Pop. 542,107 · Fresno County
Fresno requires a Home Occupation Permit (HOP) under FMC §15-2739 for most home-based businesses, plus a Business Tax Certificate from Finance under FMC Chapter 7. HOP applications are reviewed administratively by Planning, typically within 2-4 weeks, with an application fee of roughly $100-$200.
California Government Code §§1596.78 et seq. preempts local zoning for small (up to 8 children) and large (up to 14 children) family daycare homes, treating them as residential use. Fresno cannot require a conditional use permit or additional parking for state-licensed family daycares, but must allow them in all residential zones with a state license.
Fresno Citywide Development Code Section 15-2735(E) requires that the residential appearance of the unit be maintained and that no exterior indication of a home occupation is permitted, effectively prohibiting any business sign on the property. Section 15-2735(G) refers signage to Article 26, Signs, but the no-exterior-indication standard means home-occupation signs are not allowed.
Fresno Citywide Development Code Section 15-2735(E) generally bars customer visits except for personal instruction (musical, art, tutoring), which is capped at eight clients/students per day and no more than three at one time. Client/employee hours are limited to 7 a.m.-7 p.m., only one operator-owned vehicle (one ton or less) may be used for the business, and direct on-site sales are prohibited except by mail, phone, or internet.
Fresno Citywide Development Code Section 15-2735(E)(14) permits Cottage Food Preparation as a home occupation, subject to California Government Code 51035 and Health and Safety Code 113758, with preparation and storage inside the primary residence and no outdoor storage. Section 15-2735(H) lists 27 specific businesses that are prohibited as home occupations, including auto repair, restaurants, retail sales, and commercial food handling other than cottage food.
Fresno Citywide Development Code Section 15-2735 allows home occupations in all residential units citywide regardless of zoning, but limits the business to 25 percent of the dwelling's floor area, requires the residential appearance to be maintained with no exterior indication of the business, confines activity to the dwelling or an enclosed garage, and permits no more than one non-resident employee.
Short-term rentals in Fresno must comply with the same FMC §10-105 noise limits as other residences: 60 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime at property lines. Fresno's STR ordinance (FMC Chapter 9, Article 25) requires each STR to post a 24-hour local contact who must respond to noise complaints within one hour.
Fresno STR operators must register twice with the City: by obtaining a Short Term Rental Permit (after zone clearance) and by applying for a Transient Occupancy Tax Certificate so they can collect and remit the 12% TOT and 2% TBID. The STR permit renews annually.
Fresno charges a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on stays of 30 days or less under FMC §7-601 et seq. Hosts must register, collect, and remit TOT monthly regardless of platform. A Business Tax Certificate is also required. Airbnb collects and remits TOT for Fresno under a voluntary agreement; Vrbo hosts generally must remit themselves.
Fresno requires STR operators to carry commercial general liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence, or to verify equivalent coverage through their hosting platform. Proof of insurance must be submitted with the STR permit application and kept current throughout the permit term.
Fresno does not currently impose an annual night cap on short-term rentals. Hosted STRs and whole-house STRs may operate year-round subject to permit compliance. Several California cities have adopted 90-180 night caps for non-hosted STRs, and Fresno planners have discussed similar limits but none are in force as of 2026.
Fresno does not impose a hosted-only rule. Operators may rent out an entire dwelling without the host residing on-site, provided the unit is permitted under FMC Chapter 9-15 and a 24/7 local contact is designated.
Fresno's STR framework distinguishes between primary-residence rentals and non-primary investor units. Primary-residence operators face fewer restrictions, while non-primary STRs may be capped or limited by zone under FMC Chapter 9-15.
Fresno enforces a progressive enforcement system for short-term rentals that accumulate repeated nuisance, noise, or occupancy violations. Multiple substantiated complaints within a defined period can trigger permit suspension or revocation under FMC Chapter 9-15.
Fresno requires short-term rental listings on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo to display a valid city permit number. Hosts bear responsibility for listing accuracy, and unpermitted listings can be removed at the city's request.
Fresno STR permits require one off-street parking space per bedroom, with a minimum of two spaces for whole-house rentals. Guest vehicles may not block driveways, sidewalks, or fire hydrants, and overnight parking on residential streets is generally allowed but subject to standard FMC parking rules.
Fresno generally treats stays of 30 days or more as long-term tenancies rather than short-term rentals. Hosts shifting to extended home-share arrangements escape STR permit requirements but assume California landlord-tenant obligations.
The City of Fresno's published STR requirements do not set a specific overnight-guest or per-bedroom cap. Allowable occupancy is governed by the zone clearance and the underlying residential use under the Citywide Development Code, plus building and fire code occupant-load limits and the City's nuisance prohibition.
The City of Fresno requires a Short Term Rental (STR) Permit before any home or room is rented or advertised for transient (30 days or less) use. The permit holder must be the property owner, the permit expires annually, and an approved zone clearance must be obtained first.
Fresno's official fence handout for Section 15-2006 lists allowed materials (wrought iron, tubular steel, wood, masonry, stucco, decorative concrete, hedges, and chain link in limited cases) and bans improvised, hazardous, and salvage materials such as plywood, chicken wire, corrugated products, piping, doors, mattresses, tarps, and chain link along major streets unless 3 feet or less.
California Civil Code §841 (the Good Neighbor Fence Act) presumes shared boundary fences are a mutual benefit and requires neighbors to split reasonable costs of construction and maintenance. Fresno does not override this; disputes go to small claims court. Written 30-day notice to the neighbor is required before any cost-share project.
Residential fences in Fresno are capped at 6 feet in side and rear yards, 3 feet in front yards, and must stay within the corner sight triangle at 3 feet. Material rules in FMC §15-2019 require finished materials facing the street and prohibit barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fencing in residential zones.
Retaining walls in Fresno require a building permit when they are 4 feet or taller measured from bottom of footing to top, or at any height when they support a surcharge load (slope, driveway, structure). Engineered plans stamped by a California licensed engineer are required for walls over 4 feet.
Under California Health and Safety Code §115920 (the Swimming Pool Safety Act) and FMC Chapter 15, all swimming pools in Fresno must have at least two drowning prevention safety features. Enclosure fencing must be at least 60 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates that open outward away from the pool.
A standard residential fence not over 7 feet does not require a building permit in Fresno, but it must still meet the zoning standards of Section 15-2006; fences in the public right-of-way need an encroachment permit, and security/barbed-wire fencing requires a separate permit under Section 15-2009.
Fresno limits fences in the required front yard to 3 feet (4 feet if 80% open wrought iron/tubular steel), allows up to 6 feet in interior side, rear, and street-side yards, and caps overall fence height at 7 feet, all governed by Fresno Municipal Code Section 15-2006.
Per the City of Fresno's Code Enforcement FAQs, farm animals such as rabbits, ducks, chickens, pigs, goats, sheep, cows, and horses are not permitted in residentially zoned districts of the city.
