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California Public Resources Code §4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures in State Responsibility Areas and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. Most of Concord lies in a Local Responsibility Area with limited VHFHSZ mapping, but ConFire enforces weed abatement citywide.
Open burning is prohibited in Concord under Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (ConFire) regulations and BAAQMD Regulation 5. No residential yard-waste, leaf, or debris burning is permitted within the city limits at any time of year.
All fireworks, including "safe and sane" fireworks, are completely banned in Concord. Possession, sale, or use of any consumer fireworks is a misdemeanor punishable by fines up to $1,000 and administrative penalties up to $3,000 under Concord Municipal Code and state law.
Concord requires grass and weeds to be maintained at 4 inches or less as part of annual weed abatement enforced by ConFire. Overgrown vegetation is declared a public nuisance under California Health and Safety Code §14875 and Concord Municipal Code chapter 8.35.
Property owners must control noxious weeds identified by the Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner under California Food and Agriculture Code §5004. High-priority weeds in Concord include yellow starthistle, artichoke thistle, and medusahead. Non-compliance can trigger state abatement action.
Xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscaping are encouraged in Concord. State law prohibits HOAs from banning low-water landscaping, and MWELO mandates water-efficient designs for new and renovated landscapes over 500 square feet. CCWD offers turf replacement rebates.
Concord water customers served by Contra Costa Water District must follow permanent statewide conservation rules: no runoff, no watering during or 48 hours after rain, no hosing hard surfaces. Outdoor watering is limited to assigned days and early morning or evening hours during drought declarations.
Concord regulates removal of protected trees under Concord Municipal Code chapter 8.50 (Tree Preservation). Protected trees over 10 inches DBH require a permit before removal. Heritage oaks and street trees have additional protection. Permit fees and replacement planting are required.
Government Code 65850.3 prevents California cities and HOAs from banning drought-tolerant artificial turf installed at single-family residential properties.
SB 1383 requires every California resident and business to separate food scraps and yard waste from trash, with universal collection or on-site composting.
The 2012 Rainwater Capture Act allows California residents to capture rainwater from rooftops for non-potable outdoor use without a state water-right permit, preempting most local barriers.
The federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act and California Health & Safety Code 116064+ require anti-entrapment drain covers meeting ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 on all public and residential pools and spas. Single main drains must also have a secondary anti-entrapment system such as a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS), dual drains, or gravity drainage. Concord building officials verify compliance on new construction and major equipment replacement.
California Health & Safety Code 115920-115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act) governs pool barriers statewide and applies in Concord. Any new or substantially remodeled residential pool or spa must include at least two of seven listed safety features, one of which is typically a 60-inch enclosure fence with self-closing, self-latching gate opening away from the pool. Concord enforces these rules through building permits and inspections.
Concord Development Code 18.150.160 treats above-ground pools the same as in-ground pools: a 5-foot setback from side and rear property lines (water's edge), no front-yard placement, walled or fenced enclosure per the Uniform Swimming Pool Code, and pool equipment under 6 feet tall. California's Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code 115921 et seq., as amended by SB 442) requires at least two of seven approved drowning-prevention features for new or remodeled residential pools.
Hot tubs and spas fall under California's Swimming Pool Safety Act when capable of holding water deeper than 18 inches, requiring barriers, covers, or other approved safety features.
Garages in Concord must remain available for vehicle parking under zoning code, and cannot be converted to living space without ADU or habitable-conversion permits. Detached garages follow accessory structure setbacks. Garage conversions to ADUs are streamlined under state law.
Concord must allow at least one ADU plus one Junior ADU per single-family residential lot under California Government Code §65852.2 (AB 68/881). ADUs up to 800 sq ft cannot be denied. Permits process within 60 days, 4-foot setbacks, no parking near transit, no impact fees under 750 sq ft.
Sheds under 120 square feet and 12 feet tall do not require a building permit in Concord under California Residential Code R105.2. Sheds must still comply with zoning setbacks (typically 3 feet from rear/side property lines) and cannot contain plumbing or electrical without permits.
