Pop. 151,348 Β· Los Angeles County
Weed and vegetation control is enforced under Pomona's nuisance and property maintenance codes. Overgrown weeds constitute a fire hazard and nuisance violation. Code Compliance handles complaints and enforcement.
Pomona is served by multiple water providers following MWELO requirements. New landscapes over 500 sq ft must meet Maximum Applied Water Allowance calculations. CA Gov Code Section 65595 prohibits banning drought-tolerant landscaping.
Pomona encourages water-efficient landscaping under MWELO. Native and drought-tolerant plants are promoted. CA law prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant landscaping.
Above-ground pools in Pomona must meet the same CA Building Code barrier and safety requirements as in-ground pools. A building permit is required for permanent installations.
Swimming pool construction in Pomona requires a building permit from Building and Safety. Plans must comply with 2022 California Building Codes. Inspections are required at multiple stages of construction.
Hot tubs and spas in Pomona must comply with CA Building Code barrier requirements. Covers may serve as one of the required safety features. Electrical work requires a separate permit.
Per CA Swimming Pool Safety Act (H&S Code 115920-115929), pools require 60-inch barriers with self-closing/self-latching gates. At least one additional safety feature required: pool cover, alarm, or self-closing doors.
Pomona pools must comply with CA Swimming Pool Safety Act and Virginia Graeme Baker Act for drain covers. Two compliant barriers must be installed, inspected, and approved before filling.
Pomona Ordinance No. 4342 (adopted February 2024) requires an STR permit for all short-term rentals. Only fee owners who have resided in the property for at least 60 days may apply. R-1 zones prohibit STRs entirely. A 30-day minimum stay applies.
Pomona requires an STR license under Ordinance No. 4342. Only fee owners who have lived in the home 60+ days may apply. Hosted stays only. R-1 zones are completely prohibited. Operating without a permit incurs $1,000/day fines.
STR operators must provide a 24-hour emergency contact who will respond on-site within 30 minutes to noise or conduct complaints. Events, parties, and assemblies are explicitly prohibited at STR properties.
STR guests may only use designated legal on-site parking spaces. The number of vehicles cannot exceed the number of designated parking spaces at the property.
Pomona requires a 30-day minimum stay for all short-term rentals under Ordinance No. 4342. Nightly and weekend rentals are not permitted. This effectively functions as a prohibition on traditional short-term vacation rentals.
Pomona charges a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on all short-term rental income. Operators must register with the city and remit TOT payments. The annual STR permit fee is $914.
Pomona STR ordinance limits occupancy and prohibits events or assemblies unrelated to lodging. Pool-only rentals and commercial functions are explicitly banned.
Pomona STR operators must maintain all required permits and licenses, including business license tax and liability coverage. Permit is non-transferable and does not run with the land.
In unincorporated Los Angeles County, the short-term rental host need not be physically onsite, but the property must be the host's primary residence and unhosted stays are capped at 30 nights per calendar year under Title 22.140.290.
Unincorporated Los Angeles County limits short-term rentals to the host's primary residence under Title 22.140.290, defined as the dwelling occupied by the host for at least six months of the calendar year.
Unlike Los Angeles City, unincorporated Los Angeles County offers no extended home-share permit. Title 22.140.290 caps unhosted rentals at 30 nights per year with no path to lift that limit while keeping the host offsite.
Title 22.140.290(I) establishes a three-strikes rule: any host receiving three citations within a 12-month period for short-term rental violations in unincorporated Los Angeles County loses the permit and is barred from reapplying for two years.
Hosting platforms operating in unincorporated Los Angeles County must display the County permit number on every listing, verify validity, and remove unpermitted listings on County notice under Title 22.140.290 and California SB-60 / AB-1731 platform rules.
Portions of northern Pomona near the foothills are in or near fire hazard severity zones. CalFire maps designate State Responsibility Areas. Defensible space requirements apply per CA PRC Section 4291.
Pomona enforces vegetation clearance under CA PRC Section 4291. Properties in fire hazard severity zones must maintain 100 ft of defensible space. Zone 1 (0-30 ft) lean/clean/green, Zone 2 (30-100 ft) reduce and remove.
All fireworks are illegal in the City of Pomona, including 'safe and sane' fireworks. Pomona enforces a total ban on the possession, sale, and use of fireworks within city limits.
Open burning is prohibited in Pomona under the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 444 and the California Fire Code adopted in Chapter 22. Recreational fire pits may be used with restrictions.
Recreational fires in Pomona must comply with LA County Fire Code and South Coast AQMD regulations. Open burning requires AQMD permits. Spare-the-air day restrictions apply throughout the South Coast Air Basin.
LA County Fire Code Title 32 Β§6101 governs propane storage. Residential cylinders aggregating 10 gallons or less are exempt; aggregate quantities above 25 gallons require a LACoFD permit and IFC Β§6104 setbacks from buildings, property lines, and ignition sources.
Pomona regulates industrial noise through Chapter 18, Article VII (Noise and Vibration Control) and the Zoning and Development Code Table 30-469 which sets noise standards by land use classification.
Pomona City Code Chapter 18, Article VII (Noise and Vibration Control) establishes exterior noise standards measured in dBA. Residential zones have a daytime limit of 60 dBA (7 AM-10 PM) and nighttime limit of 50 dBA (10 PM-7 AM) at the property line.
Pomona City Code Section 18-312 prohibits music or any sound that is plainly audible more than 50 feet from its source between 10 PM and 7 AM, and audible from 150 feet between 7 AM and 10 PM.
Pomona enforces quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM under Chapter 18, Article VII. During quiet hours, stricter noise limits of 50 dBA apply in residential zones, and sound must not be audible beyond 50 feet.
Pomona City Code Chapter 6 (Animals) makes it unlawful to keep any dog or animal that by frequent or habitual barking, howling, or yelping disturbs the neighborhood. Animal noise also falls under the general noise ordinance in Chapter 18.
Pomona does not have a local aircraft noise ordinance. Aircraft noise is regulated at the federal level by the FAA. The nearest major airport is Ontario International Airport (ONT), approximately 8 miles east.
