Moving to Fullerton, CA?

Aircraft noise is federally preempted, but Fullerton Municipal Airport (KFUL) publishes voluntary noise-abatement procedures: Runway 06 is the preferred takeoff runway, no turns below 1000 ft AGL on Rwy 06 departures (follow railroad tracks east), and Rwy 24 departures must climb to 700 ft AGL before turning. The control tower operates 0700-2100 daily.

Fullerton Municipal Code Chapter 15.90 sets exterior noise standards that vary by zone. Commercial and manufacturing zones have higher allowable limits than residential, but noise crossing into residential zones must meet the residential 55 dB(A) daytime standard.

Fullerton Municipal Code Chapter 15.90 caps residential exterior noise at 55 dB(A) from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and 50 dB(A) from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., with interior limits of 55/45 dB(A) for the same daytime/nighttime windows.

Fullerton has no separate amplified-sound ordinance; live or recorded amplified music is held to the same FMC § 15.90.030 decibel limits as any other source. Outdoor gatherings, public dances, and entertainment events 'conducted pursuant to a permit and/or license issued by the city' are fully exempt under § 15.90.040(A)(2).

Fullerton regulates leaf blower noise through its general noise standards in FMC Chapter 15.90. Leaf blowers must comply with the 55 dB residential property-line limit during daytime hours. California AB 1346 restricts new gas-powered blower sales statewide.

Per FMC § 15.90.050(A), construction, repair, remodeling, and grading are exempt from decibel limits only between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on any day except Sunday or a City-recognized holiday. Work outside that window must comply with the standard 55/50 dB(A) residential noise caps.

Fullerton contracts with OC Animal Care to enforce Orange County's barking-dog ordinance: a dog barking incessantly for 30 minutes or barking intermittently for a cumulative 60 minutes within any 24-hour period constitutes a public nuisance.

Fullerton requires short-term rental hosts to maintain liability insurance as a condition of their STR permit. Hosts must carry a minimum level of coverage to protect guests and neighbors from potential damages or injuries.

Fullerton requires STR permit applicants to submit a parking plan showing adequate off-street parking for guests. STR properties must comply with the Good Neighbor Guidelines addressing parking impacts on the surrounding neighborhood.

Fullerton effectively restricts non-hosted whole-house STRs to a hard cap of 100 citywide permits, and whole-house rentals must maintain a 300-foot separation from any other whole-house STR. Partial-home (home-sharing) rentals where the owner is present on-site are not capped, but every rental must comply with the Good Neighbor Guidelines including occupancy disclosures.

Fullerton has a moratorium on new STR permits enacted May 2025, potentially extending through 2027. The original ordinance (No. 3290, November 2020) established a permitting system. As of the moratorium, 84 whole-home and 22 partial-home permits exist. No new permits are being issued while the city reviews its ordinance.

Fullerton requires STR hosts to collect and remit a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) for all stays under 30 days. Hosts must obtain a TOT certificate as part of the STR permit application process.

Fullerton requires a Short-Term Rental Permit for every dwelling rented for fewer than 30 days under FMC 15.55.020(F) (Ordinance No. 3290). Permits are valid for three years, non-transferable, and become null and void on transfer of ownership; a citywide moratorium effective May 20, 2025, has paused all new STR permit approvals.

Fullerton requires all STR operators to comply with the city's Good Neighbor Guidelines, which address noise, parking, and property maintenance. STR properties are subject to the same 55 dB residential noise standard under FMC Chapter 15.90.

Fullerton enforces California Building and Fire Code requirements for smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in all residential dwellings. Smoke alarms are required in each bedroom, outside sleeping areas, and on every level including basements. CO detectors are mandatory in homes with fuel-burning appliances or attached garages.

Portions of Fullerton in the northern hills near the Puente Hills and West Coyote Hills are designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ) by CAL FIRE. Properties in these zones face additional building and landscaping requirements.

Backyard recreational fires are allowed in Fullerton at one- and two-family homes only if contained in an approved device (BBQ, fire pit, fire ring, gas grill, or outdoor fireplace), kept 30 feet from combustible vegetation, supervised by an adult with water on hand, and not used during winds over 8 MPH, red flag warnings, or SCAQMD no-burn alerts.

Open burning of vegetation, yard waste, and trash is effectively prohibited in Fullerton under South Coast AQMD Rule 444 and Fullerton Municipal Code § 13.20.150. Only contained recreational fires meeting fuel, distance, supervision, and wind conditions are allowed, and SCAQMD no-burn alerts override even those.

Only California-State-Fire-Marshal-approved 'safe and sane' fireworks are legal in Fullerton, and only on July 4 between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. All other fireworks — including skyrockets, firecrackers, and aerial shells — are illegal under both city and California state law.

