Pop. 67,773 · San Joaquin County
Lodi does not impose an STR-specific liability insurance minimum. The city's framework relies on a home occupation permit and the 6% transient occupancy tax rather than a dedicated STR ordinance, so there is no city-issued certificate-of-insurance requirement of the kind seen in cities like Palm Springs or South Lake Tahoe.
Lodi has no STR-specific occupancy cap. The city does not maintain a dedicated short-term rental ordinance; operators rely on a home occupation permit and pay the city's 6% transient occupancy tax. A short-term rental definition was added to LMC 17.78.020 in Phase 3 of the Incremental Code Update (adopted October 2025), but operational standards such as a guests-per-bedroom rule have not been codified.
Carports in Lodi are regulated under LMC Title 17 as accessory structures and as required residential parking. Phase 3 of the Incremental Code Update (adopted October 2025) modified LMC 17.32.040 to remove the allowance for tandem parking inside a carport, meaning required covered parking spaces must be independently accessible.
Lodi does not have a tiny-home-specific ordinance. A tiny house on a permanent foundation is treated as a single-family dwelling or ADU under LMC Chapter 17.36, and a movable tiny house on wheels is treated as a recreational vehicle, which may not be used as a permanent residence on residential lots.
Lodi regulates ADUs under Lodi Municipal Code §17.36.130. Attached and detached ADUs are capped at 800 sq ft for a studio or one-bedroom unit and 1,000 sq ft for units with more than one bedroom. JADUs are limited to 500 sq ft and must be within the walls of an existing single-family structure.
Sheds under 120 sq ft are exempt from building permits in Lodi if they are single-story, not for habitation, at least 6 ft from other buildings, and do not exceed 8 ft in height. Total accessory structure area on a residential lot cannot exceed 1,000 sq ft.
Lodi allows conversion of an existing garage to an ADU or JADU under LMC §17.36.130 and California Government Code §65852.2. Replacement parking is not required for an ADU created by converting an existing garage, and existing setbacks are preserved for the conversion footprint.
Lodi permits residential rainwater harvesting consistent with California's Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. Roof-based capture for outdoor irrigation is allowed without a permit; larger systems and any indoor use must meet California Plumbing Code requirements administered through LMC Title 15.
Lodi treats overgrown vegetation as a public nuisance under LMC Title 8 (Health and Safety). Grass or weeds exceeding 12 inches in height are a code violation, and sight-line obstructions over sidewalks and streets must be trimmed back.
Lodi allows artificial turf as a water-conserving landscape material in residential yards, consistent with California's drought-response measures. Standard front-yard landscape coverage and setback rules under LMC Title 17 apply.
Lodi enforces year-round watering restrictions under LMC §13.08.250 and §13.08.280. Odd addresses water Wed/Fri/Sun; even addresses Tue/Thu/Sat. No watering on Mondays. May 1–Sep 30: no watering 10 AM–6 PM. No watering within 48 hours of rain. Fines escalate from $35 to $150.
Street trees in Lodi require an encroachment permit from Public Works for removal. Removal is allowed for fruit-causing nuisance, driveway construction, city projects, or repeated utility/sidewalk damage. Private trees on private property generally do not require a city permit for removal.
Lodi is a Tree City USA member. Street trees may be removed with an encroachment permit from Public Works under specific conditions. Minimum 15-gallon stock required for street tree plantings. Low-growing trees (20-40 ft) must be planted under power lines.
Lodi enforces property maintenance standards through its Community Improvement Division. Landscape areas must be maintained in a healthful condition. Weeds and overgrown vegetation are considered nuisance conditions subject to code enforcement.
California Government Code §53087.7 and the AB 1572 non-functional turf ban (2024) encourage native and drought-tolerant landscaping in San Joaquin County, and Civil Code §4735 prohibits HOAs from banning low-water plants. The San Joaquin County Resource Conservation District maintains a native plant list for the Central Valley and Delta, and local water agencies offer turf-replacement rebates. San Joaquin Valley oak woodland species are especially encouraged.
SB 1383 requires every California resident and business to separate food scraps and yard waste from trash, with universal collection or on-site composting.