Carports in unincorporated Contra Costa County are regulated as accessory structures under Title 8 (Zoning) of the County Ordinance Code and as covered structures under the California Building Code as adopted by the county. A carport must satisfy the yard-setback rules of the underlying residential zoning district (e.g., R-6 single-family per Chapter 84-4) and requires a building permit. The county's STR ordinance separately requires off-street parking and may restrict use of carports for STR guest parking.
California HCD guidance and Health and Safety Code 18007 classify many tiny homes on wheels as manufactured housing or ADUs, granting statewide siting protections.
Concord imposes a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on lodging stays of 30 consecutive days or fewer under Concord Municipal Code Chapter 3.25. STR operators must collect the 10% from guests, hold it in trust for the city, and remit it on a monthly or quarterly schedule. Airbnb and Vrbo collect TOT directly for many Concord listings; hosts should confirm and still file returns showing gross rents and any platform-collected amounts.
Concord applies standard residential occupancy standards from the California Building Code and HUD guidance to short-term rentals. A common rule of thumb is 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional occupants, with a hard cap tied to bedroom count and egress capacity. Overnight occupancy plus daytime visitors must not create parking, noise, or nuisance impacts that violate Concord's residential standards.
Concord requires short-term rentals to provide adequate on-site parking meeting the underlying residential zone's standards - typically two off-street spaces for a single-family dwelling. Hosts should list the exact number of usable on-site spaces and discourage or prohibit overflow on-street parking, especially overnight, to avoid neighbor complaints and permit violations. The California Vehicle Code 72-hour rule applies to street-parked guest vehicles.
Concord requires short-term rental (STR) operators to obtain a Business License and register with the city Finance Department to collect Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT). Hosts must provide operator contact information, property address, number of bedrooms, and proof of property insurance. STRs are permitted in residential zones subject to compliance with zoning, building, and health/safety codes. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo collect TOT directly in many cases.
Concord prohibits short-term rentals citywide, so the city imposes no STR liability-insurance minimum because no permit pathway exists. Operating an unpermitted STR is a zoning violation and most homeowner policies exclude commercial rental activity, leaving operators personally exposed.
Short-term rentals are entirely prohibited in Concord, so STR-specific noise rules do not exist. Any unpermitted rental under 30 days is itself a zoning violation. Concord's general noise ordinance (Municipal Code Ch. 9.05) and 10 PM-7 AM quiet hours still apply to all residential properties.
Concord requires a city business license for STR operators. TOT registration is required under Municipal Code §3.15. No STR-specific permit ordinance beyond business licensing. Platforms like Airbnb auto-collect TOT.
Beekeeping is allowed in Concord on residential lots subject to setback and hive count limits. Hives must be registered with the Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner under California Food & Agricultural Code §29040. Typical rules require hives set back from property lines and a water source on-site to keep bees from neighboring yards.
Dangerous or vicious dog designations in Concord are determined under California Food & Agricultural Code §31601 et seq. by Contra Costa County Animal Services following a behavior-based hearing. California Food & Agricultural Code §31683 preempts breed-specific legislation, so designations rely exclusively on documented aggressive behavior.
Livestock including cattle, horses, goats, sheep, and swine are generally prohibited in Concord's residential zoning districts. Livestock are allowed only in limited agricultural or large-lot residential zones with minimum lot size and setback requirements. Swine are prohibited citywide outside of approved agricultural uses.
Wildlife in Concord is protected under California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) regulations. Feeding of wildlife such as deer, raccoons, coyotes, and wild turkeys is discouraged and may be prohibited where it creates public safety nuisances. Injured or sick wildlife should be reported to CDFW or Lindsay Wildlife Experience in nearby Walnut Creek.
Exotic pets in Concord are governed by California Code of Regulations Title 14 §671, which lists restricted species prohibited as pets without a state permit. Restricted species include many non-native birds, reptiles, and mammals. Concord defers to CDFW for exotic species enforcement and does not issue local exceptions.