Fullerton requires property owners to maintain defensible space by clearing dry vegetation. The Fullerton Fire Department enforces vegetation management standards, particularly in hillside areas and the wildland-urban interface.

Fullerton allows permanent or portable barbecues, gas outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, fire rings, and gas grills at one- and two-family dwellings, but only when located at least 30 feet from grass, grain, brush, or forest-covered areas and away from the city's fuel modification areas.

Fullerton does not experience snow-related parking disputes and has no dibs or space-saving ordinance. The city is located in Southern California where snowfall is extremely rare. Public street parking is governed by standard parking regulations rather than space-saving rules.

Fullerton Municipal Code restricts overnight parking on city streets between 2 AM and 6 AM without a valid permit. Residents may obtain overnight parking permits through the Police Department for temporary needs.

Fullerton enforces California Vehicle Code provisions and local code against abandoned and inoperable vehicles on public streets and private property. Vehicles parked in the same spot for 72+ hours or stored in a state of disrepair are subject to citation and removal.

Fullerton follows California requirements for EV charging infrastructure. The city streamlines permits for residential Level 2 charger installations and new construction must include EV-ready parking per CALGreen Code requirements.

Fullerton restricts the parking and storage of recreational vehicles, boats, and trailers on residential properties under Municipal Code Chapter 15.50 (Zoning). RVs and boats generally may not be parked or stored in front yard areas and must meet screening and setback requirements when stored in side or rear yards.

Fullerton restricts the parking and storage of commercial vehicles in residential zones. Large commercial vehicles, heavy trucks, and vehicles with commercial advertising are generally prohibited from being parked overnight or stored on residential properties or streets.

Fullerton enforces a 72-hour street parking limit under Municipal Code Chapter 11.44. Several neighborhoods have residential permit parking programs. Street sweeping signs require vehicles to be moved on designated days and times or face citations.

Fullerton regulates driveway width, materials, and parking on residential properties. Vehicles must be parked on approved paved surfaces and may not be parked on lawns, dirt, or unpaved areas in front yards. Driveway modifications require permits from Community Development.

Fullerton's zoning code Chapter 15.50 sets general fence requirements including setbacks from property lines, visibility at intersections, and maintenance standards. Fences must be maintained in good repair and may not encroach into public rights-of-way or easements.

Fullerton enforces California Building Code pool barrier requirements. All residential pools and spas must be enclosed by a barrier at least 60 inches high with self-closing, self-latching gates. Multiple layers of protection are required for new construction.

Fullerton requires building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall). Walls over 4 feet also require engineered plans. Retaining walls combined with fences have combined height limits.

Fullerton Municipal Code 15.17.050 does not enumerate prohibited fence materials, but the Director of Development Services reviews construction materials for compatibility and vision clearance whenever a non-view-obscuring exception is requested. Standard residential fences are typically wood, vinyl, masonry, or wrought-iron.

Fullerton Municipal Code 15.17.050 caps fences and walls in the front yard setback at 36 inches and along side and rear yards at 6 feet. Non-view-obscuring fences may go to 6 feet in setbacks with Director of Development Services approval.

Under Fullerton Municipal Code 14.04.050, masonry or concrete fences three feet or shorter and all other fences six feet or shorter are exempt from building permits. Taller fences and most retaining walls still require a permit and zoning review.

Fullerton defers to California Civil Code Sections 841-841.4 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) for shared boundary fence disputes. Adjoining property owners share equal responsibility for maintaining a reasonable boundary fence. The city does not mediate private fence disputes but enforces zoning compliance.

Fullerton's Zoning Ordinance restricts keeping livestock such as horses, goats, sheep, pigs, and cattle to properties with agricultural or equestrian-overlay zoning that meet minimum lot-size requirements. Standard residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3) do not permit large livestock. Properties in qualifying zones in north Fullerton near the hills may keep animals subject to enclosure setbacks, manure management, and nuisance standards.

Fullerton follows Orange County animal control regulations that limit the number of pets per household. Animal hoarding situations involving unsanitary conditions or neglected animals are addressed through county animal control and city code enforcement.

Fullerton Municipal Code and Orange County Health Care Agency guidelines prohibit feeding wildlife in ways that attract coyotes, raccoons, or other nuisance animals. Residents must secure trash in animal-proof containers, avoid leaving pet food outdoors, and refrain from intentionally feeding wild animals including feral cats on public property. The Fullerton Police Department non-emergency line handles wildlife complaints.

Fullerton follows California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations on exotic animal ownership. Many exotic species require state permits, and some are entirely prohibited. Local nuisance ordinances also apply to exotic pets kept in residential areas.