Lodi requires a Home Occupation Permit for any business operated from a residence under LMC 17.36.060. The home occupation must remain secondary to the residential use, with no employees coming to the home, no signage, and no customer traffic that disrupts the neighborhood.
Lodi treats licensed Family Daycare Homes as a residential use, consistent with California Health & Safety Code §1597.40-§1597.62. Small (up to 8 children) and Large (up to 14) family daycare homes are permitted in all residential zones without local discretionary review.
Lodi residents may operate a Cottage Food Operation under California's state Cottage Food law (Health & Safety Code §§113758-114365.5), registered through San Joaquin County Environmental Health. Lodi follows state law allowing CFOs as a permitted use in residential zones without local zoning approval.
Home occupations in Lodi must be secondary to residential use, limiting customer traffic to maintain neighborhood character. Excessive traffic, parking, or noise from a home business may result in enforcement action and permit revocation.
Lodi requires a Home Occupation Permit for any business conducted from a residence. The home occupation must be a secondary use, not the primary use of the property. A business license registration is also required under LMC Chapter 3.01.
Home occupations in Lodi must remain secondary to residential use with no external evidence of commercial activity. Signage for home businesses is regulated under the sign standards in LMC Article 3 (Chapter 17.34). Commercial signage in residential zones is generally restricted.
Lodi enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act and California Building Code Appendix V for residential pool enclosures, adopted through LMC Title 15 (Building Code). New pools and spas must be surrounded by a 60-inch-minimum barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Lodi regulates fences under LMC 17.14.100 (Fences and Walls) within the Development Code. Fences up to 7 feet on residential side and rear property lines are allowed without a building permit, following a 2025 increase from the prior 6-foot limit.
California's Good Neighbor Fence Act (Civil Code §841) applies in Lodi, requiring adjoining landowners to share the cost of maintaining boundary fences equally. Spite fences exceeding 10 feet are prohibited under Civil Code §841.4.
Lodi recently increased the maximum residential fence height from 6 feet to 7 feet along side and rear property lines, eliminating the need for discretionary review for fencing between 6 and 7 feet. Front yard fences have lower limits. Visibility triangle requirements apply at intersections.
Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height are exempt from building permits in Lodi. The recent code update eliminated the discretionary review requirement for fences between 6 and 7 feet in residential zones. Masonry walls may require a building permit.
San Joaquin County Development Title §9-1020 regulates fence materials by zoning district. Wood, vinyl, masonry, and tubular steel are allowed in residential zones; barbed wire and electric fences are permitted in agricultural (AG/AU/AG-80) zones under Civil Code §841 setback rules but prohibited in residential districts. Razor wire is banned in all residential and most commercial zones.
San Joaquin County requires a building permit for any retaining wall over 4 feet in exposed height measured from the bottom of the footing, or any wall of any height supporting a surcharge (driveway, structure, or slope). Walls over 4 feet must be designed by a California-licensed civil or structural engineer. Delta-adjacent properties face additional geotechnical review due to soft soils.
Lodi requires building, electrical, and plumbing permits for any new in-ground or above-ground swimming pool or spa with a water depth greater than 18 inches, issued through Lodi Building Division under LMC Title 15. Pool barriers must comply with California Building Code Appendix V.
Hot tubs and spas in Lodi are regulated under LMC Title 15 (Building Code) and the California Swimming Pool Safety Act. Permanent spas require building, plumbing, and electrical permits, and barriers or approved safety covers are required for spas over 18 inches deep.
California Building Code Title 24 requires a minimum 60-inch barrier around residential pools. Gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and open outward. The latch must be at least 54 inches above ground. No gaps allowing a 4-inch sphere to pass. At least two safety features are required for new or remodeled pools.
Lodi enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (HSC §115920-115929) and the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Act. All new or remodeled pools must include at least two of seven specified safety features. Building permits are required for pool construction.
Above-ground pools in Lodi must comply with all California pool barrier and safety requirements regardless of pool type. A building permit may be required depending on size and installation. All barrier requirements (60-inch fence, self-closing gates) apply to above-ground pools.