Concord generally allows up to 3 dogs and 3 cats per single-family residence without a kennel or cattery permit. Households exceeding these limits require a special permit from Contra Costa County Animal Services. Multi-family dwellings may have stricter limits through HOA rules or lease terms.
Backyard chickens are permitted in Concord on residential lots, typically limited to 4–6 hens with no roosters allowed. Coops must be set back from property lines and maintained in sanitary condition. Slaughter on-site is generally prohibited and roosters are banned due to noise concerns.
Concord requires all dogs over four months old to be licensed annually through Contra Costa County Animal Services. Dogs must be leashed (maximum six feet) whenever off the owner's property, except in designated off-leash areas. Proof of current rabies vaccination is required for licensing.
Concord enforces the California Vehicle Code 72-hour rule (CVC 22651(k)) citywide, prohibits parking on unpaved surfaces in front yards, and operates permit parking districts around BART and Todos Santos Plaza. Street sweeping posted days trigger citations.
Commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR are prohibited from overnight parking on residential streets in Concord and cannot be stored on residentially zoned properties. Parking is limited to industrial/commercial zones or brief loading stops.
Concord prohibits RV, trailer, and boat parking on public streets for more than 72 hours and restricts on-site storage in residential zones. RVs may be parked in side or rear yards behind a solid fence, not in front yards, per CMC zoning standards.
California Vehicle Code sections 22651 and 22669 set uniform rules allowing peace officers and authorized agents to remove abandoned vehicles from public and private property after defined waiting periods, with statewide notice and lien procedures.
California Civil Code sections 4745 and 4745.1, plus Government Code 65850.7, create statewide rights for residents to install EV charging stations and require expedited local permitting that supersedes restrictive local rules.
Concord enforces nighttime quiet hours between 10 PM and 7 AM on weekdays and Saturdays, and until 8 AM on Sundays and holidays. During these hours, amplified sound, loud gatherings, power equipment, and other disturbances are prohibited in residential areas. Violations can result in warnings, administrative citations, and misdemeanor charges for repeat offenses.
Amplified music in Concord must comply with the city's noise ordinance decibel limits and quiet hours. Outdoor amplified sound audible beyond the property line during nighttime hours is a violation. Special event permits are required for commercial amplified entertainment and large gatherings, with conditions set by the city.
Vehicle noise in Concord is governed primarily by California Vehicle Code sections that limit exhaust noise, prohibit modified mufflers, and cap amplified sound audible at 50 feet. Concord Police enforce these alongside local ordinance provisions prohibiting revving, racing, and extended idling in residential areas.
Lawn and garden equipment in Concord may be operated Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Professional landscapers and homeowners must comply, and all equipment must meet noise ordinance decibel limits at the property line.
Construction activity in Concord is generally permitted Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Construction is prohibited on Sundays and city-recognized holidays without a special permit. These hours apply to both commercial and residential projects, including homeowner DIY work that generates significant noise.
Contra Costa County Noisy Animal Ordinance (Code §416-12.202) makes it unlawful to have an animal that creates noise for 30 continuous minutes (incessant) or 60 minutes off and on in 24 hours (intermittent). Responsible persons can be fined.
California sets statewide airport noise limits under Title 21 CCR, with the state preempting most local aviation noise control because federal FAA authority dominates aircraft operations in flight.
Concord fence height limits are typically 3.5 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards on residential lots. Fences exceeding these limits require a building permit and may require a variance. Corner lots have additional sight-distance restrictions to maintain traffic safety.
Concord allows most common fence materials including wood, vinyl, masonry, wrought iron, and chain link. Barbed wire and razor wire are generally prohibited in residential zones. Front yard fence materials face additional design-review considerations in some neighborhoods. HOA CC&Rs often impose stricter material requirements than city code.
