Pop. 38,402 · Contra Costa County
Martinez requires working smoke alarms in all residential dwellings under California Health & Safety Code §13113.7 and the California Building Code. Alarms are required in each…
The State Fire Marshal has designated portions of Martinez as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ). Properties within these zones face additional building code requirements…
Properties in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones in Martinez must maintain defensible space under CA Public Resources Code §4291. Zone 1 (0–30 ft from structures): remove all dead…
Backyard burning is PROHIBITED under Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) Regulation 5, which has banned open residential burning since 1970. No burning is allowed on…
Martinez bans ALL consumer fireworks, including state-approved "safe and sane" varieties. The ban reflects the city's proximity to the Shell Martinez Refinery and surrounding…
Outdoor wood-burning fire pits are restricted by BAAQMD Regulation 5 open burning rules. Permanent natural gas fire features may be permitted with a Martinez Building Division permit…
Backyard burning in unincorporated Contra Costa County is tightly limited: BAAQMD Regulation 5 prohibits burning yard waste, and recreational wood fires aren't among its allowed…
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.
Martinez has a dedicated Title 17 Swimming Pool Code (Chapters 17.16 Inspections, 17.20 Permits, 17.24 Plans & Specifications), and adopts the California Building Code via Municipal…
Martinez requires building, plumbing, electrical, and sometimes grading permits for new swimming pool and spa construction. Plans must be reviewed and approved before excavation, and…
All pool and spa drains in Contra Costa County must comply with the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act and California Health & Safety Code 116064, requiring…
California's Swimming Pool Safety Act covers above-ground pools deeper than 18 inches, requiring uniform drowning-prevention features and barriers regardless of pool type.
Hot tubs and spas fall under California's Swimming Pool Safety Act when capable of holding water deeper than 18 inches, requiring barriers, covers, or other approved safety features.
Martinez does not publish a separate STR-specific noise standard. Any short-term lodging activity in the city must comply with the citywide Noise Control ordinance in Martinez…
Martinez has not adopted a short-term rental ordinance and does not impose an STR-specific off-street parking ratio. Any rental dwelling must satisfy the off-street parking…
Martinez has not adopted a short-term rental ordinance, and the city does not impose a minimum liability-insurance requirement on short-term lodging operators. California has no…
Martinez limits short-term rental occupancy based on bedroom count and building code standards. The general rule is 2 occupants per bedroom plus 2 additional, with a hard cap tied to…
Martinez requires short-term rental (STR) operators to register with the City, obtain a business license, and remit Transient Occupancy Tax at 10 percent. An STR is any rental of a…
Short-term rentals (stays under 30 days) are NOT permitted within the City of Martinez. The city's zoning code does not include a regulatory framework for STRs, and operating an…
Because short-term rentals are prohibited in Martinez, there is no local Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) framework for STR operators. Illegal STR operators remain subject to California…
California and Martinez encourage the use of native and drought-tolerant plants in landscaping. California Gov Code §65595 prohibits local governments from banning ornamental…
Martinez Municipal Code and ConFire weed abatement rules require property owners to keep grass and weeds cut below 6 inches during fire season (typically May–October). Overgrown…
Martinez follows Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner noxious weed lists under CA Food & Ag Code §5004. Invasive species such as yellow star-thistle, French broom, pampas…
Martinez protects heritage and native trees under its zoning code. Removal of protected trees — including mature oaks, redwoods, and trees above a diameter threshold — typically…
Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) may impose mandatory water use restrictions during drought conditions, including limits on outdoor irrigation days and times, prohibitions on…
Unincorporated Contra Costa County protects larger trees under Ordinance Code Chapter 816-6: single-trunk trees 6.5 inches in diameter (at 4.5 feet) and multi-stem trees with combined…
Since SB 676 took effect in 2024, Government Code 53087.7 protects only drought-tolerant living landscaping from local bans, so cities may again prohibit artificial turf. Civil Code…
SB 1383 requires every California resident and business to separate food scraps and yard waste from trash, with universal collection or on-site composting.