Vehicles parked on Lodi streets for more than 72 hours without moving are subject to towing under California Vehicle Code §22651(k). Inoperable vehicles (missing wheels, engine, or unregistered) may be towed immediately under CVC §22669(d). A $160 city release fee applies.
RVs, boats, and trailers are subject to the 72-hour street parking limit in Lodi. Moving the vehicle means physically relocating it to a different location. Vehicles stored on driveways must be complete, have inflated tires, and be in running condition. Front lawn parking is prohibited.
LMC §17.32.030D prohibits parking of strictly commercial vehicles in certain areas. The city provides a Truck Parking map showing allowable locations. New siting, screening, and setback standards (§17.36.170) were added for truck parking and vehicle storage facilities.
Lodi enforces general street parking regulations. Vehicles parked over 72 hours without moving are considered abandoned under CVC §22651. Common violations include parking on the wrong side of the street, blocking sidewalks, and parking within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Vehicles parked on driveways in Lodi must be complete, have properly inflated tires, and be in running condition. Parking on front lawns or unimproved surfaces is prohibited. Driveways must not be blocked per CVC §22500.
Overnight street parking in unincorporated San Joaquin County is generally permitted except on posted roadways, but California Vehicle Code §22651(k) allows any parked vehicle that remains in one spot for more than 72 consecutive hours to be towed. Stockton Municipal Code §10.64.090 and Lodi Municipal Code §10.24 add local street-sweeping restrictions. RVs and oversized vehicles face stricter overnight rules in each city.
California requires EV-ready parking in new construction under CALGreen (Title 24 Part 11), which San Joaquin County and its cities enforce: 10% EV-capable spaces in single-family homes, 40% EV-capable in new multifamily. Residential Level 2 charger installations require an electrical permit under AB 1236's expedited permit process. HOAs cannot prohibit EV charger installation in a homeowner's dedicated parking space (Civil Code §4745).
Lodi adopts the California Residential Code through LMC Title 15 and requires hard-wired, interconnected smoke alarms in all new dwellings and during permitted alterations. CO alarms are required in any dwelling with a fuel-burning appliance, fireplace, or attached garage.
Only State Fire Marshal-approved Safe and Sane fireworks are legal in Lodi. Fireworks may only be used from 9 AM to 11 PM on July 4th. It is illegal to discharge fireworks within 10 feet of any residential dwelling. Minors may not sell, purchase, possess, or discharge fireworks. Sales are limited to 6 stands chosen by lottery.
Recreational fire pits and outdoor fireplaces are regulated under the California Fire Code adopted by LMC Chapter 15.20. Safe clearances from structures are required. Wood-burning fire pits are subject to SJVAPCD No Burn day restrictions. Gas fire pits are generally exempt from air quality restrictions.
Lodi adopts the California Fire Code under LMC Chapter 15.20. Residential outdoor burning of trash and yard waste is prohibited. The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District regulates all outdoor burning and issues daily burn status for the region.
Parcels in San Joaquin County within State Responsibility Areas (SRA) or mapped Fire Hazard Severity Zones must maintain 100 feet of defensible space per California PRC §4291. The eastern foothills (Clements, Linden, Lockeford area) contain SRA land inspected by CAL FIRE. Weed abatement on valley-floor parcels is handled by county Code Enforcement under Government Code §39560.
CalFire's Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps designate portions of eastern San Joaquin County — Lodi foothills, Clements, Linden, and Farmington areas — as Moderate or High LRA (Local Responsibility Area) hazard zones. PRC §4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures in SRA (State Responsibility Areas). New construction in designated zones must comply with California Building Code Chapter 7A (wildland-urban interface) fire-resistive materials.
California uniformly applies the State Fire Marshal's propane storage standards through the California Fire Code, which all local jurisdictions must enforce as a minimum.
Lodi allows limited backyard fowl in residential zones under LMC Title 6 (Animals), Chapter 6.12. Roosters and crowing fowl are restricted, and large livestock (cattle, horses, sheep, goats, swine) are not permitted on standard single-family lots in city residential zones.
Lodi does not have breed-specific legislation. The city regulates individual dangerous or vicious dogs based on behavior, not breed, consistent with California state law (CA Food & Agricultural Code §31601-31683).