Pomona City Code restricts construction noise to weekdays and Saturdays 7 AM-8 PM. No construction is permitted on Sundays or federal holidays. Construction noise is subject to additional dBA limits under Section 18-311.
Pomona prohibits amplified music audible beyond 50 ft between 10 PM and 7 AM, and beyond 150 ft during daytime hours. Citations filed with the LA County District Attorney.
Leaf blowers in Pomona fall under the general construction/maintenance noise exemption. Permitted 7 AM-8 PM weekdays and Saturdays; prohibited Sundays and federal holidays. CA AB 1346 phases out gas-powered equipment statewide.
Pomona allows up to 24 chickens on residential property but roosters are prohibited. Swine, dangerous reptiles, bees, male goats, and exotic animals without permits are banned within city limits. Slaughtering is prohibited except rabbits and chickens for domestic use.
Pomona does not have a specific wildlife feeding ordinance. Nuisance conditions from wildlife attractants may be enforced under general nuisance provisions of the municipal code. Inland Valley Humane Society handles wildlife complaints.
Pomona does not have breed-specific legislation. CA Food & Agricultural Code Section 31683 generally preempts local breed bans. Dangerous dog laws focus on individual animal behavior, not breed.
Pomona follows LA County leash requirements. Dogs must be on a leash not exceeding 6 ft when on public property. All dogs and cats must be licensed. Animal services provided by Inland Valley Humane Society.
Pomona City Code Chapter 6 (Animals) regulates beekeeping within city limits. Beekeeping is permitted in certain zones with restrictions on hive placement, number of colonies, and setbacks from property lines and neighboring structures.
Exotic pet ownership in Pomona is governed by California Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations (Title 14, Section 671) and Pomona City Code Chapter 6. Most exotic animals including ferrets, hedgehogs, monkeys, and large reptiles are prohibited statewide.
LA County Title 10.20.355 requires microchipping for all dogs and cats released from shelters and, by recent expansion, for any dog or cat receiving a county license. DACC scans every impounded animal for owner reunification.
LA County Title 10.92 prohibits retail pet stores in unincorporated areas from selling dogs or cats unless sourced from shelters or registered nonprofit rescues. The 2017 county rule preceded California AB-485, which now applies statewide.
LA County Title 10.20.220 caps three dogs and five cats at unincorporated single-family lots without a kennel permit. DACC and the Sheriff investigate hoarding cases as cruelty under California Penal Code Β§597, with seizure and prosecution.
LA County Title 10.32 covers cat care and Title 10.20.060 mandates rabies vaccination for cats over four months. DACC supports trap-neuter-return for managed feral colonies; outdoor cats remain owners' responsibility for damage and wildlife harm.
LA County Title 10.20.350 requires all dogs and cats over four months in unincorporated areas to be spayed or neutered, with narrow exceptions for licensed breeders, show animals, and medical waivers documented by a veterinarian.
DACC's 2017 Coyote Management Plan emphasizes coexistence, hazing, and attractant removal over lethal control. LACO Title 10.84.010 bans intentional feeding of coyotes and other wildlife in unincorporated areas, with citations and escalating fines for violations.
LA County Title 10.20.220 caps unincorporated single-family residences at three dogs over four months and five cats without a kennel or cattery permit. Higher counts require DACC permitting and zoning compatibility under Title 22.
Pet groomers in unincorporated LA County must hold a Department of Public Health animal-facility permit under LACO Title 11 and a Title 7.62 business license. Mobile groomers face the same rules plus vehicle and wastewater requirements.
LA County Title 22.140.220 lets veterinary clinics operate by right in commercial zones C-1, C-2, and C-3, with conditions covering noise, kenneling overnight, and outdoor runs. Heavier animal hospitals may require a conditional use permit.
California Fish & Game Code Β§3503 to Β§3516 protect native birds, nests, and eggs, including raptors and migratory species. LA County Title 10.84 layers a wildlife harm and feeding ban for unincorporated areas, with DACC and CDFW enforcement.
Pomona Zoning and Development Code requires block wall/fencing plans showing materials and heights be approved by the Planning Division. A 6-ft decorative masonry wall is required at industrial-residential boundaries. Double walls must be avoided.
Fence construction in Pomona requires submission of site plans, section drawings, and elevations to the Planning Division for approval. Plans must be consistent with the grading plan.
The Pomona Zoning and Development Code (effective July 2024) regulates fence and wall heights. Front yard fences are generally limited to 42 inches; side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet in residential zones.
Pomona follows CA Civil Code Section 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) requiring shared cost for boundary fences. Spite fences exceeding 10 ft are a private nuisance under CA Civil Code Section 841.4.
Retaining walls in Pomona require engineering plans and Planning Division approval. Height and material must be depicted in section drawings. Retaining walls along property boundaries may also require neighbor notification.
Pool barriers in Pomona must meet CA Building Code Title 24 Chapter 31 requirements: 60-inch minimum height, self-closing/self-latching gates, plus at least one additional safety feature (cover, alarm, or self-closing doors).
Pomona regulates street parking under its municipal code. Vehicles parked on public streets for more than 72 hours may be cited as abandoned under CA Vehicle Code Section 22651. Contact Pomona PD for enforcement.
Pomona requires parking on improved surfaces only. Parking on unpaved surfaces is prohibited. The zoning code regulates residential driveway standards and prohibits front-yard parking on non-paved areas.
Pomona restricts RV and boat parking on public streets and private property. Vehicles must be on improved surfaces. Extended street parking beyond 72 hours may result in towing.
Pomona enforces general street parking rules under Chapter 58. Vehicles may not remain parked in one location for more than 72 hours per California Vehicle Code. Large vehicles face a 4-hour limit.
Pomona follows CA building code requirements for EV charging readiness in new construction. AB 2097 prohibits parking minimums near major transit stops. EV charger installations require an electrical permit.
Pomona restricts commercial vehicle parking in residential areas under the zoning code and Chapter 58. Large commercial vehicles are subject to the 4-hour street parking limit under Ordinance No. 4315.