Retaining walls in Concord over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing) or supporting a surcharge require a building permit and engineered plans. Walls under 4 feet are generally exempt from permits but must still meet property line setbacks. All walls must comply with grading and drainage requirements.
Pool fences in Concord must comply with California Health & Safety Code §§115920–115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act). Pools built or remodeled after January 1, 2007 require at least two drowning prevention safety features, including a 60-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates. Enforcement occurs through Building Division permits and inspection.
Hedges in Concord that function as fences are subject to the same height limits as fences: generally 3.5 feet in front yards and 6 feet in side and rear yards. Overgrown hedges obstructing sight triangles or sidewalks can be abated as a public nuisance. Hedges on boundary lines can be shared under California Civil Code §841 principles.
Concord requires a business license and Home Occupation Permit for any business operated from a residence. The use must be incidental to the residential use, not change the character of the neighborhood, and comply with the Home Occupation standards in the Concord Development Code.
Home occupations in Concord must limit in-person customer visits to avoid disrupting the residential neighborhood. Typical standards allow a small number of clients per day by appointment only. Retail sales from the home and walk-in customer traffic are prohibited.
California Health & Safety Code 1597.40-1597.465 preempts local regulation of licensed family day care homes. Concord must treat small (up to 8 children) and large (up to 14 children) family day care homes as a residential use by right, subject only to state-mandated standards. Operators need a Community Care Licensing (CCL) license and a Concord Business License, but no conditional use permit, special zoning approval, or extra local fees.
Home occupations in Concord may not display any exterior signs, window signs, or outdoor advertising identifying the business. The residential character must be preserved. Vehicle lettering on one personal vehicle is generally permitted if the vehicle is a standard passenger type.
The California Homemade Food Act, codified at Health and Safety Code sections 113758 and 114365, sets uniform rules for cottage food operations and bars local governments from prohibiting them in residential zones.
Drone-related privacy protections in California arise from Civil Code §1708.8 (physical and constructive invasion of privacy by drone), Penal Code §632 (audio eavesdropping), and Penal Code §647(j) (video voyeurism). Concord does not have a drone-specific privacy ordinance but enforces these state laws. Flights over private property at low altitude to capture images may create civil liability.
Commercial drone operations in California follow uniform federal rules under 14 CFR Part 107 plus statewide California provisions in Civil Code 1708.8 and Public Utilities Code 21401, with local rules limited to ground-based regulation.
Davis-Stirling requires Concord-area HOAs to offer Internal Dispute Resolution (IDR) under Civil Code 5900-5920 and to participate in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) under Civil Code 5925-5965 before filing certain lawsuits. Owners can also file complaints with the California Department of Real Estate or pursue small claims. The city of Concord does not mediate HOA disputes - they are a private civil matter.
HOAs in Concord may impose monetary penalties on members under Civil Code 5850 only after adopting a written schedule of fines, providing 10 days' written notice of the alleged violation and a right to a hearing before the board. Fines must be reasonable, procedurally proper, and cannot be used to collect regular assessments. Unpaid fines generally cannot be lien-foreclosed unless they exceed $1,800 or are more than 12 months delinquent.
In Concord, HOAs (Common Interest Developments) operate under the California Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act at Civil Code 4000-6150. City ordinances and Davis-Stirling generally function as floors - the stricter of the two applies unless state law expressly preempts HOA rules (e.g., solar panels, ADUs, clotheslines, EV charging, artificial turf, native plants). HOAs cannot override zoning, building, or health codes set by the city.
California's Toxic Mold Protection Act (Health & Safety Code §26100 et seq.) and Civil Code §1941.7 require landlords to disclose known visible mold exceeding permissible exposure limits before lease signing. Concord has no supplemental mold ordinance, but visible mold is treated as a substandard housing condition under Health & Safety Code §17920.3 and enforced by Concord Code Enforcement as a habitability violation.