Lodi requires dogs to be leashed when in public areas under Title 6 of the Municipal Code. Dog licensing and rabies vaccination are mandatory for all dogs and cats over 4 months old (LMC §6.12.010). License tags must be worn at all times. Five dog parks are available within the city.
Lodi does not have a specific beekeeping ordinance. Beekeeping may be subject to general animal nuisance provisions under LMC Title 6 if bees disturb neighbors. California does not preempt local beekeeping regulation.
Exotic pet ownership in Lodi is regulated by California state law. Ferrets and hedgehogs are illegal statewide under CA Code of Regulations §671. Other exotic species require permits from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. LMC Title 6 contains local animal regulations.
San Joaquin County prohibits intentional feeding of wild mammals and unsecured outdoor pet food that attracts wildlife under Development Title nuisance provisions. California Fish & Game Code §251.3 makes it unlawful to harass or feed deer, elk, or bear statewide. The Delta, Lodi, and Mountain House regions have coyote, raccoon, and turkey vulture activity that the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) actively monitors.
Lodi does not have a leaf-blower-specific ordinance, but powered leaf blowers used at residences are subject to the general noise standards in Lodi Municipal Code Chapter 9.24 (Noise Regulation). Operation must respect the citywide quiet hours of 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Amplified music in Lodi is regulated under LMC Chapter 9.24 (Noise Regulation). Sound that is plainly audible across a property line or that disturbs the peace, particularly between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., is prohibited and may be cited as a noise violation.
Lodi Municipal Code Chapter 9.24 establishes noise regulations with quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM. High noise levels during these hours are unlawful. The Community Improvement Division handles noise enforcement with a focus on education-first compliance.
Lodi regulates construction noise through Chapter 9.24 general noise provisions. The quiet hours restriction of 10 PM to 7 AM applies to construction activities. Construction during daytime hours is generally permitted subject to reasonable noise levels.
Lodi defines excessive barking as continuous and incessant noise lasting 10 minutes or more in a one-hour period, including barking, howling, crying, baying, or squealing. Complaints are handled by Lodi Animal Services at (209) 333-6741.
California sets statewide airport noise limits under Title 21 CCR, with the state preempting most local aviation noise control because federal FAA authority dominates aircraft operations in flight.
Lodi requires residential garbage carts to be stored on the side of the home, behind the side-yard fence, and out of public view between collection days. Carts may be placed at the curb only on or near the scheduled pickup day.
Garage sales in Lodi are regulated under LMC Chapter 9.20 (Recreational and Garage Sales). The chapter sets time, place, and manner rules for residential garage sales; no city business license is required for occasional residential sales.
Lodi enforces property maintenance through LMC Title 8 (Health and Safety) and Title 17 zoning standards. Common violations include accumulated junk and rubbish, household appliances/furniture visible from the street, overgrown vegetation, and inoperable vehicles in driveways.
Vacant lots in San Joaquin County must be maintained free of weeds, trash, and fire hazards. Development Title §9-1030 requires weeds to be mowed at or below 12 inches from May through October and debris removed within 10 days of notice. Stockton's Weed Abatement Program (SMC §8.56) conducts annual inspections April through July with summary abatement on non-compliant lots, costs liened against property.
San Joaquin County (Central Valley, elevation ~20 ft) experiences snow only rarely. There is no sidewalk snow-removal ordinance because measurable snow is essentially absent — the last significant Stockton snowfall was a trace event decades ago. Property owners remain responsible for general sidewalk maintenance, tripping hazards, and overhanging vegetation.
HOAs in Lodi cannot prohibit residential solar panels under California Civil Code §714 (Solar Rights Act). HOAs may impose reasonable aesthetic restrictions only if they do not significantly increase cost or decrease efficiency.
Lodi processes residential rooftop solar permits through Lodi Building Division on an expedited basis required by California's Solar Rights Act and AB 2188. Most residential rooftop systems up to 10 kW are eligible for over-the-counter or same-day approval.
Garage sale signs in Lodi are treated as temporary signs under LMC 17.34.070. They are not allowed in the public right-of-way (utility poles, parkways, traffic signs) and must be removed promptly after the sale ends.