California Fish and Game Code §2118 prohibits private ownership of most exotic and wild animals statewide including large cats, bears, primates, wolves, ferrets, and many reptiles. Fresno adopts these state restrictions and FMC §9-2806 additionally bans keeping venomous reptiles and wild animals in residential zones. Common exotic pets like rabbits, hamsters, reptiles, and birds are allowed.
FMC §9-2703 requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet or in an enclosed area whenever off the owner's property. Off-leash is only permitted at designated Fresno dog parks including Woodward Park Dog Park, Basin AH-3, and Inspiration Park Dog Park. Violations carry $50-$250 fines escalating for repeats.
Fresno allows backyard beekeeping on single-family residential lots with up to two hives on lots under 10,000 square feet and four hives on larger lots. Hives must be set back 10 feet from property lines, with flyway barriers 6 feet tall if within 25 feet of neighbor property. Registration with the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner is required annually.
Livestock such as horses, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs, and llamas are only allowed in AE (Agricultural Exclusive), RE (Rural Estate), and similar rural zones in Fresno. Standard R-1 residential zoning prohibits livestock except for the 6-hen chicken allowance. Minimum parcel size varies by species, typically 0.5-1 acre for small goats and 2+ acres for horses and cattle.
Fresno enforces California Penal Code animal cruelty and hoarding provisions through Fresno County Animal Center field officers and the Fresno Police Department, particularly when pet-limit violations combine with neglect, unsanitary conditions, or untreated illness in animals.
California Fish and Game Code §251.3 prohibits feeding big game, furbearing mammals, and non-game mammals statewide. FMC §9-2810 also prohibits feeding of feral cats, pigeons, rodents, and wildlife where it creates a public nuisance. Bird feeders for songbirds are allowed unless they attract rats or create sanitation issues.
Fresno encourages but does not strictly mandate cat licensing. Cats must be kept under owner control, vaccinated for rabies if over four months old, and may be impounded if found at-large repeatedly causing nuisance complaints.
Fresno encourages spay and neuter for owned dogs and cats and applies differential licensing fees favoring altered animals. Adoptions from the Fresno County Animal Center include spay or neuter before release except for medical exemptions documented by veterinarians.
Fresno strongly encourages microchipping dogs and cats to ensure return to owners when lost. Adopted animals from Fresno County Animal Center are microchipped before release as part of standard adoption protocol and county practice.
Fresno borders agricultural and foothill habitats where coyotes routinely enter neighborhoods. The city follows California Department of Fish and Wildlife guidance encouraging hazing, secure trash, and pet supervision rather than relocation, which is generally prohibited under state law.
California AB 485 requires Fresno pet stores selling dogs, cats, or rabbits to source only from public shelters or rescue organizations. Retail sale of breeder-supplied puppies, kittens, or rabbits is banned statewide, with local enforcement supporting state inspections and sourcing audits.
Under Fresno Municipal Code section 15-2707, residential properties smaller than 36,000 square feet may keep no more than 4 animals (any combination of dogs and cats over 4 months old); properties larger than 36,000 square feet may keep no more than 6.
Fresno does not impose breed-specific dog bans. California Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683 preempts breed-specific dog regulation statewide, providing that 'no program regulating any dog shall be specific as to breed,' except spay/neuter ordinances authorized by Health and Safety Code Section 122331.
Carports allowed as accessory structures in residential zones per Fresno Municipal Code (FMC) Title 15 (Citywide Development Code). Must meet setbacks for primary structure in most zones; attached carports follow garage standards. Building permit required.
Fresno allows tiny homes primarily as ADUs under CA Gov Code §65852.2 and FMC accessory-dwelling-unit provisions. Tiny homes on wheels permitted only as Movable Tiny Houses (MTH) meeting HCD standards, not as permanent dwellings on private lots.
Fresno reviews ADU applications ministerially through the Planning Division of the Department of Planning and Development (DARM/Planning) under FMC Section 15-2754, consistent with California Government Code §65852.2. Plan review is local; the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) sets statewide minimum standards but does not review individual Fresno permits.
California Government Code §65852.2(a)(6) prohibits using ADUs and JADUs as short-term rentals of fewer than 30 days. Fresno's FMC 15-2754 incorporates this minimum 30-day lease requirement, and a deed restriction is recorded against the property to make it enforceable against future owners. Long-term rentals of 30+ days are permitted with no additional Fresno license requirement.
Fresno cannot charge impact fees on ADUs under 750 square feet under California Government Code §65852.2(f)(3)(A), which preempts local fee schedules. For ADUs 750 sf and larger, impact fees must be charged proportionally to the size of the primary dwelling per square foot.
Under California AB 587 (codified at Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(6)), Fresno cannot impose owner-occupancy requirements on ADUs permitted between January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2025. After January 1, 2025, AB 976 (2023) made the owner-occupancy prohibition permanent, so Fresno may not require owner-occupancy on any ADU. Junior ADUs (JADUs) still require owner-occupancy of either the primary unit or the JADU under Gov. Code §65852.22.
Converting a garage to living space in Fresno generally means creating an Accessory Dwelling Unit under Fresno Municipal Code Section 15-2754, and California Government Code Section 66314 bars the City from requiring replacement of the parking spaces lost when a garage is converted to or demolished for an ADU.
In Fresno a one-story detached tool/storage shed of 120 square feet or less, no more than 12 feet high, and at least 3 feet from property lines needs no building permit; accessory structures on residential parcels of 10,000 sq ft or less are capped at 12 feet high and must comply with Fresno Municipal Code Section 15-2004.
Fresno permits Accessory Dwelling Units (called Second Dwelling Units, Backyard Cottages, and Accessory Living Quarters) on any residential lot under Fresno Municipal Code Section 15-2754, but California state law (Gov. Code 66314-66323) now overrides stricter local standards, requiring ministerial approval of an 800 sq ft detached ADU with 4-foot side and rear setbacks.
Fresno requires all residential parking to be on an approved paved surface. FMC §15-2007 prohibits parking on lawns or unpaved areas in the front setback. Vehicles may park across private driveways only by consent; sidewalk overhang is prohibited and blocks subject to $75+ citation.
Fresno follows California CALGreen Tier 1 EV charging requirements for new residential and non-residential construction and allows single-family EV charger installations under a simplified permit per AB 1236. New single-family homes require one Level 2 EV-ready outlet in the garage; new multifamily must provide 10% EV capable spaces.
Fresno has no blanket citywide overnight on-street parking ban; instead vehicles are limited by the 72-hour storage rule (FMC 14-1006), so a passenger vehicle may legally remain overnight as long as it is moved before 72 consecutive hours pass. Posted time-limit and permit zones and the recreational-vehicle 24-hour movement rule are the main overnight restrictions.