Concord follows federal Title X and California Health & Safety Code requirements for lead-based paint disclosure in pre-1978 rental units. Landlords must provide the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home," disclose known lead hazards, and include the Lead Warning Statement in leases. Concord does not impose additional local disclosure requirements beyond state and federal law.
Concord does not maintain a mandatory citywide rental registration program but landlords must hold a Concord business license for each rental property. State-level AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act) rent caps and just-cause eviction rules apply to most rentals built before 2010.
Civil Code 1946.2 requires landlords statewide to have just cause to terminate tenancies of qualifying tenants who have lived in a covered unit at least 12 months.
Civil Code 1947.12 limits annual rent increases to 5 percent plus CPI, capped at 10 percent total, on most California rental units regardless of local ordinances.
Concord requires electrical permits under the California Electrical Code (CEC) for most electrical work beyond like-for-like replacement of switches, receptacles, and fixtures. New circuits, service upgrades, panel changes, EV charger installations, solar interconnections, and any work in wet or hazardous locations require a permit and inspection by the Concord Building Division. Unpermitted work can trigger stop-work orders and mandatory tear-out.
Concord adopts the California Residential Code and California Health & Safety Code 13113.7-13114, which require working smoke alarms in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every floor of all residential dwellings. Alarms installed since July 2014 must be 10-year sealed-battery or hardwired with battery backup. Alarms are required at sale, rental turnover, and any permitted alteration.
The California Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010 (HSC 17926-17926.2) requires carbon monoxide alarms in every dwelling unit with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage. In Concord, CO alarms must be installed outside each sleeping area and on every floor including basements, be State Fire Marshal listed, and comply with California Residential Code R315 installation standards. Sellers must certify compliance.
Concord requires a building permit for reroofing under CMC Title 18 (Building Code), which adopts the 2022 California Building Standards Code. Class A fire-rated roofing is required citywide, and tear-offs must comply with CALGreen and BAAQMD asbestos/NESHAP screening prior to demolition.
Concord has adopted the 2022 California Plumbing Code in CMC Title 18. Permits are required for water heater replacements, repipes, sewer laterals, backflow devices, and fixture additions. The City participates in the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (Central San) for sewer lateral standards.
Political signs in Concord are regulated content-neutrally alongside all other temporary signs per Reed v. Gilbert. California Elections Code §13.5 and Civil Code §4710 further protect the right to display non-commercial and political signs on private property. Concord imposes no special pre-election posting or post-election removal deadlines beyond general temporary-sign duration limits.
Garage-sale signs in Concord must be placed only on private property with owner consent and removed within 24–48 hours of the sale's end. Posting on utility poles, street signs, medians, or in the public right-of-way is prohibited and subject to summary removal and fines. Signs are limited to general temporary-sign size standards (~6 sq ft).
Medical cannabis is fully legal in California for qualified patients under Proposition 215 (Compassionate Use Act, 1996) and SB 420 (MMPA, 2003), now integrated into MAUCRSA. Concord allows licensed storefront cannabis retailers (which serve both medical and adult-use customers) and permits state-licensed medical cannabis delivery citywide. Patients with state MMIC cards receive sales-tax exemption under Rev. & Tax Code §34011.
Health and Safety Code section 11362.2 grants every adult 21 or older the statewide right to cultivate up to six cannabis plants indoors, and bars local governments from completely prohibiting indoor personal cultivation.
California's Mandatory Commercial Recycling Law (AB 341) and Concord's franchise require all residents and businesses to recycle through Republic Services' blue cart program. Accepted items include paper, cardboard, glass, metal cans, and rigid plastics #1, #2, and #5. Plastic bags, film, foam, and tanglers are prohibited. Contamination is subject to SB 1383 enforcement.
Republic Services provides Concord single-family residential customers with two free on-call bulky-item cleanups per calendar year, each allowing up to three cubic yards of qualifying material such as furniture, mattresses, large appliances, and e-waste. Appointments must be scheduled in advance; items must be set out by 6:00 AM on the scheduled day.
