargers typically permitted over-the-counter.
Unincorporated Fresno County follows CVC rules. Vehicles cannot remain parked on a public street for more than 72 consecutive hours (CVC §22651(k)). Rural roads may have no on-street parking where striped or signed.
Driveway encroachments onto county roads require an Encroachment Permit from Fresno County Public Works. Driveways must provide adequate sight distance and culvert drainage where ditches exist.
No blanket countywide overnight on-street parking ban in unincorporated Fresno County. The 72-hour CVC §22651(k) rule applies. Some rural areas post no-overnight parking signs near schools, parks, and waterways.
Fresno County enforces California Vehicle Code 22669 for abandoned vehicles on public roads and private property. Vehicles left on public roads for over 72 hours or lacking current registration may be towed. On private property, inoperable or unregistered vehicles visible from public view may be declared nuisances.
Commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR are generally prohibited from parking on residential streets and in residential-zoned areas under Fresno County Zoning Title 18, except for active loading/unloading.
Fresno County Zoning Ordinance Title 18 generally allows RV and boat storage on residential lots behind the front setback or in side/rear yards. Occupancy of an RV as a dwelling is prohibited except in permitted RV parks.
CA PRC §4291 requires 100 ft of defensible space around structures in State Responsibility Areas (SRA) and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Zone 0 (0-5 ft): ember-resistant; Zone 1 (5-30 ft): lean/clean/green; Zone 2 (30-100 ft): reduce.
Eastern Fresno County foothills are designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) by CAL FIRE. New construction in SRA/VHFHSZ must comply with CA Building Code Chapter 7A (WUI) ignition-resistant materials.
Outdoor burning in Fresno County requires both a CAL FIRE burn permit AND a San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) permissive burn day. SJVAPCD Rule 4103 heavily restricts agricultural burning.
ALL consumer fireworks, including 'Safe and Sane,' are BANNED in unincorporated Fresno County. Possession, sale, or discharge carries fines up to $1,000 plus cost recovery for fire suppression.
California Health and Safety Code 13113.7 requires smoke alarms in all existing dwellings in Fresno County, including single-family homes, apartments, and mobile homes. Detectors must be hardwired with battery backup in remodeled or new construction, and all units must use 10-year sealed battery alarms as of 2014.
Recreational backyard fires in unincorporated Fresno County are allowed in approved fire pits or outdoor fireplaces but are subject to SJVAPCD no-burn day restrictions. Wood-burning fires are prohibited on no-burn days declared under the Check Before You Burn program, while gas-fueled fire features are exempt.
Recreational fire pits allowed for cooking/warming when using seasoned wood or propane/natural gas. Must be 25+ ft from structures and vegetation. SJVAPCD Rule 4901 restricts wood-burning on declared no-burn nights (Nov-Feb).
Carports in unincorporated Fresno County require building permit and must meet Title 18 setbacks. Front yard carports typically prohibited in residential zones.
Garage conversions to ADUs protected by CA §65852.2 — Fresno County cannot require replacement parking when converting a garage to ADU. Permit required from Building Division.
Tiny homes on foundations regulated as ADUs under CA §65852.2. Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) regulated as RVs — camping in RVs on residential property limited.
Sheds under 120 sq ft exempt from building permit per CA Residential Code §R105.2. Fresno County Title 18 requires compliance with setbacks and height limits regardless of permit.
ADUs allowed in all Fresno County single-family residential zones per CA Gov Code §65852.2. One ADU + one JADU per SFR lot. SB 9 lot splits permitted in urban SFR zones.
Hot tubs/spas with safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 are exempt from enclosure requirement under CA H&S §115922(c). Electrical permit required from Fresno County Building Dept.
Pool barriers required per CA Building Code Title 24 Ch. 31 and CA H&S §115920. Minimum 60-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates. Enforced via Fresno County Building Dept.
CA Swimming Pool Safety Act (§115920) requires drowning prevention safety features. Federal Virginia Graeme Baker Act requires anti-entrapment drain covers.
Pool construction permit required from Fresno County Building Division. Plan review checks barrier, electrical, plumbing, and setback compliance with Title 18.
Above-ground pools >24 inches deep in Fresno County subject to CA Pool Safety Act — barrier/ladder removal required. Permit from County Building Dept needed for pools >18 inches deep or >5,000 gallons.
Fresno County charges 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on all unincorporated STR stays under 30 days. Remitted monthly to Treasurer-Tax Collector.
Fresno County STR occupancy limited to 2 persons per bedroom plus 2, typical cap of 10 overnight guests regardless of bedroom count.