The 2012 Rainwater Capture Act allows California residents to capture rainwater from rooftops for non-potable outdoor use without a state water-right permit, preempting most local…
Standard residential fences in Martinez up to 6 feet in height generally do not require a building permit. Fences over 6 feet, retaining walls over 3 feet, pool fences, and any fence…
Martinez follows California Civil Code §841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act), which presumes boundary fence costs are shared equally between adjacent property owners. Thirty days written…
Martinez allows fences up to 6 feet high in side and rear yards and up to 3.5 feet in front yards or within street-facing setback areas. Corner lot visibility triangles have additional…
Contra Costa County's Ordinance Code does not impose a general material restriction on residential fences in unincorporated areas. The only material-specific rule is that concrete and…
Retaining walls up to 3 feet (measured footing to top) are exempt from building permits in unincorporated Contra Costa County. Combined with a fence, the total height may not exceed 7…
Pool barriers in unincorporated Contra Costa County follow California's Swimming Pool Safety Act (H&S Code §115920+): a minimum 60-inch barrier with self-closing, self-latching gates…
Home businesses in Martinez are allowed in residential zones (R-1, R-2, R-3 and similar) through a Home Occupation Permit, provided they meet performance standards preserving…
Martinez Home Occupation Permits prohibit non-resident employees from working on-site. Only individuals who reside in the home may conduct the business there. Off-site or remote…
Martinez prohibits exterior signage advertising home-based businesses in residential zones. The Zoning Ordinance's home occupation standards are explicit that the business must not be…
Small family day care homes (up to 8 children) and large family day care homes (up to 14 children) are protected by California Health & Safety Code sections 1597.30-1597.622. Contra…
Unincorporated Contra Costa County requires a Home Occupation Permit (ministerial, issued over the counter) or a Land Use Permit before any business activity may be conducted from a…
The California Homemade Food Act sets uniform rules for cottage food operations, and Government Code 51035 bars local governments from prohibiting them in residential dwellings…
All dogs in Martinez must be on a leash of six feet or less when off the owner's property, except in designated off-leash dog parks. Violations result in fines starting at $50 for…
Martinez allows up to six hens on residential lots in most single-family zones, with no roosters permitted. Coops must be set back at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from…
Wildlife in Martinez is protected under California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations — feeding deer, coyotes, raccoons, turkeys, and other wildlife is prohibited and can…
Livestock (horses, cattle, goats, sheep, pigs) is prohibited on standard residential lots in Martinez and restricted to parcels with agricultural zoning or minimum lot sizes typically…
Martinez limits residential properties to a maximum of three dogs and three cats over four months of age per single-family dwelling. Kennels, catteries, or properties exceeding these…
Martinez follows California Food & Agricultural Code §31683, which preempts breed-specific legislation — dangerous dog designation is based on behavior only. Dogs that bite or threaten…
Beekeeping is permitted on residential properties in Martinez with setback requirements — hives must be at least 10 feet from property lines and 25 feet from neighboring dwellings, or…
Exotic animals are regulated under California Fish & Game Code and CA Code of Regulations §671. Ferrets and hedgehogs are illegal statewide. Other exotic species require a CDFW permit…
Martinez has no municipal airport and aircraft noise is primarily regulated at the federal level by the FAA. Buchanan Field Airport in nearby Concord generates some general aviation…
Vehicle noise in Martinez is regulated through California Vehicle Code sections enforced by Martinez Police, including prohibitions on modified exhaust systems, excessive engine…
Martinez restricts leaf blower operation to 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekends. Under California AB 1346, sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers has been…
Martinez prohibits habitual dog barking that disturbs neighbors under Municipal Code Chapter 6.04 and noise provisions in Chapter 8.20. Continuous barking for 20 minutes or…
Amplified music in Martinez is prohibited from being plainly audible beyond 50 feet from the property line at any time, and is subject to full quiet hour restrictions from 10:00 PM to…
Martinez Municipal Code Chapter 8.20 prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing, or unnecessary noise between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM on weekdays and 10:00 PM and 8:00 AM on weekends…
Construction noise in Martinez is restricted to 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Friday and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays, with no construction permitted on Sundays or federal…
Martinez does not impose a blanket overnight street parking ban, but vehicles cannot remain parked longer than 72 consecutive hours under CVC 22651(k). Oversized vehicles, RVs, and…
Abandoned vehicles left on public streets for more than 72 hours may be cited and towed under CA Vehicle Code §22651 and Martinez Municipal Code Title 10. Inoperable or unregistered…
Martinez enforces California Vehicle Code Section 22651(k)'s 72-hour consecutive street parking limit citywide, along with local time-limited zones in downtown and near the Amtrak…
Martinez prohibits parking of commercial vehicles over a specified weight (commonly 10,000 lbs GVWR) on residential streets, except for active loading, deliveries, or service calls…
Martinez restricts RV, boat, and trailer storage on residential properties. Storage in front yards or street-facing side yards is typically prohibited; these vehicles must be stored in…
California Civil Code sections 4745 and 1947.6, plus Government Code 65850.7, create statewide rights for residents to install EV charging stations and require expedited local…
Martinez complies with California Gov Code §65852.2 (statewide ADU law). One ADU and one JADU (up to 500 sq ft) are permitted per single-family lot. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft…
Accessory structures in Martinez require building permits unless very small, non-habitable, and under ~120 sq ft with no utilities. Structures must comply with setback requirements…
Martinez regulates ADU and JADU development under Martinez Municipal Code Chapter 22.43, consistent with California Government Code §65852.2. Garage conversions are by-right with no…
Carports in unincorporated Contra Costa County are regulated as accessory structures under Title 8 (Zoning) of the County Ordinance Code and as covered structures under the California…
California HCD guidance and Health and Safety Code 18007 classify many tiny homes on wheels as manufactured housing or ADUs, granting statewide siting protections.