Republic Services is the exclusive franchised solid waste, recycling, and organics hauler for Concord under a long-term franchise agreement. Weekly collection is scheduled by neighborhood route; residents receive a service-day calendar from Republic. Carts must be curbside by 6:00 AM on collection day and removed within 24 hours. Holiday weeks typically shift service one day later.
Concord requires use of Republic Services-issued carts in three colors: gray (garbage), blue (recycling), and green (organics per SB 1383). Carts must be within 3 feet of the curb, lids fully closed, and not overfilled. Extra or overflow material outside the cart is not collected. Cart sizes are 20, 32, 64, or 96 gallons with rates scaled to volume.
Illegal dumping of waste on public or private property in Concord is prohibited under Concord Municipal Code Title 6 and California Penal Code §374.3, which authorizes fines of $250 to $10,000 plus cleanup costs for repeat offenders. Concord Code Enforcement, Concord Police, and Contra Costa Environmental Health share jurisdiction. Report dumping via the Concord Fix-It reporting tool.
Concord Municipal Code Chapter 9.15 imposes a juvenile curfew prohibiting persons under 18 from being in public places between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM Sunday through Thursday, and midnight to 5:00 AM Friday and Saturday, with standard exceptions for emergencies, employment, and accompanied travel. Violations are infractions with escalating fines and parental responsibility.
Concord parks and recreational facilities close nightly from 10:00 PM (or sunset, depending on the park) to 6:00 AM unless a permit authorizes later use. Presence in a closed park is an infraction under Concord Municipal Code Chapter 12 and applies to all ages. Todos Santos Plaza, community centers, and special-event venues may have different closing hours tied to programming.
Concord Municipal Code Chapter 5.50 regulates commercial door-to-door solicitation, requiring a city peddler/solicitor permit, identification card display, and compliance with posted "No Soliciting" signs. Hours are typically limited to 9 AM to sunset (or 8 PM in summer). Non-commercial, religious, and political canvassing are protected First Amendment activity and cannot be permit-restricted.
Concord does not maintain a formal municipal no-knock registry, but posted "No Soliciting" or "No Trespassing" signs have legal effect under Concord Municipal Code Chapter 5.50 and California Penal Code §602. Residents can also register on the California Do Not Call Registry (DNC) and federal Do Not Call Registry to reduce phone solicitation.
Concord issues rooftop solar PV permits within 1-3 business days under AB 2188 and participates in the SolarAPP+ automated permitting platform. Standard residential systems under 38.4 kW receive over-the-counter approval with no discretionary review.
California Civil Code 714 (Solar Rights Act) protects Concord homeowners from HOA bans on solar panels. HOA restrictions that increase system cost by more than $1,000 or reduce efficiency by more than 10% are void and unenforceable.
Portions of Concord along Walnut Creek, Pine Creek, and Galindo Creek lie in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (AE zones). The City participates in the National Flood Insurance Program and enforces floodplain construction standards under CMC Chapter 18.170.
Concord prohibits all illicit discharges to the storm drain system under CMC Title 8 and MRP NPDES Permit R2-2022-0118. Violators face administrative fines starting at $100 and escalating to $1,000+ per day, plus full cleanup cost recovery.
The California Coastal Act, Public Resources Code sections 30000 through 30900, requires Coastal Development Permits for nearly all work in the coastal zone and gives the Coastal Commission appeal jurisdiction over local decisions.
Concord does not have a formal dark-sky ordinance but CMC Title 18 requires exterior lighting to be shielded, downcast, and not spill onto neighboring properties. New development must submit a photometric plan demonstrating zero foot-candle spillover at property lines.
Concord prohibits light trespass onto neighboring properties under CMC nuisance provisions and the Development Code's outdoor lighting standards. Exterior lighting must be shielded so zero foot-candles reach adjacent residential property lines.
Concord food trucks must hold a Contra Costa Environmental Health Mobile Food Facility permit plus a Concord business license. SB 972 (2022) reformed sidewalk vendor and mobile food facility rules statewide, streamlining permits for independent operators.