Fresno Municipal Code section 14-1006 prohibits storing any vehicle on a city street for longer than 72 consecutive hours, regardless of whether a sign is posted. The Parking Division and the Fresno Police Department both enforce the limit, chalking tires and leaving a notice before towing under the California Vehicle Code.
Broken-down, inoperable or non-functional vehicles may not remain on city streets or private property in Fresno unless fully enclosed in a garage; a car cover does not satisfy the requirement. The Parking Division identifies abandoned vehicles by signs such as extended non-movement, flat tires, missing windshields, or accumulated weeds and trash, and tows them after notice under FMC 14-1006 and the California Vehicle Code.
Recreational vehicles, boats and trailers may only be stored on private residential property if fully enclosed in a legal structure or kept in a side or rear yard behind a solid wall or fence 5 to 6 feet high, and they may not be lived in while parked. On the public street, RVs, motorhomes, trailers and boats must be moved 1,000 feet every 24 hours or they are deemed abandoned.
Fresno's Parking Division specifically lists commercial vehicles parked in residential areas as a regulated neighborhood-preservation issue, alongside vehicles blocking sidewalks and immobilized vehicles, and these may be reported through the FresGO app or 311. Larger trucks, transport trailers, semis and buses are also captured by the FMC 14-1006 72-hour street-storage prohibition.
Hot tubs and spas require a building permit from Fresno Development Services. Must have an approved safety cover (ASTM F1346) OR comply with 60-inch barrier rules per CA §115922. Electrical permit required for 240V installations.
Beyond the H&S §115920 two-feature enclosure rule, Fresno pool operators must comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB) for anti-entrapment drain covers, NEC Article 680 for electrical bonding and GFCI protection, and FMC §10-105 noise limits on pool equipment. Commercial and STR pools have additional California public pool rules under H&S §116025.
Building a swimming pool or spa in Fresno requires a construction permit, and whenever that permit is issued for a new or remodeled pool the pool must be equipped with at least two of seven specified drowning-prevention safety features under Health & Safety Code 115922. Only small prefabricated above-ground pools accessory to a single-family home that are less than 24 inches deep and hold no more than 5,000 gallons are exempt from the building permit.
Above-ground pools holding 18 inches or more of water require a building permit in Fresno. Must comply with CA Swimming Pool Safety Act (§115920-115929) 60-inch barrier requirement. Pool ladders must be removable or lockable.
Every residential swimming pool, spa, or hot tub in Fresno that holds more than 18 inches of water must be surrounded by an enclosure at least 60 inches high, with self-closing, self-latching gates that open away from the pool. The City enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code 115920-115929) through the 2022 California Residential Code, and the City's own Consumer Notice reproduces the barrier standard verbatim.
Industrial noise in Fresno is capped by FMC §10-105 receiving-zone dBA limits: industrial zones allow up to 75 dBA at the property line, while any industrial operation that sends sound into adjacent residential zones must stay under the residential caps of 60 dBA day and 50 dBA night. Agricultural processing plants near Jensen, Central, and American Avenues are common complaint sources.
Fresno uses a receiving-zone dBA schedule in FMC §10-105. Residential properties are capped at 60 dBA from 7 AM to 10 PM and 50 dBA from 10 PM to 7 AM. Commercial zones are capped at 65 dBA / 60 dBA, and industrial at 75 dBA around the clock. Exceedance for more than 30 minutes in any hour is a violation.
Outdoor music events in Fresno require either compliance with the FMC §10-105 residential dBA caps (60 day / 50 night) or a noise variance permit under FMC §10-110. Large outdoor events on public property also need a Special Event Permit through the City Manager office, and alcohol service triggers ABC license conditions.
Fresno does not impose a citywide ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, but operation is restricted under the general noise nuisance provisions of FMC Chapter 10. Landscape maintenance is practically limited to daytime hours to stay under the 60 dBA residential daytime cap, and statewide CARB rules phase out new sales of gas-powered small off-road engines.
Fresno Municipal Code section 10-105(a) treats radios, instruments, phonographs, and amplification devices as regulated noise sources, and section 10-108 requires anyone using a loudspeaker or sound amplifying equipment in a public place to file a registration statement and obtain approval. Amplified sound may operate only 7 AM-10 PM, must not exceed 15 dB above ambient at any property line, and is barred within 200 feet of churches, schools, or hospitals.
Fresno cannot regulate in-flight aircraft noise (federally preempted), so the controlling standards are California's. Public Utilities Code section 21669 directs the state to adopt aircraft noise standards, and Title 21 CCR section 5012 sets the acceptable level at a 65-decibel community noise equivalent level (CNEL). At Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT), large-aircraft touch-and-go activity is prohibited from 10 PM to 7 AM.
Fresno Municipal Code section 9-2701(a) makes it unlawful to keep any dog which by habitual and continual barking, howling, or whining disturbs the peace and comfort of any neighborhood. Violation is an infraction, and the Noise Ordinance separately lists animal noise (section 10-105(b)) among regulated sources.
Fresno Municipal Code section 10-109(a) exempts permitted construction, remodeling, site preparation, and grading from the Noise Ordinance only when the work takes place between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. on any day except Sunday. Construction equipment such as pile drivers, hammers, saws, and drills is otherwise listed among the regulated noise sources in section 10-105(d).
Fresno's Noise Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter 10, Article 1) sets zone- and time-based exterior sound limits. In residential districts the limit is 50 dBA from 10 PM to 7 AM, 55 dBA from 7 PM to 10 PM, and 60 dBA from 7 AM to 7 PM; any noise exceeding the ambient level at a neighbor's property line by more than 5 decibels is prima facie unlawful.
FMC §10-605 is the primary weed control ordinance in Fresno, requiring vegetation under 6 inches on all parcels. Noxious and invasive weeds listed by the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner including yellow starthistle, puncturevine, and tamarisk require active control. Non-compliance triggers a mailed notice, city abatement, and a lien.
Fresno Municipal Code §10-605 requires property owners to maintain vegetation under 6 inches in height on developed parcels. Unmaintained grass, weeds, and rank growth over 6 inches becomes a fire and nuisance hazard subject to a weed abatement notice and administrative cleanup by the city at owner expense plus a lien.
The Fresno Water Division enforces year-round watering rules: no watering between 9 AM and 6 PM, no runoff onto streets or sidewalks, and watering on assigned odd/even days based on address. Mandatory schedules tighten in drought stages declared by Fresno and the State Water Board under Water Code §10608 and SB 606/AB 1668 long-term conservation rules.
Fresno encourages native and drought-tolerant plantings under its Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) adopted from state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. New landscaping over 500 square feet must meet water budget targets favoring native and low-water plants. HOAs cannot prohibit drought-tolerant landscaping under Civil Code §§4735 and 4739.
Rainwater harvesting from rooftops is legal in Fresno under California Water Code §10574 and AB 1750 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012). No permit is required for simple rain barrels or cisterns used to irrigate landscaping. Storage tanks over 5,000 gallons or integrated with potable plumbing require Plumbing Code permits and backflow prevention.