Lodi regulates temporary signs, including political signs, under LMC Chapter 17.34 (Signs), as amended by Ordinance No. 1922. The ordinance is content-neutral and applies the same time, place, and manner rules regardless of message content.
Holiday decorations on residential property in San Joaquin County are treated permissively by the county and its cities — no permits required, and seasonal displays are generally exempt from the standard sign code. Displays must not obstruct sidewalks or sight lines at intersections, inflatables must be secured against Delta winds, and electrical installations must meet the CA Electrical Code (Title 24 Part 3). HOAs in Mountain House, Weston Ranch, Brookside, and Spanos Park may impose additional timing and style rules.
Lodi residential customers receive weekly trash, recycling, and green-waste collection through Waste Management. Customers choose from 35-, 64-, or 96-gallon carts; service is billed through the city utility bill.
Lodi residential customers receive single-stream recycling and organics (green-waste plus food scraps) collection from Waste Management, in compliance with California SB 1383 organic-waste recycling requirements. Mandatory residential and commercial organics separation took effect statewide January 1, 2022.
Lodi residential customers can schedule bulky-item pickups (large furniture, appliances, mattresses) through Waste Management at no additional charge for a limited number per year, or self-haul to the Lodi Transfer Station operated by WM/Central Valley Recycling.
Lodi requires trash, recycling, and green-waste carts to be stored on the side of the home behind the side-yard fence between collection days and placed at the curb only on or near the scheduled pickup day. Carts must rest on a hard, level surface for hauler access.
Lodi recognizes residents' right to refuse solicitation by posting a 'No Soliciting' sign at the residence. Under LMC Title 5 and the U.S. Supreme Court framework (Watchtower v. Stratton), a posted sign withdraws the implied invitation for commercial solicitors to approach the door.
Lodi requires door-to-door commercial solicitors and peddlers to obtain a permit from the Lodi Police Department under LMC Title 5 (Permits and Regulations). Background checks and identification badges are required, and solicitation hours are restricted.
Lodi prohibits minors under 18 from loitering in public places between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. under LMC Title 9. The curfew was adopted in 1993 and includes exceptions for parental supervision, school/work activity, and legitimate errands.
Lodi Lake Park is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Other Lodi parks generally close at dusk under Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services rules and posted signage. Entry after closing hours is trespass.
Lodi does not require a city permit or business license for occasional residential garage sales. Garage sales are regulated as residential incidental uses under LMC Chapter 9.20 (Recreational and Garage Sales), subject to time, place, and frequency limits.
Unincorporated San Joaquin County garage/yard sales are limited to daytime hours, typically 7:00 AM to sunset or 7:00 PM (whichever is earlier). All merchandise, tables, and signs must be stored out of public view at the end of each sale day. Items left curbside after sale hours may trigger blight citations.
San Joaquin County Development Title limits household garage/yard sales in unincorporated residential zones to 3 per calendar year, each not exceeding 3 consecutive days. Neighborhood-wide sales count as one event for each participating household. Exceeding limits triggers reclassification as a home occupation requiring zoning approval.
Lodi sets residential setbacks in LMC 17.14.060 (Setbacks - Measurements and Exceptions) and the zoning-district standards in LMC Chapter 17.16 (Residential Districts). Setbacks vary by zoning district and lot type.
San Joaquin County Development Title limits residential structures to 35 feet in most zones. Agricultural zones allow taller ag buildings (barns, silos) to 50 feet by right. Chimneys, antennas, and solar arrays may exceed height limits by up to 10 feet. Stockton Metropolitan Airport FAR Part 77 surfaces further restrict heights near the airport.
San Joaquin County Development Title limits building lot coverage: R-L residential typically 40%, R-R 25%, AG 10%. Impervious surface totals trigger stormwater requirements under Regional Water Board MS4 permit when exceeding 2,500 sq ft (SWPPP threshold) or 5,000 sq ft of net new impervious area.
Lodi enforces stormwater rules under its Phase II NPDES MS4 Permit (State Water Board Order 2013-0001-DWQ) through the City's Storm Water Management Program. Discharges to the storm drain other than rainwater are prohibited.