Food trucks in Martinez may operate in commercial and industrial zones and on private property with owner consent. Operation in residential zones is limited, and on-street time limits…
Food trucks operating in Martinez must hold a Contra Costa County Environmental Health mobile food facility permit, a Martinez business license, and comply with state sidewalk vendor…
California Proposition 64 (Adult Use of Marijuana Act) allows adults 21+ to cultivate up to 6 cannabis plants per household for personal use. Plants must not be visible from public…
Medical cannabis is legal for CA patients under MAUCRSA. Contra Costa County Title 88 restricts commercial dispensaries in unincorporated areas; personal medical cultivation allowed (6…
Martinez does not have a local rent control ordinance. California's AB 1482 (Tenant Protection Act of 2019) provides statewide rent caps for most multi-family residential buildings 15+…
Martinez does not require a rental property registration or rental inspection program at the city level. Landlords operating residential rental units must obtain a City of Martinez…
Federal Title X and California Health & Safety Code require lead paint disclosure for pre-1978 rental units in unincorporated Contra Costa County. Landlords must provide EPA pamphlet…
California Civil Code Section 1940.9 and Health & Safety Code Section 26147 require landlords to disclose known visible mold to prospective tenants. Contra Costa County follows state…
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…
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…
Civil Code 1946.2 requires landlords statewide to have just cause to terminate tenancies of qualifying tenants who have lived in a covered unit at least 12 months.
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…
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…
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…
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%…
As of July 1, 2024, California landlords may collect no more than one month's rent as a security deposit, regardless of whether the unit is furnished. The deposit, minus any lawful…
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…
Republic Services is the exclusive franchised solid waste hauler for Martinez under a long-term agreement with the city. Residential customers receive weekly curbside collection of…
Illegal dumping on public property, vacant lots, or waterways within Martinez is prohibited under Municipal Code Chapter 8.10 and California Penal Code section 374.3. Violations can…
Republic Services provides two complimentary bulky-item curbside pickups per year for residential Martinez customers, with up to three items per pickup. Accepted items include…
Mandatory recycling and organics diversion apply to all Martinez residents and businesses under California SB 1383 and AB 341/AB 1826. Residents must separate recyclables into the blue…
Hauler-issued carts only; lids must remain closed and waste contained. Overfilled, damaged, or non-franchise containers will not be serviced. Extra bags require pre-paid tags.
Contra Costa County maintains a juvenile curfew ordinance applicable in unincorporated areas and echoed by many cities, and Martinez enforces a curfew on minors under 18 between 10:00…
Martinez city parks are generally closed from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily under Municipal Code Chapter 12.08, except for permitted events and lit sports facilities during active…
Martinez is a co-permittee under the San Francisco Bay Region Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit (MRP) NPDES CAS612008 administered through the Contra Costa Clean Water Program…
Martinez protects heritage and significant trees through its tree preservation ordinance. Removal of protected trees on private or public property generally requires a permit, with…
Martinez has significant FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) along the Carquinez Strait waterfront, the Martinez Marina, and along Alhambra Creek. Properties in Zone AE and Zone VE…
The California Coastal Act, Public Resources Code sections 30000 through 30900, requires Coastal Development Permits for nearly all work in the coastal zone and gives the Coastal…
Political and other non-commercial signs are strongly protected in Martinez and may be posted on private residential property at any time, with no pre-election or post-election…
Garage sale signs permitted on private property with owner permission; not allowed in public right-of-way. Must be removed promptly after sale concludes. Size limits match general…
Martinez regulates exterior residential lighting to prevent glare, light trespass, and excessive illumination onto neighboring properties. Exterior fixtures should be shielded and…
Unincorporated Contra Costa County regulates outdoor lighting through Ordinance Code Title 8 zoning provisions and CEQA review, with stricter standards near Mt. Diablo and in rural…
Martinez follows California's streamlined solar permitting requirements under AB 2188 and SB 379, issuing over-the-counter or online permits for standard residential rooftop PV systems…
Homeowner association restrictions on rooftop solar in unincorporated Contra Costa County are governed by California Civil Code 714 (Solar Rights Act). HOAs cannot effectively prohibit…
Martinez requires building permits for most construction, alteration, repair, and demolition work under the California Building Standards Code (Title 24) as adopted and locally amended…