Pomona City Code prohibits the open storage of junk, abandoned, or inoperable vehicles on private and public property. Vehicles left on public streets for extended periods are subject to citation and towing.
Only the LA County Department of Public Works may paint or alter colored curbs on county-maintained streets in unincorporated areas. Title 17.04 and the California Vehicle Code define meanings: red no-stopping, yellow loading, white passenger, green time-limited, blue disabled.
On county-maintained streets in unincorporated Los Angeles County, yellow curbs mark commercial loading zones reserved for vehicles actively loading goods, typically 7am to 6pm Monday through Saturday under Title 17.04.520. Passenger cars may not park during posted hours.
LA County Code Title 16.04 lets unincorporated neighborhoods petition for Preferential Parking Districts that reserve curb space for residents holding annual permits. Non-permit vehicles face citations during posted hours, typically two-hour limits except by permit.
LA County Code Title 17.04.660 restricts oversized vehicles including RVs, trailers, and large trucks over 22 feet long or 7 feet tall from parking on county-maintained streets in unincorporated areas between 2am and 6am without a permit.
California Civil Code Β§4745 and Β§1947.6 give condo owners and tenants the right to install electric vehicle charging stations in their assigned parking spaces. LA County building code Title 26 aligns with statewide pre-wiring rules for new multi-family construction.
Pomona regulates home occupations through the Zoning and Development Code. A business license and zoning clearance are required. Home businesses must not generate traffic, noise, or visible impacts incompatible with residential areas.
Home businesses in Pomona generally cannot display exterior signage. Pomona Zoning Code regulates sign locations and prohibits posting signs on public poles. Ordinance No. 4357 updated the city's sign regulations.
Home occupations in Pomona must not generate customer traffic inconsistent with the residential character of the neighborhood. Deliveries and customer visits are limited by the zoning code.
Small family daycare homes (up to 8 children) are allowed by right in residential zones under CA Health & Safety Code Section 1597.45. Large family daycare (9-14 children) requires a use permit.
California's Cottage Food Law (AB 1616/AB 1144) allows sale of approved non-hazardous food from home kitchens. Class A (direct sale) and Class B (indirect sale) permits available. County health registration required.
The Pomona Zoning and Development Code regulates accessory structures including sheds. Structures under 120 square feet may be exempt from building permits but must comply with setback and placement requirements.
Pomona allows garage conversions to ADUs under Ordinance No. 4281 and state law. Converted garages don't require replacement parking. The residential use of garages is regulated under the Zoning Code.
Tiny homes in Pomona are regulated as ADUs if permanent. CA Gov Code Section 65852.2 allows ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft. Tiny homes on wheels may be classified as RVs and subject to parking restrictions.
Pomona regulates ADUs under Zoning Code Section 830.A and Ordinance No. 4281. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft are allowed. No minimum lot size. Height up to 16 ft detached, 25 ft attached. 4-foot side/rear setbacks required.
Carport construction in Pomona requires a building permit and must comply with the Zoning and Development Code setback requirements. Carports cannot encroach into required setback areas.
Political signs in Pomona are protected by the First Amendment and CA Elections Code. Temporary political signs are permitted on private property during election periods without a permit.
Pomona prohibits posting signs on public poles. Garage sale signs on private property are generally allowed during the sale period. Temporary signs must be removed promptly after the event.
Holiday displays on private residential property in Pomona are generally allowed. No specific restrictions on duration beyond general temporary sign regulations.
Title 22.140.430 of the LA County Code prohibits digital and electronic message-center billboards in all residential zones of unincorporated areas, allowing them in commercial and industrial zones only with a Conditional Use Permit and strict brightness, dwell-time, and spacing limits.
Title 22.140.430 of the LA County Code limits window signs in commercial buildings of unincorporated areas to 25 percent of the window's glass area, bans flashing or animated displays, and allows neon and LED only with proper electrical permits.
Off-site signs visible from interstate and primary highways in unincorporated Los Angeles County are governed by the California Outdoor Advertising Act under Business and Professions Code Β§5200 et seq., which preempts most local rules and requires a Caltrans permit.
Solar panel installation in Pomona requires a building permit. New construction must include solar per 2022 CA Title 24 energy code. Historic sites require a Minor Certificate of Appropriateness - Solar.
CA Civil Code Section 714 (Solar Rights Act) prohibits HOAs from effectively banning solar installations. HOAs may set reasonable aesthetic requirements but cannot increase costs by more than $1,000 or reduce efficiency by more than 10%.
California Government Code Β§65850.5 and LA County Code Title 22.140.500 require expedited solar permitting for residential rooftop systems under 38.4 kilowatts. LA County uses SolarAPP+ instant online plan review through Building and Safety, typically issuing permits within three business days.
California Government Code Β§65852.27 lets farmers install ground-mounted solar serving on-site agricultural operations as ministerial accessory uses. LA County Code Title 22.140.500 adds setback and visibility standards for ag-overlay parcels in Antelope Valley and other unincorporated farming areas.
California SB-43 created the Green Tariff Shared Renewables program letting LA County renters and shaded-roof homeowners subscribe to community solar shares without on-site panels. LA County Waterworks pilots and Southern California Edison Green Rate provide enrollment paths countywide.
Pomona requires vacant/abandoned property registration under the Property Registration Program. Registration is $472.15/year per parcel with annual CPI increases. Failure to register results in $100 penalty plus $22 processing fee.
Pomona is in the Inland Valley of Southern California and does not receive snow. No snow removal ordinance exists. Sidewalk maintenance is required for general cleanliness and safety.
Pomona regulates garage sales through its business license and zoning code provisions. Signs on public poles are prohibited. Property must be maintained during and after sales.
Pomona waste collection by Athens Services. Bins must be at curb by 6 AM on collection day and removed within 12 hours. Three-bin system: black (trash), blue (recycling), green (organics).
Pomona enforces property blight standards through Code Compliance. Violations include junk storage, broken windows, damaged screens, graffiti, and general dilapidation. Enforcement through citations, abatement, and prosecution.