Artificial turf is legal in Fresno front and back yards. California Civil Code §4735 prohibits HOAs from banning artificial turf, and AB 349 (2015) further protects the right to install. Installations over 500 square feet need WELO documentation. Permeable base and proper drainage are required to prevent stormwater issues.
Street trees in the Fresno public right-of-way are jointly the responsibility of the property owner and the city Urban Forestry division. Property owners must maintain 14-foot clearance over streets and 8 feet over sidewalks under FMC §13-605. Removal or major pruning of street trees and protected trees requires a permit from Urban Forestry.
FMC §13-305 requires a Tree Removal Permit for protected/heritage trees. Permits evaluated by licensed arborists. Licensed contractor required. Fruit trees exempt. Violators must pay double fee plus replacement costs.
SB 1383 requires every California resident and business to separate food scraps and yard waste from trash, with universal collection or on-site composting.
California Health and Safety Code §13113.7 and FMC Chapter 15 require smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every story of dwellings. Fresno Fire enforces installation and maintenance at resale, rental, and at STR permit inspection. Alarms must be 10-year sealed lithium or hardwired with battery backup for alarms installed since 2014.
Fresno follows California Fire Code limits on residential propane cylinder storage. Single-family homes may store small portable cylinders for grills, but bulk tanks above twenty pounds at residences require permitting through the Fresno Fire Department and code-compliant clearances.
Within the City of Fresno, fruit stands, retail sales lots and Christmas tree lots are not allowed to burn for any reason and may not use wood stoves, portable fireplaces, chimineas, burn barrels or incinerators; propane-fired or electric heaters are recommended instead. This complements the citywide open-burning ban that protects against fire spread to dry vegetation.
Backyard recreational fires in Fresno are allowed only when used for cooking food, as a campfire, or for a religious ceremony, burning clean dry wood or charcoal, and only when attended and a safe distance from buildings, combustibles and vegetation. Any unattended fire must be extinguished, and wood-burning is further banned on air-district curtailment days November through February.
Open burning is prohibited within the City of Fresno except with an operational permit issued under the Fresno Municipal Code and San Joaquin Valley Air District rules, or for limited cooking, campfire and religious-ceremonial fires using clean dry wood or charcoal. Burning trash is always illegal. Company officers may extinguish any non-compliant fire on the spot.
Fresno Fire Department policy authorizes officers to halt any otherwise-allowed outdoor fire when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make it hazardous, providing a local wildfire/red-flag safeguard. The San Joaquin Valley Air District separately ties wood-burning restrictions to forecast PM2.5 levels, with Fresno County facing the strictest hot-spot thresholds.
Backyard fire pits, fire rings, burn bowls and chimineas are legal in Fresno for cooking or recreation, but the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) Rule 4901 prohibits operating any outdoor wood-burning device on declared 'Check Before You Burn' curtailment days from November 1 through February. Fresno is a Rule 4901 'hot spot' county with the strictest curtailment thresholds.
Unlike most California cities, Fresno permits state-approved 'Safe and Sane' fireworks bearing the State Fire Marshal seal. They may be used year-round between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., with extended hours to midnight from June 28 through July 6. All other (dangerous) fireworks are illegal and carry escalating administrative fines starting at $2,000.
Fresno requires permits for removal of street trees and trees in the public right-of-way under FMC Chapter 13, Article 4 (Urban Forestry). The City Arborist oversees tree management on public property. Removal of private trees generally does not require a City permit unless the tree is a designated heritage or landmark tree. However, removal during active development requires compliance with the Development Code's landscaping provisions.
Fresno Municipal Code Chapter 16-08 places parkway strip trees under city control. Residents must obtain permits and choose from the approved species list before planting in the area between sidewalk and curb.
Fresno targets new tree planting in low-canopy, predominantly Latino south Fresno neighborhoods, addressing historic disparities documented in the city's urban forest management plan and Climate Action Plan.
Fresno requires tree replacement when significant trees are removed during development or public infrastructure projects. The Development Code's landscaping provisions under FMC Chapter 15, Article 23 mandate replacement planting for trees removed as part of new construction. The City's Urban Forestry program also requires replacement of removed street trees, typically with species appropriate for Fresno's climate and the specific planting location.
Fresno protects heritage and significant trees through its Urban Forestry program and Development Code provisions. Heritage trees are generally defined as trees of notable size, species, age, or historical significance. The City maintains an inventory of significant public trees. Removal of heritage trees on public property requires City Arborist approval and typically mandates replacement planting at a specified ratio.
Fresno permits garage and yard sales on residential property without a permit but limits frequency and duration. Sales are generally limited to no more than two per year, each lasting no more than three consecutive days. Items must be displayed on private property, not in the public right-of-way or on sidewalks. Sales may not operate before 7:00 AM or after sunset.
Fresno regulates trash container storage under FMC Chapter 10, Article 6 and the City's solid waste franchise agreement. Trash, recycling, and green waste bins must be stored in a location not visible from the public right-of-way when not set out for collection. Bins should be placed at the curb no earlier than 5:00 PM the day before collection and retrieved by the end of collection day. Bins left out beyond the allowed period are a common code enforcement issue.
Fresno aggressively enforces property blight and nuisance abatement under FMC Chapter 10 (Health, Safety and Sanitation). The City's Code Enforcement Division actively addresses abandoned vehicles, accumulation of trash and debris, graffiti, overgrown vegetation, and deteriorated structures. Fresno was among the first California cities to create dedicated blight enforcement programs to address neighborhood quality-of-life issues.
Fresno, located in California's Central Valley, does not experience significant snowfall and has no snow removal or sidewalk clearing ordinance. The city's climate features hot, dry summers and mild winters with average winter temperatures well above freezing. On the rare occasion of trace snowfall, no municipal snow clearing requirements apply to property owners.
Fresno requires owners of vacant lots to maintain their properties free of weeds, debris, and hazardous conditions under FMC Chapter 10. Vacant lots must keep vegetation below 12 inches, be free of trash and illegal dumping, and maintain secure fencing if they present an attractive nuisance. The City conducts proactive enforcement sweeps of vacant lots, particularly during fire season when dry vegetation poses combustion risks.
Licensed cannabis retailers may deliver to Fresno addresses under California Business and Professions Code §26090 and 16 CCR §5416, with required vehicle GPS tracking, $5,000 cash limits, and adult-recipient ID checks.
Fresno requires commercial cannabis retailers to maintain at least 800-foot buffers from schools, daycare centers, youth centers, and other cannabis retailers under FMC §9-3309 and California Business & Professions Code §26054.
Fresno allows commercial cannabis retail in designated commercial zones under FMC Chapter 9 with district council approval, capping dispensaries at two per council district and requiring 800-foot buffers from schools.
California Proposition 64 and Health & Safety Code §11362.2 allow Fresno residents 21+ to cultivate up to six cannabis plants indoors per private residence, but outdoor home cultivation is banned under FMC §9-3320.
Under California Proposition 64 and Health & Safety Code Section 11362.2, adults 21 and older may cultivate up to six cannabis plants per household for personal use. Fresno follows state law without imposing additional local restrictions beyond standard nuisance and odor provisions. Plants must be grown in a locked space not visible from a public place. Indoor cultivation is permitted in any zone; outdoor cultivation must comply with setback and screening requirements.
Fresno regulates commercial cannabis businesses under FMC Chapter 9, Article 33 (Cannabis Retail Business and Cannabis Business). The City allows licensed cannabis dispensaries in designated commercial and industrial zones with a conditional use permit (CUP). Dispensaries must maintain buffer distances of at least 800 feet from schools, daycare centers, and youth centers, and 800 feet from other cannabis businesses. The City caps the total number of retail cannabis permits.
Landlords and homeowners in Fresno must maintain dwellings free of significant infestations. The Fresno County Department of Public Health and city code enforcement investigate complaints involving rodents, cockroaches, and bedbugs as habitability issues under state and local housing standards.
Scaffolding on Fresno construction sites must comply with Cal/OSHA Title 8 scaffold standards, including permits for taller installations, daily inspection by qualified persons, fall protection above ten feet, and guardrails on platforms accessible to workers and the public.
Fresno construction follows California Green Building Standards Code, known as CALGreen, requiring water efficiency, construction waste reduction, and indoor air quality measures. Building plans submitted to Development and Resource Management must demonstrate compliance through prescriptive or performance pathways.
California Building Code Title 24 requires automatic fire sprinklers in new one and two-family dwellings statewide. Fresno enforces these requirements through Fresno Fire Department plan review and Building and Safety inspections, with limited exemptions for additions and remodels.
Elevators in Fresno multi-family and commercial buildings fall under California Division of Occupational Safety and Health jurisdiction. Annual inspections, certified maintenance contracts, and posted operating permits are required, with local code enforcement coordinating on building habitability concerns.
Fresno enforces California Building Code Chapter 10 rules on egress door hardware. Locks on residential exit doors must allow single-action unlatching from inside without keys, while assembly and commercial doors face stricter panic-hardware and accessibility requirements during occupied periods.
Pre-1978 Fresno homes fall under federal lead paint disclosure rules and California Department of Public Health renovation standards. Contractors disturbing painted surfaces must follow EPA RRP and Cal/OSHA lead-safe work practices, with disclosure required at sale and lease.
California Health and Safety Code §118286 prohibits placing home-generated sharps in trash or recycling bins. Fresno residents must use approved sharps containers and drop them at designated collection sites.
California Civil Code §1954.603 requires Fresno landlords to give written bed bug disclosures to tenants, prohibits renting infested units, and obligates pest control. Local enforcement runs through Fresno Code Enforcement and Public Health.
California Senate Bill 602 requires all Fresno restaurant food handlers to obtain an ANSI-accredited food handler card within 30 days of hire and keep it current every three years.
Fresno Municipal Code Chapter 8 (Health and Safety) and Chapter 10-606 declare rodent harborage on private property a public nuisance, allowing the City to order abatement at the owner's expense.
Fresno County Department of Public Health inspects restaurants under the California Retail Food Code and posts color-coded placards (green pass, yellow conditional, red closed) at each establishment's public entrance.
Fresno does not have a local rent control ordinance. However, the statewide California Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) applies to most residential rental properties in Fresno. AB 1482 caps annual rent increases at 5% plus the local Consumer Price Index (CPI) change, or 10%, whichever is lower. The law applies to buildings 15 or more years old and exempts single-family homes owned by individuals (with proper notice), duplexes where the owner occupies one unit, and properties built within the last 15 years.
California Government Code prohibits Fresno landlords from refusing tenants because they pay rent with Section 8 vouchers or other lawful subsidies. Source of income is a protected characteristic under state fair-housing law.
California caps Fresno security deposits at one month's rent for most residential tenancies under AB 12, effective July 2024. Landlords must itemize deductions and return the balance within twenty-one days of move-out.
AB 1482 limits Fresno no-fault evictions to specific reasons including owner move-in, substantial remodel, withdrawal from rental market, or government order. Landlords must give written notice and pay one month's relocation assistance.
Fresno landlords invoking AB 1482 no-fault eviction must pay the tenant one month's rent in relocation assistance or waive the final month's rent. Payment is due at notice service for displaced households.
California AB 1482 requires Fresno landlords to give tenants a written notice explaining statewide rent-cap and just-cause protections. The disclosure must appear in the lease or as a standalone document signed by the tenant.
Fresno Housing Authority administers federal Section 8 housing-choice vouchers in Fresno. Landlords accepting vouchers enter a Housing Assistance Payments contract and submit to inspections under HUD's Housing Quality Standards.
California law protects Fresno tenants from landlord harassment intended to force them out, including utility shut-offs, lockouts, and threats based on immigration status. Violations expose landlords to civil damages and criminal liability.
Fresno requires all residential rental properties to be registered with the City under the Rental Housing Improvement Act (FMC Chapter 10, Article 11). Registration must be completed within 30 days of receiving initial notice. The program was established to address substandard rental housing conditions and promote compliance with health and safety standards. There is no fee to register, but failure to register results in penalties.
Fresno does not have a local just-cause eviction ordinance, but the statewide AB 1482 provides just-cause eviction protections for tenants who have occupied a unit for 12 or more months. Landlords of covered properties cannot terminate tenancies without a legally recognized reason, categorized as at-fault (lease violations, nonpayment) or no-fault (owner move-in, substantial renovation, withdrawal from rental market). No-fault evictions require relocation assistance equal to one month's rent.
California evictions run through the unlawful detainer process. Under Code of Civil Procedure § 1161, nonpayment requires a 3-day notice to pay rent or quit (excluding weekends and holidays), and lease violations require a 3-day notice to cure or quit. No-fault terminations of covered tenancies require 30, 60, or 90 days. Self-help lockouts are illegal.
California landlords must keep rentals fit to live in. Civil Code §§ 1941 and 1941.1, reinforced by Green v. Superior Court, imply a warranty of habitability covering plumbing, heat, water, electricity, and sanitation. If repairs fail after notice, a tenant may repair and deduct up to one month's rent under § 1942 or withhold rent.
California Civil Code § 1954 limits when a landlord may enter a rented home. Except in emergencies, abandonment, or with tenant consent, the landlord must give reasonable written notice (24 hours is presumed reasonable) and may enter only during normal business hours, for specific permitted reasons such as repairs, inspections, or showings.
California sets no fixed dollar or percentage cap on rent late fees, but a late fee in a residential lease is treated as liquidated damages. Under Civil Code § 1671, such a fee is valid only if it reasonably estimates the landlord's actual loss from late payment; arbitrary penalty fees are unenforceable.
To end a California month-to-month tenancy, a tenant gives 30 days' written notice. A landlord gives 30 days if the tenant has lived there under a year, or 60 days if a year or more, under Civ. Code § 1946.1. AB 1482 requires just cause after 12 months; military and DV tenants may exit early.
California requires written notice before raising a month-to-month tenant's rent. Under Civ. Code § 827, increases of 10% or less in 12 months need 30 days' notice; increases above 10% need 90 days' notice. AB 1482 separately caps yearly increases on covered units.
California adverse possession requires five years of continuous, open, hostile possession AND payment of all property taxes during that period under Code of Civil Procedure § 325. A squatter or trespasser who has not paid taxes gains no ownership and can be removed by unlawful detainer, ejectment, or a police trespass action.
California Senate Bill 7 (Business and Professions Code §22963) bans tobacco and vape sales to anyone under 21 in Fresno, requiring photo ID checks for purchasers who appear under 30.
California SB 793, upheld by 2022 voter referendum Proposition 31, bans the sale of most flavored tobacco products statewide, including in Fresno, with limited exceptions for premium cigars, loose-leaf tobacco, and hookah.
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.
California AB 1276 (Public Resources Code §42271) requires Fresno restaurants and food delivery platforms to provide single-use utensils, condiments, and napkins only upon customer request.
Fresno does not ban expanded polystyrene foam foodware, unlike many California coastal cities. State law SB 54 phases down all single-use plastic foodware by 2032, indirectly limiting polystyrene use.
California Assembly Bill 1884 (Public Resources Code §42270) prohibits Fresno full-service restaurants from automatically providing single-use plastic straws; customers must specifically request one.
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.
Fresno honors no-solicitation signs posted by residents. Under FMC Chapter 9 and California Penal Code Section 602.8, solicitors must respect posted 'No Soliciting' signs and immediately leave when asked by the occupant. Ignoring a no-solicitation sign and knocking or ringing the doorbell constitutes a violation. The City encourages residents to post clear no-solicitation signage to reduce unwanted door-to-door contact.
Fresno requires a city-issued solicitor permit for door-to-door commercial sales under Fresno Municipal Code Chapter 6. Applicants submit to a Fresno PD background check and receive a photo ID card. Religious, political, and charitable canvassing is exempt. "No Soliciting" signs are enforceable against commercial visits.
Fresno pawnbrokers operate under California Financial Code Section 21000 et seq., requiring DOJ licensing, FPD registration, 30-day holds on pledged items, and capped finance charges on loans.
Fresno regulates massage establishments under FMC Chapter 5, requiring CAMTC-certified practitioners, business permits, lighting standards, and inspections to align with California's statewide massage therapy framework.
Fresno requires every tobacco and vape retailer to obtain an annual tobacco retail license, in addition to a state CDTFA license, with proximity restrictions near schools and youth-serving facilities under FMC Chapter 9.
Fresno tow operators must register with FPD, hold California Highway Patrol carrier permits, post maximum non-consensual tow rates, and follow CVC Section 22658 for trespass tows from private property.
Fresno secondhand dealers must register with the state DOJ, hold reportable goods 30 days, and submit electronic transaction reports to FPD under California Business & Professions Code Section 21625.
Fresno operates and contracts bridge-housing facilities including Poverello House and city-supported navigation centers. These low-barrier shelters connect unhoused residents to permanent housing through the Fresno-Madera Continuum of Care coordinated entry.
Fresno restricts sitting, lying, or sleeping on public sidewalks and right-of-way in ways that obstruct pedestrian traffic. Enforcement follows Ninth Circuit Martin v. Boise constraints when adequate shelter beds are unavailable.
Fresno conducts encampment cleanups in coordination with outreach, providing advance notice and storing personal property under Ninth Circuit Lavan v. Los Angeles standards. Posted cleanups typically allow at least seventy-two hours notice.
Fresno's Climate Action Plan, adopted alongside the General Plan 2035, sets binding greenhouse gas reduction targets aligned with California Senate Bill 32 and requires consistency findings for major development projects citywide.
Fresno's sustainable procurement policies push city departments to favor recycled-content, energy-efficient, and locally produced goods, supporting Climate Action Plan goals and California's mandatory state-bid sustainability requirements.
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District enforces a strict five-minute idling limit on heavy-duty trucks and buses inside Fresno to reduce particulate matter exposure in one of the nation's smoggiest air basins.
Fresno endures triple-digit summer temperatures, so the General Plan 2035 and California building standards push cool roofs, shade trees, and reflective paving to reduce neighborhood heat exposure and cooling demand.
Fresno falls in California Climate Zone 13, so Title 24 mandates reflective cool-roof products on most new nonresidential roofs and many residential roof replacements to cut peak cooling load.
Fresno regulates grading and drainage through FMC Chapter 15 (Development Code) and the Building Code. Grading permits are required for earthwork exceeding specified thresholds. All development must manage drainage so that post-development runoff does not adversely affect adjacent properties. The Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District oversees regional drainage infrastructure and reviews development plans for drainage adequacy.
Fresno requires erosion and sediment control measures for all grading and construction activities under FMC Chapter 15 (Development Code) and the California Construction General Permit. Projects disturbing one or more acres must file a Notice of Intent and prepare a SWPPP with site-specific erosion control BMPs. The City's relatively flat terrain and sandy soils reduce erosion risk compared to hillside areas, but wind erosion and PM10 dust control are significant concerns in the San Joaquin Valley.
Fresno is an inland city located in California's Central Valley, approximately 150 miles from the Pacific coast. The California Coastal Act and coastal development permit requirements do not apply. There is no local coastal development ordinance. Development near waterways such as the San Joaquin River is subject to environmental review under CEQA and potential permits from the Army Corps of Engineers and California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Fresno enforces stormwater management under FMC Chapter 6, Article 7 (Stormwater Quality Management) and the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board's MS4 permit. All new development and significant redevelopment must implement post-construction stormwater best management practices (BMPs). Illicit discharges to the storm drain system are prohibited, and the City conducts dry-weather monitoring of outfalls to the San Joaquin River watershed.
Fresno has significant flood risk areas along the San Joaquin River, Kings River, and various urban drainage channels. FMC Chapter 11, Article 2 establishes floodplain management regulations implementing FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) must comply with elevation requirements, flood-proofing standards, and development restrictions. The city's location in the Central Valley between the San Joaquin and Kings River floodplains creates substantial exposure.
Fresno Department of Public Utilities enforces year-round outdoor watering schedules with strict day-of-week and time-of-day limits. Violators face escalating fines under Fresno Municipal Code Chapter 6 water conservation rules.
Fresno DPU offers rebates to residents who replace thirsty cool-season lawn with low-water landscaping, a cornerstone Climate Action Plan strategy in California's drought-prone Central Valley.
Fresno operates a regional water reclamation facility producing tertiary-treated recycled water for irrigation, industrial cooling, and groundwater recharge under California Title 22 standards and Fresno Municipal Code utility rules.
Fresno DPU encourages prompt reporting of broken sprinklers, water-main breaks, and customer-side leaks. The city provides a 24-hour dispatch line and online portal for non-emergency leak reports.
Fresno's General Plan 2035 prioritizes transit-oriented development along Fresno Area Express corridors and around the future California High-Speed Rail downtown station, encouraging higher densities, mixed use, and reduced parking minimums.
Fresno layers specific plans and community plans atop the General Plan 2035 to set tailored zoning, design standards, and infrastructure financing for downtown, Tower District, Chinatown, and other distinct neighborhoods.
Fresno applies California's State Density Bonus Law, granting up to 50 percent extra units, height waivers, and parking concessions for projects that include affordable, senior, or supportive housing, regardless of base zoning.
Fresno Municipal Code Chapter 9 prohibits urinating or defecating in public view, on streets, sidewalks, parks, or private property without consent, treating violations as a misdemeanor or infraction.
Fresno prohibits aggressive panhandling under FMC Chapter 9, banning intimidation, blocking pedestrians, soliciting at ATMs and bus stops, and approaching vehicles in traffic, while preserving passive solicitation as protected speech.
Fresno's loud-party ordinance under FMC Chapter 9 lets FPD issue first-warning notices and charge response fees for repeat unruly gatherings, holding hosts and property owners liable within 90 days.
Fresno bans smoking in parks, transit stops, outdoor dining, within 20 feet of building entrances, and at city sports facilities under FMC Chapter 10, covering tobacco, cannabis, and vape devices.
Fresno prohibits open containers of alcohol on public streets, sidewalks, parks, and parking lots under FMC Chapter 9 and California Business & Professions Code Section 25620, with permitted exceptions for licensed events.
Fresno operates as a Welcoming City within California's statewide sanctuary framework under SB 54 (the California Values Act), limiting local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration detainers.
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.
Fresno classifies businesses into categories under FMC Chapter 7 with annual business taxes based on gross receipts, employee counts, or flat fees, due annually with new-business prorating available.
Fresno does not impose a dedicated parking tax, unlike Los Angeles or San Francisco, but commercial parking operators must hold business tax certificates and remit applicable sales tax under California law.
Fresno follows California's statewide minimum wage of $16.50 per hour as of 2026, indexed annually for inflation under SB 3, with no separate local wage ordinance unlike Los Angeles, San Francisco, or San Diego.
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.
Fresno does not specifically regulate residential inflatable holiday displays. There is no size cap, lighting curfew, or fan-noise limit specific to inflatables. General provisions apply: the noise from continuous fan motors must not exceed Fresno's noise limits (FMC Chapter 10, Article 1), and large inflatables that block sight lines for vehicles or pedestrians may trigger the City's sign or right-of-way regulations.
Fresno does not have a specific ordinance regulating residential holiday light displays. Display dates, brightness, and decorative content are not regulated by the City. General provisions apply: the Noise Ordinance (FMC Chapter 10, Article 1) limits amplified sound, and lighting that creates a glare nuisance to neighboring properties may be addressed under FMC Chapter 12 (Outdoor Lighting / Dark Sky) and general nuisance law.
Fresno does not regulate decorative lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round yard decorations on private property. Property maintenance standards in FMC Chapter 10 require yards to be free of debris, abandoned vehicles, and overgrown vegetation, but ornamental items in good condition are permitted. HOA architectural review committees impose the most common restrictions on lawn ornaments in master-planned communities.
Fresno enforces the California Fire Code (CFC) as adopted in FMC Chapter 10, Article 5 (Fire Prevention). Under CFC §308.1.4 (the California amended version of IFC §308.1.4), charcoal grills and open-flame cooking devices may not be operated on combustible balconies or within 10 feet of combustible construction at multi-family buildings. Single- and two-family dwellings, sprinklered buildings, and LPG cylinders of 2.5 pounds water capacity or less (nominal 1-lb propane) are exempted.
Fresno does not have a specific ordinance regulating backyard smokers or wood-fired ovens by time of day. Use is governed by the general nuisance provisions of FMC Chapter 10, Article 5 (Fire Prevention), the City's noise ordinance (FMC Chapter 10, Article 1), and San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) Rule 4901 and Rule 4103, which restrict residential wood burning on declared 'No Burn' days during November through February.
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Fresno require building, electrical, plumbing, and gas permits under FMC Chapter 11 (Building Regulations), which adopts the California Building Code, California Electrical Code, California Plumbing Code, and California Mechanical Code. Permits are issued by the Building & Safety Section of the Department of Planning and Development.
Fresno requires building permits for solar panel installations per FMC Chapter 11 and the California Building Code. Under AB 2188 (California Solar Permitting Act), the City must offer a streamlined, expedited permitting process for small residential rooftop solar systems. Permits for standard residential systems (up to 10 kW) are processed ministerially without discretionary review. Inspections are required to verify electrical and structural compliance.
California's Solar Rights Act (Civil Code §714) strongly protects homeowners' right to install solar energy systems. HOAs in Fresno cannot prohibit solar panel installations and may only impose reasonable restrictions that do not increase system cost by more than $1,000 or reduce efficiency by more than 10%. AB 1410 further strengthened protections by preventing HOAs from requiring pre-approval that unreasonably delays installation.
Fresno regulates signs under FMC Chapter 15, Article 26 (Sign Regulations). Political signs on private property are broadly protected under the First Amendment and California Election Code Section 18370. The City cannot prohibit political signs on residential property. Signs may be subject to reasonable size limits (typically 32 sq ft in residential zones) and must be removed within a reasonable period after the election. No permit is required for temporary political signs.
Fresno permits temporary holiday displays and decorations on residential property without a permit. Holiday displays including lights, inflatables, and yard decorations are considered temporary signs or decorations and are not subject to the permanent sign code provisions. Displays should not create traffic hazards, obstruct sidewalks, or constitute a fire hazard. Most residents remove decorations within a reasonable time after the holiday season.
Fresno's sign code under FMC Chapter 15, Article 26 regulates temporary signs including garage sale signs. Temporary signs advertising garage or yard sales are permitted on the property where the sale occurs without a permit. Off-site signs (directional signs on utility poles, street corners, or public right-of-way) are generally prohibited. Signs must be removed promptly after the sale ends.
Fresno's Development Code under FMC Chapter 15 includes outdoor lighting standards that address light pollution and glare. While Fresno does not have a standalone dark-sky ordinance, the Development Code requires exterior lighting to be shielded and directed downward to minimize light trespass and sky glow. New development and major renovations must submit lighting plans demonstrating compliance with these standards.