Lodi requires erosion and sediment control measures on construction sites under its Phase II MS4 Permit and the State Construction General Permit. Sites disturbing one acre or more must implement a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
Lodi's flood damage prevention regulations are in LMC Chapter 15.60. The city participates in the NFIP and enforces FEMA floodplain requirements. California's Central Valley 200-year flood protection standard applies to new development. The Safety Element was updated in December 2024.
San Joaquin County requires a grading permit from Public Works for earth-moving over 50 cubic yards or any work within a flood zone, levee, or sensitive area. Plans must show drainage that does not redirect water onto adjoining properties and must meet FEMA flood elevation requirements in mapped SFHAs. Grading in Primary Zone Delta is severely restricted.
San Joaquin County is inland and has NO California Coastal Commission jurisdiction — no coastal zone extends into the county. However, Delta waterfront development on the San Joaquin River, Mokelumne River, and Delta islands is regulated by the Delta Stewardship Council, Delta Protection Commission, Central Valley Flood Protection Board, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Lodi has no local just-cause eviction ordinance. Most non-exempt residential rentals are subject to California's statewide just-cause eviction rules under Civil Code §1946.2, which require an at-fault or no-fault just cause to terminate tenancies after one year of occupancy.
Lodi has no local rent control ordinance. Most non-exempt residential rentals in Lodi are subject to California's statewide Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482, Civil Code §1947.12), which caps annual rent increases at 5% plus regional CPI or 10%, whichever is lower.
San Joaquin County does not operate a county-level rental registration program in unincorporated areas, but Stockton requires landlords to participate in the Rental Housing Inspection Program (Stockton Municipal Code §8.56) with annual fees per unit and periodic inspections. Lodi and Manteca rely on complaint-driven inspections rather than mandatory registration. All landlords must maintain habitability under California Civil Code §1941.1.
Recreational drone operators in Lodi must follow FAA Part 107 and the FAA Recreational Flyer rules (49 USC §44809). Lodi has not adopted a local drone ordinance, but flights are prohibited over Lodi Lake events, special-event closures, and at any altitude near Lodi Airport without ATC coordination.
Commercial drone operators in San Joaquin County must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (14 CFR Part 107). Operations near Stockton Metropolitan Airport, Port of Stockton facilities, and Tracy Municipal require LAANC authorization. County film permits required for commercial aerial filming on county property; agricultural spraying falls under Part 137 and Ag Commissioner rules.
Lodi prohibits all commercial cannabis businesses, including dispensaries, manufacturing, distribution, testing, and outdoor cultivation. The 2017 ordinance expanded an earlier ban and applies citywide.
Lodi permits indoor personal cannabis cultivation of up to six plants per residence for adults 21 and over, consistent with California Proposition 64. Outdoor cultivation is prohibited, and cultivation must be in a fully enclosed area not visible to the public.
Lodi requires an encroachment permit from Public Works to remove or alter any tree within the public right-of-way (street trees and parkway trees). Trees on private property are generally not regulated for removal, but pruning over public sidewalks must maintain 10-foot clearance.
Lodi requires replacement of removed street trees with a tree from the City's approved street-tree list at a minimum 15-gallon size, planted in a tree well at least 5 feet by 5 feet, under the city's Tree Policy administered by Public Works.
San Joaquin County recognizes heritage native oaks (typically 24-inch+ DBH valley oaks, blue oaks, interior live oaks) under the Oak Woodlands Ordinance, with stricter protections and 5:1 to 10:1 mitigation. Removal requires Planning Commission approval absent an imminent-safety finding. The Delta riparian corridor hosts many heritage oaks subject to additional CEQA review.
Mobile food facilities operating in unincorporated San Joaquin County require a Mobile Food Facility permit from SJ County Environmental Health under California Retail Food Code (CalCode, HSC §113700 et seq.), a SJ County business license, and a commissary agreement. Annual plan review, truck inspection, and fire suppression (Type I hood) inspection required.
Food trucks in unincorporated San Joaquin County may operate on private commercial/industrial property with owner consent but are restricted near schools (500 ft buffer per CA Vehicle Code §22455 and county ordinance) and within the public right-of-way. SB 946 (2018) sidewalk vending preemption applies to sidewalk vendors but not full MFFs. Port of Stockton and county-operated parks require separate permits.