Pomona adopted Ordinance No. 4359 (effective Jan 1, 2026) capping rent increases at 5% per year with one increase per 12-month period. Stricter than AB 1482 when CPI exceeds 0%. Single-family homes exempt under Costa-Hawkins.
Pomona Ordinance No. 4359 requires just cause for eviction: at-fault (nonpayment, breach, nuisance) or no-fault (owner move-in, withdrawal). No-fault evictions require relocation assistance. Disabled/terminally ill tenants of 10+ years have extra protection.
Pomona eliminated its rent registry program in the 2025 ordinance update. Landlords are no longer required to submit rent roll data or register units. Unlawful detainer filings must still be submitted to the city within 10 days.
Los Angeles County's Rent Stabilization and Tenant Protections Ordinance requires landlords in unincorporated areas to pay tiered relocation assistance to households evicted for no-fault reasons, with amounts adjusted annually by DCBA.
Cash-for-keys deals in unincorporated LA County are regulated under the RSTPO buyout provisions. Landlords must serve a written disclosure, allow a cooling-off rescission period, and file the executed agreement with the DCBA.
Under LA County's RSTPO, landlords in unincorporated areas may end a tenancy without tenant fault only for owner move-in, Ellis Act withdrawal, demolition or permanent removal, substantial remodel, or government order. Each path requires notice, filing, and relocation pay.
RSTPO landlords in unincorporated LA County may pass through approved capital improvement, utility, and registration costs only with DCBA approval. Capital improvements are split 50/50 with the tenant, and monthly add-ons are capped.
LA County Ordinance 2021-0040, codified at Title 8.59, prohibits landlords in unincorporated areas from harassing tenants through threats, coercion, intimidation, utility shutoffs, or false eviction filings. DCBA investigates and penalties run per violation.
The Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (HACoLA) administers federal Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers across LA County. Landlords accepting vouchers must pass HQS inspection and cannot refuse applicants based on voucher status.
California Government Code Β§12955 bans housing discrimination based on a tenant's lawful source of income, including Section 8 vouchers and other rental subsidies. LA County Title 8.42 mirrors and extends the protection in unincorporated areas via DCBA.
California Civil Code Β§1950.5, amended by AB-12 effective July 2024, caps residential security deposits at one month's rent statewide. Los Angeles County does not add a local cap; state law controls in both incorporated and unincorporated areas.
The City of Pomona evaluates and removes dead/diseased street trees yearly and replants new trees in historic districts. Private tree replacement on historic sites may require Planning Division approval.
Pomona's Tree Preservation Program requires a Certificate of Appropriateness before removing character-defining landscaping on historic sites. Street tree removal is managed by the city per the Street Tree Policy Manual.
Pomona protects specimen (heritage) trees in historic districts. All clearance work on mature significant trees must comply with ISA and Utility Arborists Association pruning standards.
LA County Code Title 22.174 (formerly 22.56.2050) protects native oaks with eight inches or larger trunk diameter at breast height. An Oak Tree Permit from Regional Planning is required before pruning more than 25 percent or removing any protected oak.
LA County Public Works requires a no-fee permit before planting, removing, or pruning any tree in the parkway strip between sidewalk and curb. Approved species follow the LA County Street Tree Master Plan with separation from utilities and driveways.
The LA County Community Forest Management Plan and OurCounty Sustainability Plan target a 50 percent canopy increase in low-canopy unincorporated communities by 2045. DPW, Parks, and Public Health prioritize free plantings in Southeast LA and Antelope Valley equity zones.
Los Angeles County protects significant trees in unincorporated areas through its Oak Tree Ordinance (Title 22, Chapter 22.174) and related regulations. The ordinance requires permits for removal or relocation of oak trees and other protected species. Heritage trees receive enhanced protection. Mitigation including replacement planting is required when removal is approved.
Pomona residents can post No Soliciting signs. Solicitors who ignore posted signs may be cited. The Pomona Police Department handles complaints at 909-622-1241.
Pomona regulates commercial solicitation through its business license requirements. Door-to-door solicitors must obtain proper business permits. Violations handled by Pomona Police Department.
Pomona parks are subject to posted hours of operation. Parks generally close at dusk or posted closing time. Persons in parks after closing may be cited for trespassing.
Pomona enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 18. Violations are handled by the Pomona Police Department. Parents may be charged for costs of returning a minor home on repeated violations.
Portions of Pomona fall within FEMA-designated flood zones, primarily along drainage channels. The city participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and requires compliance with floodplain development standards.
Pomona requires grading permits for earthwork exceeding thresholds. Block wall and fencing plans must be consistent with the grading plan. Drainage must be directed away from neighboring properties.
Pomona is an inland city approximately 30 miles from the coast. Coastal development regulations and the California Coastal Commission do not apply.
Pomona requires erosion control plans for grading and construction projects. BMPs must be implemented during rainy season. Projects must comply with the LA County NPDES permit requirements.
Pomona enforces stormwater management under the LA County MS4 permit and NPDES requirements. Construction projects must implement BMPs. The city participates in the San Gabriel River watershed programs.
Properties in mapped Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must maintain 100 feet of defensible space under California PRC Β§4291 and LACo Fire Code Title 32 Β§4906, with annual LACoFD Forestry Division inspections in Malibu, Topanga, Altadena, and Antelope Valley foothills.
California Code of Regulations Title 13 Β§2485 caps heavy-duty diesel idling at five minutes statewide, enforced across LA County by CARB and SCAQMD Rule 1102. LA County's fleet idle-reduction policy adds matching limits for county-owned trucks and buses.
California AB-1346 bans the sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers and other small off-road engines under 25 horsepower starting 2024, applying countywide. LA County does not have a separate countywide blower ban, but several incorporated cities layer their own operating prohibitions.
Los Angeles County adopted its OurCounty Sustainability Plan in 2019 with binding climate targets, paired with a Climate Vulnerability Assessment guiding adaptation. The Chief Sustainability Office coordinates 159 actions across 12 goals targeting carbon neutrality by 2050 in unincorporated areas.
