Modoc County, CA Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)

Modoc County's code contains no rule dictating how residents use their own private driveways, no front-yard parking ban, and no surfacing requirement for residential driveways. What the code does regulate is the connection between private property and the public road network. Under the zoning code's off-street parking design requirements (Modoc County Code Section 18.110.040), all parking areas that access onto a county road must be reviewed by the county road department, and all parking areas that access onto a state highway must be reviewed by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). This means new driveways, encroachments, or commercial parking lots tying into a county road typically require road-department review and an encroachment permit. Blocking a driveway on a public road is separately handled by the California Vehicle Code: Section 22500(e) prohibits stopping or parking in front of a public or private driveway, and Section 22651 authorizes removal of vehicles obstructing access. For winter, residents in Alturas, Cedarville, and Adin should keep driveway aprons clear so plowed snow and emergency access are not impeded; confirm encroachment and access details with the Modoc County Public Works / Roads Department.