Unincorporated San Joaquin County regulates outdoor lighting under the Development Title dark-sky and glare provisions, requiring fixtures to be shielded so that light does not spill onto adjoining properties or across roadways. Lighting near rural AG-zoned land and the Lodi AVA wineries must avoid measurable illumination at property lines, and violations are handled by Community Development code enforcement as nuisance cases.
San Joaquin County Development Title requires outdoor lighting to be fully shielded (full-cutoff), directed downward, and not spill across property lines. Glare into public roadways is prohibited. LED color temperature is encouraged at 3000K or below. Lighting near Stockton Metropolitan Airport must not interfere with pilot night vision or airfield lighting.
California sets a statewide minimum wage floor under Labor Code 1182.12, currently $16.50 per hour for all employers as of 2025. Local governments are not preempted and may set higher minimums; many cities exceed the state rate substantially.
California's Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act under Labor Code 245-249 mandates paid sick leave for nearly all employees statewide. SB 616 (2023) raised the minimum to 40 hours or five days annually effective January 2024, applying universally.
California regulates concealed carry weapons licenses statewide under Penal Code 26150 through 26225. Senate Bill 2 (2023) imposes uniform sensitive-place restrictions and applicant standards, preempting local variations on issuance criteria and qualifications.
California preempts most local firearm regulation under Government Code 53071 and Penal Code 25605, reserving licensing, registration, and manufacture authority to the state. However, local governments retain limited authority over discharge, sensitive places, and zoning of gun businesses.
California broadly prohibits open carry of firearms statewide under Penal Code 25850 (loaded firearms in public) and Penal Code 26350 (open carry of unloaded handguns). The prohibition applies uniformly across all California cities and counties without local variation.
California prohibits carrying loaded firearms in vehicles statewide under Penal Code 25400 and 25850. Unloaded handguns transported in private vehicles must be in a locked container or the vehicle's locked trunk; long guns must be unloaded but need not be locked.
California prohibits state and local governments from requiring private employers to use the federal E-Verify system except where federal law mandates it, under Government Code 7285.1 and 7285.3. The restriction applies uniformly to every California city and county.
The California Values Act (SB 54, 2017) codified at Government Code 7284-7284.12 limits state and local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. It applies uniformly to every California agency and bars participation in most civil immigration enforcement.
The California Land Conservation Act of 1965 (Williamson Act), Government Code 51200-51297.4, allows landowners to enter contracts with counties restricting land to agricultural use for ten-year minimum terms in exchange for reduced property tax assessment based on farming income.
The California Right to Farm Act under Civil Code 3482.5 protects established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits brought by neighbors who moved in after farming began. The law applies statewide and limits both private and local government nuisance actions.
California prohibits grocery stores and large retailers from providing single-use plastic carryout bags under Public Resources Code 42280-42288, enacted by SB 270 (2014) and ratified as Proposition 67 in 2016. Recycled paper or reusable bags require a 10-cent minimum charge.
California restricts expanded polystyrene food containers statewide through SB 54 (2022) packaging requirements under Public Resources Code 42040-42081. The law mandates that polystyrene foodware achieve 25 percent recycling by 2025 or face statewide sales prohibition.
California Public Resources Code 42270-42273, enacted by AB 1884 (2018), prohibits full-service restaurants from providing single-use plastic straws unless requested by the customer. The on-request rule applies uniformly to dine-in restaurants statewide.
California prohibits sale of tobacco and vapor products to anyone under 21 statewide under Business and Professions Code 22958, enacted by SBX2-7 in 2016. The Tobacco 21 standard applies uniformly across all California jurisdictions.
California bans retail sale of most flavored tobacco products statewide under Health and Safety Code 104559.5, enacted by SB 793 (2020) and upheld by voters via Proposition 31 in November 2022. The ban applies uniformly to all California retailers.
California requires statewide licensing of tobacco and vape retailers under the STAKE Act and the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act. Business and Professions Code 22970 establishes uniform retailer licensing, while local governments may adopt stricter rules.