Los Angeles County's Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Policy at LA County Code Title 2.205 directs all departments to prioritize recycled-content, energy-efficient, and low-toxicity products. Internal Services manages a zero-emission fleet replacement schedule for county-owned light-duty vehicles.
LA County Public Works runs cool pavement pilots in unincorporated communities like Pacoima-adjacent areas to lower surface temperatures during heat waves. The reflective coatings reduce roadway temperatures by up to 10 to 15 degrees Fahrenheit on summer afternoons.
LA County Code Title 31 Green Building Standards and Title 26 Building Code adopt CALGreen Title 24 Part 11 baseline requiring cool roofing on new construction and major reroofs in unincorporated areas. Reflective materials must meet minimum solar reflectance and thermal emittance ratings.
The OurCounty Sustainability Plan and Climate Vulnerability Assessment identify Heat Equity Zones, where LA County deploys cool roofs, cool pavement, tree canopy, and cooling-center activations when forecast highs exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit for two or more days.
Los Angeles County enforces shoreline management regulations for its extensive coastline and waterways in unincorporated areas. Development within the coastal zone requires compliance with the California Coastal Act and the county's Local Coastal Program. Projects near beaches, harbors, and coastal bluffs are subject to stringent setback, access, and environmental review requirements administered by the Department of Regional Planning.
Pomona does not have a specific dark-sky ordinance. General light nuisance provisions in the municipal code may apply. Outdoor lighting for new development is reviewed through the planning process.
Light trespass in Pomona may be addressed under general nuisance provisions. New development projects undergo lighting review by the Planning Division to prevent impacts on adjacent properties.
Title 22.140.385 of the LA County Code limits billboard illumination in unincorporated areas to 0.3 foot-candles above ambient measured at the property line, requires full cutoff fixtures aimed downward, and bans upward light spill into the night sky.
Title 22.140.385 of the LA County Code requires residential and commercial security lighting in unincorporated areas to use full cutoff shields aimed downward, capping property-line spill at 0.5 foot-candles and prohibiting glare onto neighboring dwellings or public ways.
Title 22.140.385 of the LA County Code exempts seasonal holiday lighting from outdoor-lighting brightness, shielding, and dark-sky rules between November 1 and January 15 each year, provided the displays do not create traffic hazards or unreasonable glare.
Athens Services provides weekly residential collection in Pomona starting at 6 AM Monday-Friday. Three-bin system for trash, recycling, and organics. Yard and food waste go in the green container.
Pomona requires residential recycling in blue bins per SB 1383 organics diversion and AB 341 mandatory recycling. Athens Services handles collection. Tire recycling events are offered periodically.
Pomona provides curbside bulky item pickup through Athens Services by appointment. Maximum 4 large items (2 metal, 2 non-metal) plus up to 10 bundles of wood/limbs/carpet. No hazardous waste.
Bins must be placed at the curb by 6 AM on collection day and removed from the street or alleys within 12 hours after collection. Bins should not block sidewalks or public right-of-way.
California SB-1383 and LA County Code Title 12.84 require all residents and businesses in unincorporated areas to separate organic waste including food scraps, food-soiled paper, and yard trimmings from trash. Haulers provide green carts and inspections. LA Sanitation enforces.
LA County Code Title 12.84 governs valet-trash and door-to-door collection programs at apartment and condo buildings in unincorporated areas. Buildings must use a franchise hauler, separate organics and recyclables, and meet diversion targets even when residents place bags outside doors.
LA County Public Works coordinates franchise haulers including Athens Services, Republic Services, and Waste Management to slide trash, recycling, and organics pickup one day later for the rest of the week after six observed holidays: New Year's, Memorial, Independence, Labor, Thanksgiving, Christmas.
Mobile food operations in Pomona require an LA County Department of Public Health permit, city business license, and must pass inspection. Letter Grade and certification sticker must be displayed.
Pomona regulates sidewalk vending under Chapter 30, Article X. Stationary vendors may operate 7 AM-12 AM only. Vendors are prohibited in parks, the 8-block downtown area, and near the Fairplex. No open-flame propane grills allowed.
Under CA Prop 64, Pomona residents 21+ may grow up to 6 marijuana plants in areas locked and not visible to the public. Landlords may ban cultivation. Medical patients may grow 6 mature or 12 immature plants.
Pomona allows commercial cannabis under Chapter 68 and the CCPP Overlay District (Ordinance No. 4273). Maximum 8 permits: 2 retail, 2 microbusiness, 4 manufacturing/testing/cultivation. Must be 1,000 ft from sensitive uses.
Commercial cannabis activity has historically been prohibited in unincorporated LA County under Title 22.140.220, but Title 22 amendments adopted alongside the 2022 Equity Program will allow retail, cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution in select industrial zones (M-1, M-1.5, M-2) once licensing rolls out.
LA County's Cannabis Equity Program, run by the Department of Consumer and Business Affairs under Ordinance 2022-0023, gives priority licensing, fee waivers, and technical assistance to applicants harmed by past cannabis enforcement in unincorporated areas.
Under California MAUCRSA Business and Professions Code Section 26054 and LA County Code Title 22.140, commercial cannabis premises in unincorporated LA County must sit at least 600 feet from K-12 schools, daycare centers, and youth centers, measured property line to property line.
California Department of Cannabis Control regulations allow state-licensed retailers to deliver cannabis to any address in unincorporated LA County, even though the county has not yet issued local retailer licenses. Delivery vehicles, drivers, and manifests must follow state rules in CCR Title 4.
Adults 21 and older in unincorporated LA County may cultivate up to six living cannabis plants per private residence under California Proposition 64, with plants kept indoors or in a locked, screened outdoor enclosure not visible from a public place under Health and Safety Code Section 11362.1.
Recreational drone use in Pomona is governed by FAA regulations. Drones must be registered, flown below 400 ft, and kept within visual line of sight. Pomona is near Brackett Field Airport requiring extra caution.