Fullerton allows keeping chickens and certain small animals on residential properties subject to zoning restrictions under Municipal Code Chapter 15.50. The number of animals permitted depends on the zoning district and lot size. Roosters are generally prohibited in residential zones due to noise.

Fullerton does not have breed-specific legislation banning or restricting any particular dog breed. California state law (Food and Agricultural Code Section 31683) prohibits breed-specific bans by local governments. However, individual dogs that bite or display aggressive behavior may be declared potentially dangerous or vicious regardless of breed.

Fullerton regulates beekeeping under Municipal Code Chapter 6.24 (Animals) and zoning provisions. Beekeeping may be permitted on residential properties subject to hive placement, setback, and colony number restrictions. Bee swarm removal and nuisance complaints are handled by OC Animal Care and private pest control.

Fullerton requires dogs to be on a leash when in public areas under Municipal Code Chapter 6.24. Dogs must be restrained by a leash not exceeding 6 feet in length when on public streets, sidewalks, parks, and trails. The city operates off-leash dog parks where dogs may run freely.

Under California SB 1383, Fullerton residents must separate organic waste from regular trash. Backyard composting is encouraged as an alternative to curbside organic waste collection. The city provides resources through its waste hauler for organic recycling compliance.

Fullerton encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping through the city's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO), turf removal rebate programs, and California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. New development and major landscape renovations exceeding 500 square feet must comply with WELO requirements that favor low-water-use plant palettes. Residential turf replacement with native or drought-tolerant plants is eligible for rebates.

Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Fullerton under California state law. The Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (AB 1750) allows residential property owners to collect rainwater from rooftop surfaces without a permit. Rain barrels and small cisterns are permitted in side and rear yards. Fullerton and regional water agencies periodically offer rain barrel rebates or distribution events to encourage stormwater capture.

Fullerton protects its urban tree canopy through tree preservation policies that may require permits for removing significant trees on private property. Removing or damaging city-owned street and parkway trees without authorization is strictly prohibited. Heritage-sized trees — generally those with trunk diameters exceeding certain thresholds — receive heightened protection and may require a tree removal permit with replacement planting conditions.

Fullerton permits artificial turf installation on residential properties as an alternative to natural grass. Synthetic turf must be professionally installed with proper drainage, maintain a realistic appearance, and comply with any applicable HOA CC&Rs. California Civil Code Section 4735 prohibits HOAs from banning artificial turf. Turf removal rebates generally apply when converting to drought-tolerant landscaping rather than artificial turf, though some programs include synthetic turf as a qualifying replacement.

Fullerton runs a Weed and Rubbish Abatement Program under FMC Chapter 13.18 administered by the Fire Chief as Weed Abatement Official. Owners receive a notice to abate weeds, dry vegetation, and rubbish; failure to comply results in contractor abatement at the owner's expense, with the cost recorded as a lien against the property under California Government Code sections 39560-39588.

Under Fullerton Municipal Code Chapter 9.06, property owners are NOT responsible for trimming street trees in the parkway - the City prunes, removes, and plants them through its contractor (West Coast Arborists). It is unlawful for any person to alter, prune, or remove a street tree in the public right-of-way without a permit from the Public Works / Maintenance Services Department, and violators may be fined and required to pay the replacement value of the tree.

Fullerton's Weed and Rubbish Abatement chapter (FMC Chapter 13.18) treats weeds or grass exceeding twelve (12) inches in height, and any vegetation that is overgrown, dead, decayed, or diseased, as a public nuisance subject to abatement. If a property owner fails to cut and remove the vegetation, the City can do so via its Weed Abatement Program and bill the cost back to the owner as a lien on the property.

Fullerton's Drought Ordinance 3299 and Fullerton Municipal Code (FMC) Chapter 15.50 (Landscaping and Irrigation Requirements) prohibit watering between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., ban watering within 48 hours of measurable rain (1/4 inch), and limit non-attended overhead watering to 15 minutes per valve per day. At the City's current Conservation Level 2, landscape irrigation is restricted to two assigned days per week by address (odd / even) and must occur outside 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

All home-based businesses in Fullerton require a business license from the Finance Department. The Zoning Ordinance treats home occupations as accessory uses in residential zones without requiring a separate zoning permit, provided all conditions are met. Businesses that cannot comply with home occupation conditions — such as those needing signage, employees, or client traffic — must operate from commercially zoned property.

Home daycare operations in Fullerton are regulated primarily by the California Department of Social Services (CDSS) Community Care Licensing Division. Small family daycare homes (up to 8 children) are permitted as a matter of right in all residential zones under California Health and Safety Code Section 1597.45. Large family daycare homes (9-14 children) require a large family daycare permit. Cities may not prohibit small family daycares in residential zones.