Martinez requires staged inspections throughout any permitted construction project - foundation, framing, rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical, insulation, and final. Inspections must…
Electrical permits are required in unincorporated Contra Costa County for most work beyond minor repairs. The county Building Inspection Division enforces the California Electrical…
California Health & Safety Code 13113.7 and the California Residential Code require working smoke alarms in all dwelling units in Contra Costa County. Alarms are required in each…
California Health & Safety Code 13260-13263 (Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010) requires CO alarms in all dwelling units with fossil-fuel appliances, fireplaces, or…
Unincorporated Contra Costa County requires building permits for reroofing projects under the California Building Code as adopted in County Ordinance Code Title 7. Class A fire-rated…
Plumbing permits are required in unincorporated Contra Costa County for new installations, alterations, water heater replacements, and sewer lateral work under the California Plumbing…
Passive panhandling in Martinez is constitutionally protected speech and cannot be broadly banned. Municipal Code Chapter 9.20 targets aggressive solicitation (threatening conduct…
Contra Costa County does not maintain a formal no-knock registry. Residents enforce solicitor restrictions by posting 'No Soliciting' signs, which are enforceable under CCC Chapter…
HOAs in Martinez are governed by California's Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act (Civil Code 4000-6150), not by city ordinance. The City does not enforce CC&Rs or HOA…
HOAs in Contra Costa County may impose fines for CC&R violations only after adopting a schedule of monetary penalties, providing notice, and holding a disciplinary hearing per Civil…
HOAs in Contra Costa County operate under the California Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act (Civil Code 4000-6150). HOA rules may be stricter than county code but cannot…
Disputes between HOAs and owners in Contra Costa County are governed by Davis-Stirling (Civil Code 5900-5965) requiring Internal Dispute Resolution, with Alternative Dispute Resolution…
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…
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…
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…
Martinez protects significant or heritage trees under Chapter 8.12 of the Municipal Code. Trees meeting size, species, or historical significance criteria may be designated as…
Protected trees in Martinez require a removal permit under Municipal Code Chapter 8.12. Applicants typically must submit an ISA-certified arborist report. The Planning Division…
CA Civil Code 1708.8 creates civil liability for drone-based invasion of privacy. Recording or observing individuals in areas with reasonable expectation of privacy is actionable…
Commercial drone operations in California follow uniform federal rules under 14 CFR Part 107 plus statewide California provisions in Civil Code 1708.8 and Public Utilities Code 21401…
Unincorporated Contra Costa County does not require a permit for residential garage sales. No registration fee or application — residents may hold sales on their own property with…
No formal frequency cap on garage sales in unincorporated CCC, but repeated sales may trigger classification as home business or unlicensed retail under Zoning Code Title 88. Industry…
Contra Costa County has no dedicated data-center ordinance. In the unincorporated county, a data center is treated as an industrial use, allowed in the L-I, H-I, C-M, or W-3 industrial…
Contra Costa County has no ordinance specific to cryptocurrency or blockchain mining. A commercial mining operation is treated as a data center or industrial use, allowed in the L-I…
Contra Costa County has no codified decibel ordinance for stationary sources. A data center's cooling and generators are held to the 2045 General Plan land-use compatibility standard…
California sets a statewide minimum wage floor under Labor Code 1182.12, $16.90 per hour for all employers as of January 2026. Local governments are not preempted and may set higher…
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…
California regulates concealed carry weapons licenses statewide under Penal Code 26150 through 26225. Senate Bill 2 (2023) imposes uniform sensitive-place restrictions and applicant…
California preempts most local firearm regulation under Government Code 53071 and Penal Code 25605, reserving licensing, registration, and manufacture authority to the state. However…
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…
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…
California prohibits state and local governments from requiring private employers to use the federal E-Verify system except where federal law mandates it, under Labor Code 2812. The…
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…
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…
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…
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…
California restricts expanded polystyrene food containers statewide through SB 54 (2022) packaging requirements under Public Resources Code 42040-42081. The law mandates that…
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…
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…
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…
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…