Commercial drone operations in Pomona require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. Operators must comply with all FAA airspace restrictions, especially near Brackett Field Airport.
Federal Aviation Administration rules under 14 CFR Part 107 and LAANC preempt local drone-proximity rules. Pilots must obtain controlled-airspace authorization within five miles of LAX, Burbank, Long Beach, Van Nuys, Hawthorne, Whiteman, Compton, El Monte, and Santa Monica airports.
Title 17.04.510 of the LA County Code prohibits launching, landing, or operating unmanned aircraft systems in County-operated parks, beaches, and recreation areas without an advance permit from the Department of Parks and Recreation. The rule covers over 180 facilities.
The Federal Aviation Administration issues Temporary Flight Restrictions over major LA County events including Rose Parade, Super Bowl, Oscars, large stadium games, and active wildfires. TFRs block all drones inside the cylinder and ground LA County operations under Title 17.04.510.
Pomona's lot coverage ratios limit building footprint to prevent overcrowding. Specific ratios vary by zoning district and are established in the Zoning and Development Code (Sec. .399).
Pomona setbacks vary by zone. M-1 zones require 60 ft front yard on major streets, 20 ft on others, 10 ft side, 20 ft rear. M-1 abutting R-1 requires 60 ft building setback plus 20 ft landscaped yard. Residential zones governed by the Development Code.
Pomona residential zones have a 35-ft height limit. The M-1 industrial zone allows up to 75 ft. Height is measured per the Zoning and Development Code (effective July 31, 2024).
Garage sales in Pomona are regulated through the municipal code. Signs on public property are prohibited. Sales must not create nuisance conditions or obstruct public right-of-way.
Frequent garage sales in Pomona may be treated as an unpermitted business requiring a business license. Excessive sales may trigger Code Compliance enforcement.
Garage sales in Pomona should be conducted during reasonable daytime hours. Noise from sales activities must comply with the noise ordinance (Chapter 18, Article VII).
California Penal Code section 53071 preempts almost all local firearm regulation, so LA County cannot license or restrict gun ownership beyond state law. Narrow zoning and discharge rules survive in unincorporated areas under LACO Title 13.
California Penal Code section 25400 prohibits carrying a concealed firearm without a CCW. The LA County Sheriff issues permits to county residents under shall-issue rules following Bruen and SB-2, with sensitive-place limits applied countywide.
California Penal Code sections 25400 and 25610 require firearms transported by vehicle in LA County to be unloaded, with handguns inside a locked container or trunk. Long guns must be unloaded but may ride in the passenger compartment if encased.
California Penal Code section 26350 bans open carry of unloaded handguns in incorporated areas, and section 26400 bans openly carried unloaded long guns. Most LA County cities are incorporated; unincorporated areas have narrower restrictions but loaded open carry is barred everywhere.
LA County requires every vape and tobacco retailer in unincorporated areas to hold a Tobacco Retailer License under LACO Title 11.04.260 plus a state CDTFA license. Sales of flavored vape products are barred under Ord. 2019-0014 and California SB-793.
LA County Ordinance 2019-0014 (LACO Title 11.04.250) bans the sale of all flavored tobacco products, including menthol cigarettes and flavored e-liquids, in unincorporated areas. California SB-793 imposes the same ban statewide as of December 2022, covering all 88 cities.
Federal Tobacco 21 (Public Law 116-94) and California Business and Professions Code section 22963 bar LA County retailers from selling cigarettes, cigars, vapes, or any tobacco product to anyone under 21. LA County DPH enforces in unincorporated areas with photo-ID checks.
LA County banned single-use plastic carryout bags in unincorporated areas via Ordinance 2010-0059, requiring a minimum 10-cent paper-bag charge. California SB-270 extended the ban statewide, and AB-1162 (2024) further restricts pre-checkout plastic bags countywide.
LA County Code Title 12.84 bars food vendors and county facilities in unincorporated areas from using expanded polystyrene foam containers, cups, plates, and trays. California AB-1276 (Public Resources Code section 42273) extends parallel statewide standards to all cities since 2024.
LA County Code Title 12.84 makes unincorporated areas a straws-on-request jurisdiction, and California AB-1884 (Public Resources Code section 42270) plus AB-1276 extend parallel rules statewide. Restaurants cannot auto-distribute single-use plastic straws; disability requests must be accommodated.
LA County Code Title 12.84 (Ord. 2008-0006) bans expanded polystyrene foam cups at all county facilities and food vendors operating on county property. California SB-54 phases out non-recyclable plastic cup packaging statewide by 2032, layering tighter standards over the county rule.
LA County Code Title 12.84 bans expanded polystyrene takeout containers at unincorporated-area food businesses. California AB-1201 sets ASTM compostability labeling rules so containers marketed compostable meet ASTM D6400 or D6868 standards before being sold or used countywide.
California AB-1276 prohibits restaurants and food vendors from automatically providing single-use foodware accessories. Utensils, straws, condiments, and stirrers must only be supplied on customer request or self-serve, enforced countywide by LA County Public Health.
LA County Code Title 8.100 sets a minimum wage for unincorporated areas that mirrors the LA City schedule. Adopted by Ordinance 2015-0030, the rate adjusts each July with CPI and applies to all employers in unincorporated zones.
LA County Code Title 8.102 requires paid sick leave for employees in unincorporated areas, aligning with California SB-616's five-day floor. Workers accrue at least one hour per 30 worked, with carryover protections and no-retaliation provisions.
LA County has no general predictive-scheduling ordinance for unincorporated areas. California AB-1228 governs fast-food workers via the statewide Fast Food Council, and statewide retail rules apply uniformly without local mandates.
LA County Ordinance 2017-0118 (Title 1.05) prohibits Sheriff and county departments from cooperating with federal civil immigration enforcement absent a judicial warrant. California SB-54 reinforces the limits statewide for all 88 cities and the county.
California AB-1236 (Labor Code Β§2814) prohibits LA County and any city or county from requiring private employers to use E-Verify. Federal mandates apply only to federal contractors. LA County imposes no E-Verify requirement.