Fresno County does not impose night caps (maximum rental nights per year) on short-term rentals in unincorporated areas. Properties may be rented year-round subject to TOT collection and zoning compliance.
Unincorporated Fresno County STRs must provide one off-street parking space per bedroom. No guest parking on public roads or neighboring properties.
Fresno County requires TOT registration with the Treasurer-Tax Collector for all short-term rental operators in unincorporated areas. There is no separate STR registration or licensing program. Operators must obtain a TOT certificate before accepting guests.
Fresno County STR permits require strict noise compliance. Any after-hours disturbance documented by sheriff can lead to permit revocation after 2-3 strikes.
Fresno County STR permits require proof of $1 million commercial liability insurance or platform-provided equivalent (Airbnb AirCover / Vrbo Liability).
Fresno County requires a Short-Term Rental permit for unincorporated rentals under 30 days. Adopted 2020; administered by Planning Department.
Fresno County Oak Tree Preservation provisions protect valley oak (Quercus lobata) and blue oak (Quercus douglasii). Native oaks above specified DBH are subject to preservation standards in development and ministerial permits.
Tree removal permits required in Fresno County only for protected native oaks, riparian trees, or trees associated with development. Non-protected landscape trees on private residential property generally require no permit.
When protected oak removal is permitted, Fresno County typically requires 3:1 replacement mitigation with in-kind native species. Oak woodland mitigation follows AB 242 and CEQA guidelines.
Fresno County participates in NFIP. FEMA flood zones exist along Kings River, San Joaquin River, and reservoir spillways (Pine Flat, Millerton). Floodplain Management Ordinance (County Code Title 15) requires elevation certificates and development permits in SFHAs.
Projects disturbing 1+ acre require CA Construction General Permit (CGP) SWPPP. Fresno County grading ordinance requires erosion/sediment controls on active grading. SJVAPCD Rule 8021 controls dust from construction.
Fresno County operates under the Central Valley RWQCB Phase II MS4 permit for unincorporated urbanized areas. Illicit discharge prohibited. New development must implement post-construction BMPs per state standards.
The California Coastal Act does not apply in Fresno County. Fresno County is inland in the San Joaquin Valley with no Pacific coastline, and no portion of the county falls within the Coastal Zone or California Coastal Commission jurisdiction.
Fresno County grading permit required for excavation/fill over 50 cubic yards or on slopes. Drainage must not divert runoff onto neighbors. Based on CBC Appendix J. Engineered plans required for cuts over 5 ft.
Political signs are constitutionally protected content-neutral speech under Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015). Fresno County cannot regulate political signs differently from other temporary signs. CA Elections Code §20008 limits Caltrans right-of-way signs.
Fresno County allows temporary garage sale signs on private property with permission. Posting on public right-of-way, utility poles, or traffic signs prohibited per County Code and CA Streets & Highways Code §101.7. Must remove within 24 hours of sale end.
Holiday decorations and temporary displays generally exempt from sign ordinance limits in residential zones. No specific duration limit in Fresno County for seasonal decor. HOAs may impose stricter standards.
CA AB 1699 (2020) standardized 'No Soliciting' signs as legally enforceable. Fresno County respects posted notices. Door-to-door commercial solicitation requires compliance with county peddler/solicitor ordinance. Non-commercial (religious, political) is First Amendment protected.
Fresno County requires a peddler/solicitor permit for door-to-door commercial sales in unincorporated areas. Background check and fee required. Non-commercial canvassing (religious, political, charitable) exempt per First Amendment jurisprudence.
Weekly curbside pickup in most unincorporated Fresno County areas. Cart must be at curb by 6 AM on service day, lid closed, no overflow. Hot ashes, hazardous waste, liquid paint prohibited.
Unincorporated Fresno County uses franchised haulers (Mid Valley Disposal, others). Bins must be placed at curb on collection day and removed within 24 hours. Keep 3 ft clearance around bins. Bins stored out of street view when not on pickup.
Fresno County haulers offer bulky item pickup (furniture, appliances) typically 1-2 times per year included with service. Additional bulk pickups fee-based. E-waste must not go in trash; use county HHW events or facility.
CA SB 1383 (effective 2022) mandates organic waste (food/yard) separation statewide. Fresno County provides three-cart service (trash, recycling, organics) in most areas. AB 341 mandates commercial recycling. Contamination may result in rejection.
Fresno County Code Title 15 defines blight: junk, abandoned vehicles, weeds, debris. Code Enforcement issues notices with 30-day compliance window.
