Before You Build in Manteca, CA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Fences not exceeding 7 feet high generally do not require a building permit in Manteca under MMC §15.04.140, unless located in the front yard setback or over easements. Permits are required for fences over 7 feet or retaining walls over 4 feet.

California Civil Code §841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) requires equal cost-sharing for boundary fences between neighboring properties in Manteca unless the neighbors agree otherwise. Notice must be given at least 30 days before construction.

Manteca Municipal Code Chapter 17.46 limits front yard and corner-lot side yard fences to 3 feet. Rear yard and interior side yard fences may be up to 7 feet tall. The city updated its rules to allow 7-foot backyard fencing in residential areas.

Manteca follows California Building Code §3109 for pool construction. All pools require a building permit. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits are required separately. Pool safety features must be inspected and approved before first use.

Above-ground pools in Manteca follow the same barrier and safety requirements as in-ground pools under the California Swimming Pool Safety Act if they are over 18 inches deep. Small kiddie pools under 18 inches are exempt from fencing requirements.

Manteca enforces California's Swimming Pool Safety Act (CA H&S Code §115920–115929), requiring a 60-inch (5 ft) minimum barrier around all private pools over 18 inches deep. Two drowning prevention safety features are required for new and remodeled pools.

Garage conversions in Manteca must comply with state ADU law if creating a habitable dwelling unit. Conversions to non-residential uses (storage, hobby rooms) do not require ADU processing but must comply with building code and zoning setbacks under MMC Title 17.

Manteca Municipal Code Chapter 17.82 implements state ADU law (CA Gov. Code §65852.2). ADUs are permitted by right in residential and mixed-use zones. One ADU plus one JADU may be constructed on any lot with a single-family dwelling.

Manteca regulates carports under Municipal Code Chapter 17.40 (Accessory Structures). A carport is treated as a covered patio: an accessory structure that does not exceed 15 feet in height and is enclosed on no more than three sides except for posts needed for roof support. Combined accessory structures on a lot may not exceed 30 percent of the actual rear yard area, and accessory structures generally must be built in conjunction with or after the primary dwelling.

Manteca Municipal Code Chapter 17.40 governs accessory structures including sheds. Structures up to 120 square feet without electricity or plumbing generally do not require a building permit. All accessory structures must meet zoning setbacks.

Outdoor burning in Manteca is subject to SJVAPCD Rule 4901 (residential wood burning) and Rule 4106 (prescribed burning). Most open burning on valley floor residential lots is prohibited; daily burn day status must be checked with the Valley Air District before any burning.

Recreational fire pits and backyard fires in Manteca are subject to SJVAPCD air quality rules and must be checked against daily burn day status. Small contained fires for cooking may be allowed on designated burn days.

Removal of street trees or trees in public rights-of-way requires City approval under MMC Chapter 12.08. For private property trees, Planning Department notification is required when construction or grading occurs within the canopy drip line of mature trees.

Manteca Municipal Code Chapter 12.08 governs trees in street tree areas and public places. No person may cut, prune, or remove any street tree without permission from the Parks Director. Tree contractors must be licensed and carry minimum $1 million liability insurance.

Manteca adopted Ordinance No. O2023-17 restricting landscape irrigation to 2 assigned days per week. Watering between noon and 6 PM is prohibited. Drip and micro-spray systems may water any day. No watering within 48 hours of measurable rainfall.