LA County Code Title 22.06 establishes three agricultural zones for unincorporated areas: A-1 light agriculture, A-2 heavy agriculture, and A-2-H heavy agriculture with hog ranches. These zones cover most farming in Antelope Valley and Santa Clarita Valley.
California Civil Code Β§3482.5 protects established agricultural operations from nuisance suits after three years of consistent activity. LA County applies the state rule, particularly important in Antelope Valley and Santa Clarita Valley farming areas.
LA County Code Title 8 Chapter 8.04 requires every retail food facility countywide to post an LACDPH letter grade within five feet of the entrance. A=90+, B=80-89, C=70-79; scores below 70 trigger immediate closure until reinspection clears violations.
LA County Code Title 11 Chapter 11.32 makes property owners countywide responsible for abating rodents. LACDPH Vector Management investigates outdoor complaints in unincorporated areas and supports cities. California AB-1788 bans second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides for non-licensed users statewide.
California Civil Code Β§1954.603 requires LA County landlords to give every new tenant a written bed-bug information notice and disclose known infestation history. LACDPH Vector Management investigates complaints in unincorporated areas; cities run their own habitability enforcement.
California Health & Safety Code Β§118286 bans putting home-generated sharps in regular trash or recycling. LA County operates seven S.A.F.E. Centers and rotating household hazardous waste roundups countywide for free drop-off. Mail-back kits are also available.
LACDPH and partners run the Healthy Neighborhood Market Network countywide, helping corner stores in food-desert communities stock fresh produce. The program offers refrigeration grants, technical assistance, and marketing support; participation is voluntary, not a mandate.
Under California Health and Safety Code Β§113948, every food handler in LA County must obtain an ANSI-accredited food handler card within 30 days of hire. Cards are valid for three years. LACDPH inspectors verify compliance during routine retail food inspections countywide.
Calorie labeling on menus across LA County is governed by federal FDA rules at 21 CFR Β§101.11, requiring chains with 20 or more locations to post calorie counts. LACDPH inspectors check compliance during routine retail food inspections. California AB-1100 adds beverage warnings.
LA County Building Code Title 26 classifies childcare centers as Group E or I-4 occupancies with specific egress, fire-protection, and lead/asbestos clearances. CCR Title 22 licensing through CCLD adds operational rules on staffing, square footage, and outdoor space.
LA County Building Code Title 26 adopts CRC R313, requiring automatic fire sprinklers in all new one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes. LACoFD reviews plans countywide for unincorporated and contract cities served by the district.
LA County Building Code Title 26 and Fire Code Title 32 incorporate California Fire Code Β§1010.1.9, restricting locks and latches on required egress doors. Single-action hardware, no double-cylinder deadbolts on exits, and panic hardware in assembly occupancies are mandatory.
LA County has no countywide BMO like LA City, but Title 22 Chapter 22.110 sets hillside grading and bulk limits, and several Community Standards Districts cap floor area ratio in unincorporated communities like Altadena, La Crescenta-Montrose, and Topanga.
LA County Code Title 31 adopts the California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen, Title 24 Part 11) with local amendments. Mandatory measures cover construction-waste diversion, water-efficient fixtures, EV-ready parking, and indoor air quality for new buildings.
California Structural Pest Control Act (B&P Code Β§8500+) requires licensed operators for pest treatments. LA County Environmental Health enforces vector control in unincorporated areas. Termite reports are required for most real estate transactions.
California Health and Safety Code Β§17920.10 and federal EPA regulations require lead paint disclosure, testing, and safe work practices in pre-1978 buildings. LA County Environmental Health enforces childhood lead poisoning prevention programs.
Scaffolding on construction sites in unincorporated LA County must comply with Cal/OSHA Title 8 regulations and LA County Building Code. Sidewalk canopies and pedestrian protection are required for construction along public ways.
Elevators in LA County must comply with California Conveyance Safety Act (Labor Code Β§7300+). Annual inspections by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health are required. All elevator installations need permits from LA County Building and Safety.
LACO Title 11.04.260 requires every tobacco retailer in unincorporated LA County to hold an annual county license costing roughly $342, with density caps near schools, pharmacy bans, and 1,000-foot buffers from K-12 campuses. Incorporated cities have their own programs.
LACO Title 22.140.220 bars commercial auto repair as a home occupation in unincorporated LA County. Residents may work on personally owned vehicles in their own driveway or garage, but cannot run a paid repair business or store customer cars on the property.
LACO Title 22.140.300 zones adult businesses only outside 1,000-foot buffers from schools, churches, parks, and homes in unincorporated areas. Title 7.18 requires a Sheriff business license with operator background check before any adult arcade, cabaret, or bookstore can open.
LACO Title 7.34 requires a county operator permit for any massage business in unincorporated LA County, on top of the state CAMTC certification each therapist must hold under Bus. & Prof. Code Β§4600. Sheriff inspectors review premises, lighting, and unobstructed-window standards.
Tattoo, piercing, and permanent-makeup shops in unincorporated LA County need a Title 11.36 health permit from LA County DPH Body Art Program plus LASD operator clearance. State Penal Code Β§653 bans tattooing anyone under 18, with no parental consent exception.
Smoke shops in unincorporated LA County face Title 22.140.300 sensitive-use zoning, the Title 11.04.250 flavored-tobacco sales ban from Ordinance 2019-0014, and the Title 11.04.260 tobacco retail license cap. Hookah lounges hold a narrow on-site consumption exemption.
Secondhand dealers in unincorporated LA County need a Title 7.18 Sheriff business license plus state Bus. & Prof. Code Β§21626 registration. Daily LeadsOnline reporting of all purchases and a 30-day police hold on every item are mandatory before resale.
Pawnbrokers in unincorporated LA County operate under California Financial Code Β§21000 plus LACO Title 7.18, with a 90-day minimum loan term and 60-day grace period before any pledge can be sold. Daily reporting goes to LASD through the CAPSS system.