Trash bins in unincorporated Fresno County must be stored out of public view except within 24 hours of collection day. Mid Valley Disposal services most areas.
Not applicable. Fresno County's Central Valley climate does not accumulate snow. Mountain unincorporated areas (Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake) have no local snow ordinance.
Unincorporated Fresno County allows garage sales without permit, limited to 3 sales per year per address, max 3 consecutive days each, daylight hours only.
Vacant lots in Fresno County must be kept free of weeds taller than 12 inches. Annual weed abatement program; uncut lots mowed at owner's expense + admin fee.
Fresno County Dept of Public Health issues Mobile Food Facility (MFF) permits per CA Retail Food Code (CalCode) §114294+. Annual health permit, commissary agreement, plan review required. Business tax certificate also needed.
SB 946 (2018) legalized sidewalk vending statewide. SB 972 (2023) streamlined MFF zoning. AB 1401 (2022) limits local time/place restrictions. Fresno County zoning sets allowed locations; prolonged vending requires land-use approval.
CA AB 1482 caps annual rent increases in unincorporated Fresno County at 5% + regional CPI, not to exceed 10%. No stricter local rent control.
Fresno County does NOT require a general rental property registration program. Only STR permits required. Long-term rentals need only a standard business license.
CA AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act) applies in unincorporated Fresno County: just-cause required after 12 months tenancy for covered properties.
Fresno County parks closed from sunset to sunrise unless posted otherwise. County Code Chapter 12 regulates park hours. State and regional parks (Millerton Lake, Pine Flat) have separate hours set by operators.
Fresno County unincorporated has no countywide juvenile curfew ordinance for unincorporated areas. The City of Fresno has a 10 PM curfew for under-18s. CA Welfare & Institutions Code §625.5 authorizes local curfews.
CA Civil Code §714 (Solar Rights Act) prohibits HOAs from unreasonably restricting solar installations. Restrictions that increase cost >10% or reduce efficiency >10% are unenforceable.
Residential rooftop solar permitted via expedited online process per AB 2188. Fresno County uses SolarAPP+ or equivalent online permitting. Typical turnaround: 1-3 business days.
Fresno County does not currently enforce a comprehensive dark-sky ordinance, but exterior lighting in rural and agricultural zones must be shielded to prevent glare and light trespass onto adjacent properties and roadways under Title 18.
Excessive light crossing onto neighboring property may be actionable as private nuisance under CA Civil Code §3479. Fresno County code requires exterior fixtures to be shielded so direct light does not leave the source parcel.
Recreational drones must follow FAA's Exception for Limited Recreational Operations (49 USC §44809), TRUST test required, altitude 400 ft. No launching from Fresno County parks without permit. Avoid CA state park overflights.
FAA Part 107 governs commercial drone operations. Remote Pilot Certificate required. Fresno County has no blanket commercial drone ordinance but prohibits launch/landing in county parks without permit. Class D airspace around Fresno Yosemite Intl (KFAT) requires LAANC.
Primary dwelling height limits per Title 18: R-1 (35 ft), RR/RE (35 ft), AE/AL (35 ft with exceptions for ag buildings). Accessory structures typically 15-20 ft.
Fresno County Title 18 sets maximum lot coverage by zone — typically 40% R-1, 30% R-A, 20% RR, 10% RE, and 5% AE/AL agricultural zones.
Setbacks by zone per Fresno County Title 18: R-1 (20 ft front, 5 ft side, 10 ft rear); AE (50 ft front, 30 ft side/rear); RR/RE (35 ft front, 15 ft side, 25 ft rear).
Fresno County typically limits garage sales to 3-4 per residence per year in residential zones. Excessive sales can be deemed a home-based retail business requiring zoning review. Specific limits in County Zoning Ordinance.
Fresno County does not require a permit for occasional residential garage sales in unincorporated areas. Sales tax exemption applies to casual sales under CA Rev & Tax Code §6006.5 (occasional sale rule).
Fresno County does not set specific garage sale hours by ordinance, but noise ordinance quiet hours (typically 10 PM to 7 AM) apply. Sales should be conducted during daylight hours to avoid noise complaints.
Fresno County has BANNED commercial cannabis activity in unincorporated areas. No dispensaries, cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, or delivery businesses permitted. Ordinance 18-010 opts out of commercial cannabis.
CA Prop 64 allows adults 21+ to grow up to 6 plants per residence for personal use. Fresno County requires indoor-only cultivation; all outdoor personal cultivation banned per County Code Chapter 10.90.