Plastic Bag Rules: Clovis vs Fresno
How do plastic bag rules rules compare between Clovis, CA and Fresno, CA?
Fresno has fewer restrictions than Clovis.
Clovis, CA
Fresno County
California prohibits grocery stores and large retailers from providing single-use plastic carryout bags under Public Resources Code 42280-42288, enacted by SB 270 (2014) and ratified as Proposition 67 in 2016. Recycled paper or reusable bags require a 10-cent minimum charge.
View full Clovis rules →Fresno, CA
Fresno County
California SB 270 bans thin single-use plastic carryout bags at all Fresno grocers, pharmacies, and convenience stores, requiring sale of compliant reusable or recycled-paper bags for at least 10 cents each.
View full Fresno rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Clovis | Fresno |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | Pub Res 42280-42288 | - |
| Enacting Law | SB 270 (2014) | - |
| Voter Ratification | Prop 67 (2016) | - |
| Paper Bag Charge | 10 cents minimum | - |
| State law | - | Cal. Pub. Res. Code §42283 |
| Minimum fee | - | 10 cents per bag |
| Stores covered | - | Grocery, pharmacy, convenience |
| Updated by | - | SB 1053 effective 2026 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Clovis FAQ
Are single-use plastic bags banned in California?
Yes. Public Resources Code 42280-42288 prohibits covered stores from distributing single-use plastic carryout bags statewide. SB 1053 (2024) extends restrictions to thicker reusable plastic bags by 2026.
Why do California stores charge for paper bags?
State law requires a minimum 10-cent charge for recycled paper or reusable bags at checkout to encourage shoppers to bring their own bags.
Fresno FAQ
Can stores give bags away free?
No. State law sets a minimum 10-cent charge for compliant carryout bags. Retailers may charge more but cannot waive the fee, even for cash purchases.
Are restaurants subject to the bag ban?
Restaurants are exempt from the carryout bag fee but must still avoid prohibited thin plastic bags. Most use paper or compliant reusable bags for takeout orders.
Compare other topics
See how Clovis and Fresno compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool