Moving to Clovis, CA?

Clovis allows gas and electric leaf blowers during construction hours (7 AM-7 PM). No outright ban. CA AB 1346 phases out new gas-powered sales statewide starting 2024.

Industrial noise in Clovis capped at 70 dBA at receiving property line (commercial/industrial zones). Residential-adjacent facilities must meet 55/65 dBA residential limits.

Clovis has no local aircraft noise ordinance. The City is about 8 miles from Fresno Yosemite International Airport, and CMC 9.22.080(F)(4) exempts federally preempted activities.

CMC 5.27.603 requires permits for amplified outdoor music audible beyond property lines. Vehicle-mounted sound devices are banned on streets under CMC 5.27.608.

CMC 9.22.080 sets residential exterior limits at 55 dBA day and 50 dBA night (15-min Leq). Interior limits are 45/40 dBA. Impulsive noise may exceed the standard by up to 20 dBA.

Amplified music audible beyond the property line during quiet hours violates CMC §5.24. Special event sound permits required for Old Town Clovis events.

Construction in Clovis permitted 7 AM-7 PM Mon-Sat. No Sunday or federal holiday construction without a permit. City projects exempt.

Clovis Municipal Code §6.04 prohibits habitual barking/noise from dogs. Continuous barking 10+ minutes or intermittent 30+ minutes can be cited as a nuisance.

Clovis Municipal Code Chapter 5.24 prohibits loud/unreasonable noise 10 PM-7 PM. Residential max 55 dBA night, 65 dBA day at property line.

Clovis STR permits require proof of liability insurance covering short-term rental activity, typically $500,000-$1M minimum. Airbnb Host Protection/AirCover may qualify.

STR guests must comply with Clovis quiet hours (10 PM-7 AM). Two substantiated noise complaints within 12 months can trigger STR permit revocation.

Clovis TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax) is 10% of rent on stays under 30 days. Platforms (Airbnb/Vrbo) may collect; hosts remain responsible for registration and returns.

STR operators must obtain a home occupation permit and business license. Within 10 days, owners must notify neighbors in writing with 24/7 contact info per CMC 9.58.065(E).

Clovis does not impose an annual night cap on STR operations. Properties may rent year-round with a valid home occupation permit under CMC 9.58.065.

Clovis STR occupancy typically capped at 2 persons per bedroom plus 2, with a hard max set by permit. Events/parties exceeding cap prohibited.

STR permits typically require one off-street parking space per bedroom. On-street overflow discouraged; RV/trailer parking by guests prohibited per CMC.

Clovis requires a Short-Term Rental Permit and business license. STRs allowed only in specific zones; owner-occupancy or hosted requirements apply. Annual renewal.

Open burning of vegetation and yard waste is banned in Clovis under San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Rule 4103. Residents must use green waste bins. Recreational fires exempt when in approved devices.

Clovis is one of the few Fresno County cities permitting Safe and Sane fireworks. Discharge allowed only on July 4 from 9 AM to 10 PM; sales at licensed nonprofit stands June 28-July 4. All aerial and illegal fireworks banned under CA H&S §12500.

Clovis enforces weed abatement under CMC Chapter 8.12, requiring property owners to clear dry vegetation. Eastern edge parcels near the Sierra foothills must comply with CA PRC §4291 defensible space (100 ft clearance) if mapped in a State Responsibility Area.

Most of Clovis is in a Local Responsibility Area (LRA) classified as moderate hazard. Eastern foothill-adjacent parcels may fall in CAL FIRE-mapped Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones with stricter building and defensible space rules.

Clovis enforces California requirements for smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on each floor. Carbon monoxide detectors are required in all dwellings with fossil fuel appliances or attached garages. Alarms must be hardwired with battery backup in new construction.

Clovis allows recreational backyard fires in approved portable devices such as fire pits, chimineas, and outdoor fireplaces. Fires must burn only clean dry wood or charcoal and must be attended at all times. All backyard fires are prohibited during SJVAPCD Spare the Air days.

Recreational fire pits allowed with approved devices burning clean wood or propane. Must be 25 ft from structures per CA Fire Code §307.4.2. Wood-burning prohibited on SJVAPCD No-Burn days. Propane/natural gas pits exempt from curtailment.

No citywide overnight parking ban in Clovis. Vehicles may park on residential streets overnight subject to the 72-hour max-move rule and posted street sweeping hours. Some signed corridors restrict 2 AM-5 AM parking.

CA Gov Code §65850.7 requires cities to streamline EV charging station permits. Clovis follows state-mandated expedited permitting for Level 1 and Level 2 residential chargers. Commercial new construction must meet CA CALGreen EV-ready requirements.

Commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR may not park on residential streets or in residential zones except for active loading. Business fleet vehicles must park at business premises. CVC §22507.5 allows 10 PM-6 AM residential bans.

On-street parking generally allowed citywide unless signed. 72-hour rule applies under CA Vehicle Code §22651(k): vehicles not moved for 72 hours may be cited or towed. Street sweeping schedules vary by neighborhood.

Driveways must be paved (concrete, asphalt, or approved pavers) and connect to an improved street via a standard curb cut. CMC §9.24 requires parking on an improved surface — parking on lawns or unpaved areas prohibited.

RVs, boats, and trailers may be stored on residential property in side/rear yards or on driveways with restrictions. Front-yard storage prohibited unless on paved driveway. On-street RV parking limited to 72 hours.

Clovis aggressively enforces abandoned vehicle removal on both public streets and private property. Under California Vehicle Code 22669, vehicles left on streets for 72+ hours or inoperable vehicles on private property are subject to citation and towing. The city operates an abatement program for persistent violations.

Barbed wire, razor wire, and electrified fences prohibited in residential zones. Chain link restricted in front yards in many zones. HOA-governed planned communities commonly limit fencing to wood, vinyl, wrought iron, or masonry only.

Retaining walls over 4 ft in height (measured from footing bottom to top) require a building permit and engineered plans per CA Building Code §105.2. Walls supporting surcharge loads (driveways, structures) require permit at any height.

Clovis requires fences to be maintained in good repair, prohibits fences in public rights-of-way, and mandates sight-distance clearance at corner lots. Fences must not obstruct drainage or encroach on neighboring properties. Setback requirements vary by zoning district.

CA Swimming Pool Safety Act (H&S §115920+) requires 60-inch minimum barrier, self-closing/self-latching gate, AND at least one additional drowning-prevention feature (pool cover, alarm, or self-latching door alarms) for all new pools and remodels.

CA Civil Code §841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) presumes equal shared cost between adjoining owners for boundary fences. CA Civil §841.4 prohibits spite fences over 10 ft intended to annoy neighbors. Written 30-day notice before construction required for cost sharing.

Residential fences up to 7 ft generally exempt from building permit per CA Building Code §105.2(1). Fences over 7 ft, masonry walls over 4 ft, and pool barriers require permits. Zoning compliance still required for all fences.

Standard residential fence heights: 3.5 ft front yard, 6 ft side and rear yards per CMC §9.24. Corner lots have sight-triangle restrictions. Fences over 7 ft require a building permit per CA Building Code §105.2.

Dogs must be leashed in all public areas per Clovis Municipal Code Title 6. Leash max 6 ft. Off-leash only in designated areas. Dog licensing required annually for dogs over 4 months.

Clovis restricts livestock to agricultural zones under CMC Title 9. Standard residential zones prohibit horses, cattle, goats, sheep, and poultry. The CA Right to Farm Act protects existing ag operations.

Intentional feeding of wild animals (coyotes, deer, raccoons) discouraged and may trigger nuisance enforcement. Bird feeding generally permitted. CDFW regulates wildlife; state law prohibits feeding large predators.

No breed-specific legislation in Clovis. California Food & Ag Code §31683 preempts local breed bans. Dangerous/vicious dog declarations are behavior-based and apply to any breed.

Beekeeping allowed in Clovis with setback requirements. CA Food & Ag Code §29301 requires CDFA registration within 30 days of acquiring hives. Commercial apiaries need county registration.

Backyard chickens allowed in Clovis residential zones with setbacks; roosters typically prohibited. Larger livestock restricted to R-A (agricultural-residential) and A-E zones. Lot size and coop placement standards apply.

Exotic animals prohibited under CA Fish & Game Code §2118 and CCR Title 14 §671. Ferrets, hedgehogs, monkeys, most wild animals illegal statewide. Clovis enforces state restricted species list.

Removing street trees or trees in public rights-of-way requires city permit. Private property tree removal generally does not require permit unless designated heritage tree or part of development review.

Artificial turf allowed in Clovis as water-saving landscaping. CA Civil Code §4735 prohibits HOAs from banning artificial turf and drought-tolerant landscaping. Building permit may be required for large installations.

Native and drought-tolerant plants encouraged in Clovis. CA Gov Code §65595 prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant landscaping. MWELO compliance required for new/renovated landscapes over 500 sq ft.

Clovis enforces permanent water conservation rules plus drought-stage restrictions. Outdoor watering limited to assigned days/times. AB 1572 bans irrigating non-functional turf with potable water for commercial properties by 2027-2031.

Clovis enforces weed and rubbish abatement under CA Gov Code §39561+. Annual fire-season weed abatement program notifies owners; failure to clear triggers city abatement with costs assessed as tax lien.

Rainwater harvesting legal in California and Clovis. AB 1750 (2012) legalized rainfall capture. Rain barrels under 100 gallons generally permit-exempt; larger cisterns may require building/plumbing permits.

Street trees trimmed by city; property owner trims private trees. Trees overhanging sidewalks/streets must clear 8 ft pedestrian, 14 ft vehicle. Neighbor may trim encroaching branches to property line.

Weeds and grass exceeding 6-12 inches constitute a nuisance in Clovis. Property owners receive notice and must abate or city abates at owner cost. Fire hazard weed abatement enforced especially in summer.

California Cottage Food Operations (CA Health & Safety Code §113758 / §114365) permitted statewide. Fresno County Environmental Health issues CFO registration (Class A, self-issued) or permit (Class B, with inspection). Clovis cannot ban CFOs.

Home occupations allowed in all residential zones (R-1, R-A, R-2, R-3) per Clovis Municipal Code Ch. 9.22 with HOP permit. Clearly incidental to residential use; max 25% of dwelling floor area; no employees outside household except where state-preempted (daycare, adult care).

CA Health & Safety Code §1597.40 preempts local regulation of Family Child Care Homes. Clovis must treat them as residential use: small (up to 8 children) and large (up to 14 children) licensed by CDSS Community Care Licensing.

Home occupations in Clovis limited to minimal client traffic — typically no more than 1-2 clients at a time and not generating more vehicle trips than a normal residence. Clients by appointment only; no walk-ins.

No signs advertising a home occupation are permitted on residential property in Clovis. CMC §9.22 prohibits exterior evidence of the business including signs, displays, or lighting.

CMC Chapter 9.58 requires a Home Occupation Permit for most home businesses. The $35/year application is decided within ten days. Denials may be appealed to the Planning Commission.

Above-ground pools with water depth >18 inches must meet the same CA H&S §115920 barrier requirements as in-ground pools. Clovis building permit required for pools >24 inches deep or >5,000 gallons.

CA Swimming Pool Safety Act (H&S §115920-115929) requires 7 safety drowning-prevention features — pool owners must choose at least one in addition to the enclosure. Virginia Graeme Baker Act (federal) drain-cover standards apply.

Clovis Building Division requires combined permits (building, electrical, plumbing) for all new pools/spas. Plan check, soils report for large pools, final inspection before filling. Typical fees $800-$2,500 depending on pool size/scope.

Hot tubs/spas with a lockable safety cover (ASTM F1346) are exempt from the CA pool barrier requirement per CA H&S §115921(b). Clovis building/electrical permits still required for installation.

Pool enclosure required per CA Building Code Ch. 31 / CBC §3109 and CA H&S §115920 (Pool Safety Act). Clovis enforces 60-inch minimum barrier, self-closing/self-latching gates, no gaps >4 inches. Applies to pools deeper than 18 inches.

Tiny homes on foundations treated as ADUs under CA Gov Code §65852.2 — must meet CA Building Code (min 150 sf per CBC §1207.4). Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) classified as RVs — only allowed in RV parks; not permitted as permanent residence in Clovis.

Carports in Clovis treated as accessory structures per CMC Ch. 9.36. Front-yard carports generally prohibited; side/rear allowed with 3 ft setback. Building permit required for attached carports; zoning permit for detached.

Sheds and detached accessory structures under 120 sq ft exempt from Clovis building permit per CBC §105.2 / CMC adoption. Larger sheds require permit. Setbacks: 3 ft side/rear for structures under 6 ft tall; 5 ft for taller.

Garage-to-ADU conversions allowed by-right per CA Gov Code §65852.2(e). Clovis cannot require replacement parking for converted garage when creating an ADU. Building permit required; must meet habitability codes.

ADUs allowed by-right in all Clovis residential zones per CA Gov Code §65852.2. Clovis ADU Ordinance (CMC Ch. 9.24) conforms to state law: max 1,200 sf detached, 4 ft side/rear setbacks, no owner-occupancy, no parking if near transit.

Coastal development rules do not apply to Clovis. Clovis is an inland Central Valley city in Fresno County, roughly 170 miles from the Pacific coast, and falls entirely outside California Coastal Act jurisdiction. No Coastal Development Permit requirements attach to any construction in Clovis.

Clovis is a Phase II MS4 permittee under the State Water Board NPDES program. Only rainwater allowed in storm drains—no washwater, pool water, paint, or chemicals. New/redevelopment projects must manage post-construction runoff per the city's Stormwater Management Plan.

Grading permit required for earthwork over 50 cubic yards or cuts/fills over 3 feet per California Building Code Appendix J as adopted by Clovis. Drainage must not negatively impact adjacent properties.

Clovis participates in NFIP. Most of the city is Zone X (minimal risk); areas near Dry Creek and Dog Creek may be in Zone A/AE. Floodplain management per Clovis Municipal Code Title 9, Ch. 9.52.

Grading/construction sites require erosion and sediment controls per Clovis Municipal Code Title 9 and the city's SWPPP requirements. BMPs required year-round, with enhanced controls during the wet season (Oct 1–Apr 30).

Clovis has OPTED OUT of commercial cannabis. All storefront and non-storefront retail dispensaries, cultivation, manufacturing, testing, and distribution are PROHIBITED within city limits. Delivery from outside operators is also banned to the extent permitted under state law.

Personal home cultivation of up to 6 plants is protected by Prop 64, but Clovis requires it to be INDOORS ONLY and out of public view. Outdoor cultivation is prohibited. Adults 21+ only.

Solar permits in Clovis use AB 2188 expedited online process — same-day or 1-3 business day approval for residential systems ≤38.4 kW. CA Title 24 Part 6 requires solar on new single-family homes (2020 Energy Code).

CA Civil Code §714 (Solar Rights Act) prohibits HOAs and cities from unreasonably restricting solar installations. 'Reasonable' restrictions cannot cost >$1,000 or decrease system efficiency >10%. Clovis conforms to state law.

Garage sale signs allowed on private property with owner permission. Limit typically 3 signs, max 4 sq ft each. Must be removed within 24 hours after sale ends. Signs in public ROW (street signs, utility poles) are prohibited.

Political signs on residential property are strongly protected. Clovis cannot restrict content but may impose content-neutral time/place/manner rules (typical: 4 sq ft per sign, removed within 10 days after election).

Temporary holiday displays (Christmas lights, Halloween decorations, etc.) are exempt from standard sign rules. Seasonal displays must be taken down within a reasonable period—typically 30–45 days after the holiday.

Clovis permits residential garage sales without a permit, limited to a few per year per household. Signs on public right-of-way prohibited.

Clovis Code Enforcement addresses blight under CMC Title 8 nuisance provisions. Common violations: overgrown weeds, inoperable vehicles, accumulated debris, graffiti.

Vacant lot owners in Clovis must keep weeds under 12 inches and remove debris. Weed abatement program runs annually in spring; city can abate and lien.

Clovis residents use city-provided trash, recycling, and green waste carts. Carts may be placed at curb no earlier than 5 PM day before pickup; removed by end of pickup day.

Not applicable. Clovis is in the San Joaquin Valley (Central Valley) and does not receive measurable snowfall. No snow removal ordinance exists.

Clovis enforces outdoor lighting standards under CMC Chapter 9 zoning requiring shielded fixtures to prevent glare and trespass. Not an official International Dark-Sky community, but foothill-adjacent development in east Clovis has stricter shielding standards.

CMC §9.24 prohibits direct light trespass onto adjoining residential property. Fixtures must be shielded and aimed to keep illumination on-property. Complaints handled by Code Enforcement; chronic violations may be declared a nuisance.

No rent control in Clovis. CA AB 1482 caps annual rent increases at 5% + CPI (max 10%) for covered units. Costa-Hawkins exempts newer/SFR properties.

CA AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act) just-cause eviction applies in Clovis for most rentals. Clovis has NO additional local just-cause law. SFR/condo exempt if owner-occupied duplex or separately owned SFR.

Clovis does not require a general rental property registration program. Landlords must obtain a business license; STRs have separate permit requirements.

Mid Valley Disposal provides annual bulky item pickups for Clovis residential customers—typically 2 free appointments per year for items like furniture, mattresses, and appliances. Additional pickups may have fees.

CA SB 1383 (effective 2022) mandates organic waste diversion for all residents and businesses. Clovis provides organics carts for food scraps and yard waste. Edible food recovery rules apply to large food generators.

Mid Valley Disposal carts placed at curb no earlier than 5 PM the evening before pickup; must be removed by 7 PM the day of collection. Carts must be 3 ft apart and clear of mailboxes, vehicles, and hydrants.

Weekly curbside pickup via Mid Valley Disposal: trash (gray/black), recycling (blue), and organics (green) per CA SB 1383 organic waste rules. Missed pickup: report within 24–48 hours.

Recreational drone pilots must pass TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test), register drones 250g+, stay under 400 ft, and follow FAA airspace rules. California Pen. Code §402 bars flying over emergency scenes. Clovis parks do not allow drone takeoff without permission.

Commercial drone operators need FAA Part 107 certification. Clovis does not preempt federal airspace rules but restricts takeoff/landing in city parks and over sensitive city events without a film/special event permit.

Mobile vending on private commercial property is generally allowed with owner consent. Sidewalk vending protected under SB 946/SB 972 but subject to reasonable time/place/manner rules. Vending in residential zones and city parks is restricted.

Food trucks need Fresno County Environmental Health Mobile Food Facility permit, CA seller's permit, and Clovis business license. Operations on city streets/property require a site-specific permit. CA Health & Safety Code §114315 preempts health rules.

Door-to-door commercial solicitors in Clovis need a city business license and, for many activities, a solicitor/peddler permit with background check. Religious, political, and charitable canvassers are exempt due to First Amendment protections.

Clovis honors 'No Soliciting' and 'No Trespassing' signs—ignoring them is an infraction. CA AB 1699 also requires door-to-door solicitors to respect 'No Solicitors' notices. Religious/political canvassing is First Amendment-protected.

Clovis juvenile curfew: minors under 18 prohibited in public places from 10:00 PM to 5:00 AM (11 PM on weekends is typical but verify). Daytime truancy curfew applies during school hours.

Clovis parks generally close from dusk/10 PM to dawn/6 AM. Signage at each park posts specific hours. After-hours presence is a misdemeanor trespass.

Clovis lot coverage limits by zone per CMC Title 9: R-1 single-family 40% maximum building coverage; R-A 30%; R-2/R-3 50-60%. Coverage includes all structures, pools excluded.

Clovis R-1 setbacks (CMC Title 9): front 20 ft, rear 15 ft, side 5 ft interior / 10 ft street side. R-A: front 25 ft, rear 25 ft, side 10 ft. ADUs allowed at 4 ft side/rear per state law.

Clovis R-1/R-A height limit 35 ft / 2.5 stories; R-2 40 ft / 3 stories; R-3 45-55 ft; CBD 65 ft. Accessory structures 15 ft. ADUs up to 16 ft (18 ft per SB 897 if multistory near transit).

Permits required to remove street trees and trees protected by development conditions. Private-property trees typically permit-exempt. Contact Clovis Public Utilities (urban forestry) and Planning before cutting.

Replacement trees required when protected or street trees are removed. Typical ratio 1:1 or 2:1 for larger specimens. Species often specified from city-approved list for parkway strips.

Clovis protects designated heritage trees and street trees in public rights-of-way. No broad private-property heritage tree ordinance; protection primarily via development conditions and designated specimens.

Clovis typically does NOT require a separate garage sale permit—residents simply follow frequency, time, and signage rules. Some neighborhoods with HOAs may have stricter rules.

Clovis typically limits garage sales to 3–4 per calendar year per household. More frequent sales can be reclassified as a home business requiring zoning approval and business license.

Garage sales are daylight-only events in Clovis—typically 7 AM or 8 AM to dusk. Most sales run for 1–3 consecutive days. Night/early-morning sales are prohibited.