Fullerton permits cottage food operations under California's Cottage Food Act (AB 1616, Health and Safety Code Sections 113758 et seq.). Class A cottage food operators sell directly to consumers and register with the Orange County Health Care Agency. Class B operators may sell through third-party retailers and require a county permit. Annual gross sales are capped at $75,000. Only approved non-potentially hazardous foods may be prepared.

Fullerton's home occupation regulations prohibit customer, client, or delivery traffic that exceeds normal residential levels. Home businesses may not operate as retail establishments, service businesses with walk-in clients, or any use that generates regular vehicle trips to the property. Deliveries must be limited to what is typical for a residential address.

Fullerton prohibits all exterior signage for home-based businesses in residential zones. No sign, display, placard, or advertising material may be visible from the street or neighboring properties. This restriction is part of the home occupation conditions designed to preserve the residential character of neighborhoods. Commercial signage is only permitted in commercial and industrial zoning districts.

Fullerton's Zoning Ordinance permits home occupations in residential zones as an accessory use, subject to conditions that preserve residential character. Home businesses must be conducted entirely within the dwelling, may not generate traffic, noise, or signage visible from the street, and may not employ non-resident workers on-site. The use must remain clearly secondary to the residential use of the property.

Above-ground pools in Fullerton with a water depth of 18 inches or more are subject to barrier requirements under California Building Code Section 3109. Pools exceeding certain size thresholds may require a building permit. Inflatable and temporary pools under 18 inches deep are exempt from barrier requirements but must still be supervised. All above-ground pools must meet setback requirements and may not be placed in required setback areas.

Hot tubs and spas in Fullerton are subject to barrier requirements when water depth exceeds 18 inches, consistent with California Building Code Section 3109. Electrical permits are required for hardwired spa installations. Spas must meet setback requirements, and covers with locking mechanisms may satisfy certain barrier requirements. Equipment noise must comply with residential noise limits.

Every new or remodeled swimming pool or spa in Fullerton requires a building permit from the Community and Economic Development Department - Building & Safety Division, and plans must comply with the 2022 California Residential Code (including Appendix AX - Swimming Pool Safety Act) as locally amended by FMC chapter 14.04.

Fullerton has locally amended California's Swimming Pool Safety Act through FMC 14.04.150 and 14.04.160, requiring every new or remodeled single-family pool or spa to have a 60-inch isolation enclosure (mandatory) PLUS at least one additional drowning-prevention feature - a stricter standard than the state default, which only requires any two of seven features.

Fullerton enforces California's comprehensive residential pool safety laws including anti-entrapment drain requirements (Virginia Graeme Baker Act compliance), barrier standards, and supplemental safety features. Pool drain covers must be ASME/ANSI compliant. Pools with a single main drain must have a safety vacuum release system (SVRS). All pools must maintain water clarity sufficient to see the main drain from the deck.

Fullerton permits ADUs and Junior ADUs (JADUs) in compliance with California Government Code Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22. One ADU and one JADU are allowed on any single-family lot. ADUs up to 800 square feet with a 4-foot rear and side setback are approved ministerially without discretionary review. No owner-occupancy requirement applies to ADUs (JADUs require owner occupancy). No parking is required if within half a mile of transit.

Fullerton allows tiny houses only as a permanent ADU on a foundation under FMC 15.17.100, consistent with California Government Code 65852.2 and California Residential Code Appendix AX. Movable tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) registered as recreational vehicles cannot serve as a permanent dwelling on residential lots.

Fullerton Municipal Code section 15.17.050 treats carports and patio covers as accessory structures. Non-enclosed covers attached or freestanding from a residence must sit at least 5 feet from any rear property line and 3 feet from any side line abutting a residential lot. A Building and Safety permit is required.

Fullerton regulates accessory structures through residential development standards in FMC Title 15. Small sheds under 120 square feet may be exempt from building permits but must comply with zoning setbacks. Larger structures require permits.

Fullerton permits garage conversions to ADUs under FMC Section 15.17.100. Conversions of legally established garages are exempt from setback requirements. No replacement parking is required for the primary dwelling when converting a garage.

Fullerton participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and regulates floodplain development under Fullerton Municipal Code Section 14.01.015 (Flood Zone Development). The city has adopted FEMA's Flood Insurance Study and Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Orange County, dated December 3, 2009. New construction and substantial improvements within Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) - Zones A, AO, AE, AH, A99 - must meet elevation, anchoring, and flood-resistant construction standards.

Fullerton enforces Chapter 12.18 Water Quality Ordinance, including section 12.18.020 prohibiting illicit connections and non-stormwater discharges to the city storm drain system. The city is a co-permittee under the Santa Ana Regional Water Quality Control Board MS4 NPDES Permit, with the County of Orange as principal permittee.