Fresno addresses light trespass through the Development Code and general nuisance provisions. Exterior lighting must be designed and aimed so that light does not spill onto adjacent residential properties in a manner that creates a nuisance. Commercial properties adjacent to residential zones face stricter requirements for shielding and fixture placement to prevent light intrusion into homes and yards.
Fresno provides weekly curbside collection of trash, recycling, and green waste through its solid waste franchise. Residents receive three carts: gray for trash, blue for recyclables, and green for organic/green waste. Collection occurs on a designated day each week. Carts must be placed at the curb by 6:00 AM on collection day with lids closed and handles facing the house, at least three feet apart from each other and from obstructions.
Fresno requires specific cart placement for collection under the solid waste franchise agreement. Carts must be placed at the curb with lids closed, handles facing the house, at least three feet from other carts, parked vehicles, mailboxes, and utility poles. Carts should not block sidewalks, driveways, or bicycle lanes. Between collection days, carts must be stored out of view from the public right-of-way.
Fresno provides bulk item pickup service for large items that do not fit in standard carts. Residents may schedule a limited number of free bulky item pickups per year through the City's solid waste hauler. Eligible items include furniture, mattresses, appliances (doors removed), and large household items. Hazardous waste, construction debris, and tires require separate disposal through designated facilities.
Fresno mandates recycling participation under state laws including AB 341, AB 1826, and SB 1383. All residents must use the blue recycling cart for paper, cardboard, plastics (#1-7), glass, and metals. SB 1383 requires organic waste diversion through the green cart for food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard trimmings. Commercial generators producing four or more cubic yards of waste per week must have recycling service.
Recreational drone use in Fresno is primarily governed by FAA regulations, including the requirement to register drones weighing 0.55 to 55 pounds and pass the TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test). Fresno does not have a specific local drone ordinance but applies general public safety and nuisance provisions. Drones may not be flown over 400 feet AGL, within 5 miles of Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) without FAA authorization, or over people and vehicles.
Commercial drone operations in Fresno require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Operators must comply with FAA regulations including weight limits (under 55 lbs), altitude restrictions (400 feet AGL), visual line of sight, and airspace authorizations. Fresno does not impose additional local permitting requirements for commercial drone operations beyond general business licensing, but operators must obtain LAANC authorization for flights in controlled airspace near Fresno's airports.
Fresno regulates mobile food vendors under FMC Chapter 9, Article 7 (Peddlers, Solicitors and Itinerant Vendors). Food trucks must obtain a City business tax certificate and comply with Fresno County Department of Public Health mobile food facility permitting requirements. Operators must have a valid California Department of Public Health mobile food facility permit and a Fresno County health permit. Fire Department approval may be required for cooking operations.
Fresno designates approved locations for food truck and mobile vendor operations, particularly near downtown, entertainment districts, and special event areas. Food trucks on public streets must comply with parking regulations and cannot block traffic, fire hydrants, bus stops, or ADA-accessible routes. The City has expanded food truck allowances in recent years to support the growing mobile food scene, particularly in the Tower District and downtown areas.
Fresno enforces a juvenile curfew under FMC Chapter 10, Article 8. Minors under 18 are prohibited from being in any public place during curfew hours: 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 PM to 6:00 AM on Friday and Saturday nights. Exceptions include minors accompanied by a parent or guardian, those traveling to or from work, and those engaged in emergency errands or constitutionally protected activities.
Fresno parks are closed to the public from 10:30 PM to 6:00 AM under FMC Chapter 13 (Parks and Recreation) unless otherwise posted or authorized by special event permit. All persons must vacate City parks during closed hours. The Fresno Police Department and park rangers enforce park curfew, particularly in parks that have experienced after-hours criminal activity.
Fresno's Development Code under FMC Chapter 15, Part III establishes setback requirements that vary by zoning district. In single-family residential zones (RS), typical setbacks include a 20-25 foot front yard, 5 foot interior side yard, 10 foot street side yard, and 20 foot rear yard. Multi-family and commercial zones have different requirements. Setback variances may be obtained through the Planning Commission or Zoning Administrator for hardship cases.
Fresno's Development Code establishes maximum building heights by zoning district under FMC Chapter 15, Part III. Single-family residential zones (RS) generally allow a maximum height of 35 feet or 2.5 stories. Multi-family zones allow 35-50 feet depending on the district. Commercial and downtown zones may allow significantly taller structures, particularly in the downtown core where height limits are more permissive to encourage urban development.
Fresno's Development Code under FMC Chapter 15 establishes maximum lot coverage percentages by zoning district. In single-family residential zones (RS), maximum lot coverage is typically 50-60%, meaning buildings and impervious structures cannot cover more than that percentage of the total lot area. Multi-family and commercial zones generally allow higher coverage. Lot coverage calculations include the primary dwelling, garage, accessory structures, and other roofed areas.
Fresno requires a free garage sale permit obtained from the City Clerk before holding a sale. Properties are limited to three permitted sales per calendar year, each no longer than three consecutive days. Hours are 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Permit number must appear on all signs. Violations carry $100-$500 fines.
Fresno limits the frequency of garage and yard sales to prevent residential properties from becoming de facto retail operations. Sales are generally limited to no more than two per year at the same address. Each sale may last a maximum of three consecutive days. Exceeding these limits may be considered operating an unlicensed business in a residential zone, triggering code enforcement action.
Garage and yard sales in Fresno are subject to time-of-day restrictions to prevent disturbances to neighbors. Sales may generally begin no earlier than 7:00 AM and must conclude by sunset. All merchandise and signage must be removed or stored out of public view at the end of each sale day. Setting up before allowed hours or continuing sales after dark may result in code enforcement complaints.
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 HOAs may levy regular and special assessments, charge late fees and interest, record liens, and ultimately foreclose on delinquent owners under the Davis-Stirling Act. State law (Civil Code sections 5650-5740) caps fees and interest and imposes strict notice steps and a delinquency threshold before any foreclosure may proceed.
California tightly regulates HOA governance. The Common Interest Development Open Meeting Act (Civil Code 4900-4955) governs board meetings and member access, sections 5100-5145 mandate secret-ballot elections with independent inspectors, and sections 5200-5240 give members broad rights to inspect association records.
California HOAs enforce recorded CC&Rs and architectural rules, but Civil Code section 4765 requires architectural decisions to be fair, reasonable, and in good faith, and sections 5900-5965 require internal dispute resolution plus an attempt at alternative dispute resolution before most enforcement lawsuits can be filed.
California HOAs may fine members for rule violations, but only under a published schedule of fines and after strict due-process steps. Civil Code section 5855 requires written notice and a hearing before any monetary penalty, and section 5725 bars fines from becoming a foreclosable lien on the home.
California overrides HOA governing documents on several owner protections. The Davis-Stirling Act and related Civil Code sections bar HOAs from prohibiting solar systems, U.S. flag displays, drought-tolerant landscaping, EV charging stations, and most noncommercial signs, even where local city rules are silent.
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.