Concord food trucks must maintain setbacks from schools, may not park in the same residential location more than limited time periods, and generally cannot obstruct traffic or sidewalks. SB 972 limits overly restrictive local location rules for sidewalk vendors.
Concord generally limits residential garage sales to no more than three or four events per household per calendar year, each typically lasting up to two or three consecutive days. Exceeding these limits can reclassify the activity as an unpermitted retail business requiring a business license and CDTFA seller's permit. Sign-cleanup rules apply between sales.
Concord does not require a permit or fee for residential garage sales, yard sales, or estate sales at single-family homes. Sales must be conducted on private property (not in the public right-of-way), during daylight hours, and comply with sign-posting rules. HOA CC&Rs may impose additional restrictions. Commercial-scale or recurring sales may trigger business-license requirements.
California sets a statewide minimum wage floor under Labor Code 1182.12, currently $16.50 per hour for all employers as of 2025. Local governments are not preempted and may set higher minimums; many cities exceed the state rate substantially.
California's Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act under Labor Code 245-249 mandates paid sick leave for nearly all employees statewide. SB 616 (2023) raised the minimum to 40 hours or five days annually effective January 2024, applying universally.
California regulates concealed carry weapons licenses statewide under Penal Code 26150 through 26225. Senate Bill 2 (2023) imposes uniform sensitive-place restrictions and applicant standards, preempting local variations on issuance criteria and qualifications.
California preempts most local firearm regulation under Government Code 53071 and Penal Code 25605, reserving licensing, registration, and manufacture authority to the state. However, local governments retain limited authority over discharge, sensitive places, and zoning of gun businesses.
California broadly prohibits open carry of firearms statewide under Penal Code 25850 (loaded firearms in public) and Penal Code 26350 (open carry of unloaded handguns). The prohibition applies uniformly across all California cities and counties without local variation.
California prohibits carrying loaded firearms in vehicles statewide under Penal Code 25400 and 25850. Unloaded handguns transported in private vehicles must be in a locked container or the vehicle's locked trunk; long guns must be unloaded but need not be locked.
California prohibits state and local governments from requiring private employers to use the federal E-Verify system except where federal law mandates it, under Government Code 7285.1 and 7285.3. The restriction applies uniformly to every California city and county.
The California Values Act (SB 54, 2017) codified at Government Code 7284-7284.12 limits state and local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. It applies uniformly to every California agency and bars participation in most civil immigration enforcement.
The California Land Conservation Act of 1965 (Williamson Act), Government Code 51200-51297.4, allows landowners to enter contracts with counties restricting land to agricultural use for ten-year minimum terms in exchange for reduced property tax assessment based on farming income.
The California Right to Farm Act under Civil Code 3482.5 protects established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits brought by neighbors who moved in after farming began. The law applies statewide and limits both private and local government nuisance actions.
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.
California restricts expanded polystyrene food containers statewide through SB 54 (2022) packaging requirements under Public Resources Code 42040-42081. The law mandates that polystyrene foodware achieve 25 percent recycling by 2025 or face statewide sales prohibition.
California Public Resources Code 42270-42273, enacted by AB 1884 (2018), prohibits full-service restaurants from providing single-use plastic straws unless requested by the customer. The on-request rule applies uniformly to dine-in restaurants statewide.
California prohibits sale of tobacco and vapor products to anyone under 21 statewide under Business and Professions Code 22958, enacted by SBX2-7 in 2016. The Tobacco 21 standard applies uniformly across all California jurisdictions.
California bans retail sale of most flavored tobacco products statewide under Health and Safety Code 104559.5, enacted by SB 793 (2020) and upheld by voters via Proposition 31 in November 2022. The ban applies uniformly to all California retailers.
California requires statewide licensing of tobacco and vape retailers under the STAKE Act and the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act. Business and Professions Code 22970 establishes uniform retailer licensing, while local governments may adopt stricter rules.