Tow operators in unincorporated LA County need LACO Title 7.92 permits and CHP carrier certification. Sheriff dispatches non-consensual tows through Official Police Garage rotation contracts. CA Vehicle Code Β§22658 caps private-property tow fees and requires posted signs before any non-consent tow.
LA County has no mandatory retrofit ordinance for non-ductile concrete buildings in unincorporated areas. LACoDPW maintains a voluntary inventory and offers ASCE 41-17 evaluation guidance, while LA City's mandatory program does not extend to county jurisdiction.
LA County Ordinance 2017-0061 added Title 26 Chapter 95 requiring seismic retrofit of soft-story wood-frame multi-unit buildings in unincorporated areas. Owners of pre-1978 buildings with five or more units over open parking must evaluate and retrofit on a phased schedule.
LA County has no mandatory retrofit ordinance for pre-Northridge welded steel moment-frame buildings. LACoDPW follows FEMA 351-355 evaluation guidance and accepts ASCE 41-17 voluntary upgrades through Title 26 permits, with no countywide deadline.
California SB-721 (apartments) and SB-326 (HOA condos) require periodic inspection of exterior elevated elements like balconies and walkways. LACoDPW enforces in unincorporated areas; first SB-721 inspections were due January 1, 2025, with nine-year cycles.
LA County addresses tilt-up concrete buildings through voluntary ASCE 41-17 evaluation rather than a mandatory retrofit ordinance. LACoDPW guidance focuses on wall-to-roof anchorage failures observed in 1971 Sylmar and 1994 Northridge earthquakes for pre-1976 structures.
LA County maintains roughly 30 community plans plus several specific plans under LACO Title 22 that overlay base zoning across unincorporated areas like Altadena, East LA, Marina del Rey, and Topanga with tailored use, density, height, and design rules.
Projects setting aside affordable units in unincorporated LA County qualify for state-mandated density bonuses, parking reductions, and concessions under California Government Code Section 65915 and LACO Title 22.140.250, with bonuses now up to 80 percent.
LA County does not use the LA City TOC tier system; instead, individual community plans add Transit-Oriented District (TOD) overlays under LACO Title 22, while Metro Joint Development sets terms for housing on Metro-owned parcels near rail.
LACO Title 22.110.090 governs Hillside Management Areas in unincorporated LA County, applying a slope-density formula, requiring vegetation protection, and triggering geotechnical review and CEQA evaluation for steep-lot development.
Unincorporated coastal areas including Marina del Rey and Topanga lie within the California Coastal Zone, requiring Coastal Development Permits under LACO Title 22.46 and concurrent California Coastal Commission review for projects affecting public access, views, or sensitive habitat.
LA County Code Title 11.36 bans smoking in county parks (2007), on county beaches (2009), at outdoor dining areas (2010), and within twenty-five feet of any business doorway, window, or air intake. The rules cover tobacco, e-cigarettes, and cannabis under Public Health enforcement countywide.
LA County Code Title 13.10.040 prohibits aggressive solicitation in unincorporated areas, including blocking pedestrians, touching, intimidating language, or soliciting near ATMs, bus stops, and outdoor dining. Passive panhandling remains constitutionally protected, but aggressive conduct is an infraction enforced by LASD.
LA County Code Title 13.10 and Title 13.32, together with the LA County Public Health Code, prohibit urinating or defecating in any public place or on private property visible from a public way. Violations are infractions starting at $250 enforced by the Sheriff's Department and Public Health.
Skateboarding is restricted in LA County parks under Title 13.50, on Beaches and Harbors bike paths, and on county-controlled commercial walkways. California Vehicle Code Section 21212 also requires riders under eighteen to wear a helmet whenever skating in any public street, bikeway, or trail.
LA County Code Title 13.36 declares loud or unruly gatherings a public nuisance and lets the Sheriff bill the host, property owner, and on-site adults for response and abatement costs after a written warning. The rule mirrors LA City Section 41.40 and layers atop Title 12 noise limits.
LA County does not prohibit loitering itself, since vague loitering bans violate the First and Fourth Amendments. Title 13 reaches only narrow loitering-with-intent conduct, such as loitering to commit theft, prostitution-related solicitation, or drug sales, mirroring California Penal Code Sections 647 and 653.22.
California Assembly Bill 2147, the Freedom to Walk Act, amended Vehicle Code Section 21955 effective January 2023. Crossing midblock outside a marked crosswalk is now an infraction only when an immediate hazard of collision exists. LA Sheriff adopted the new statewide standard for unincorporated areas.
California Health and Safety Code Section 11362.3 prohibits smoking, vaping, or ingesting cannabis in any public place, in any place where tobacco smoking is banned, and within one thousand feet of a school, daycare, or youth center while children are present. LASD enforces a $100 infraction.
LA County Code Title 13.36.050 prohibits drinking alcoholic beverages in unincorporated parks, beaches, parking lots, and public streets without a permit. California Business and Professions Code Section 25620 also makes possessing an open container in any public place a statewide infraction enforced by LASD.
LA County Waterworks Districts and Metropolitan Water District (MWD) member agencies restrict outdoor irrigation to assigned days and prohibit watering during daytime hours, with deeper cuts triggered when MWD declares regional shortage stages.
Metropolitan Water District's SoCal Water$mart rebate program pays a baseline $3 per square foot for replacing live turf with California-friendly landscaping across LA County, with city retailers like LADWP and Long Beach Water adding top-up amounts.
LA County Sanitation Districts produce tertiary-treated recycled water at facilities like Whittier Narrows and San Jose Creek for irrigation and industrial use, distributed through purple-pipe systems regulated under LACO Title 11.38 and Title 22 CCR.
LA County Waterworks District customer rules require prompt repair of customer-side leaks once notified, while California SB-555 obligates urban water suppliers to detect, report, and reduce system-wide water loss through annual audits.
LA County does not operate a countywide shared scooter or e-bike permit program; most unincorporated areas prohibit dockless deployment, while limited DPW pilots and special programs exist in coastal unincorporated zones like Marina del Rey.
The 2022 LA County Curb Management Strategy prioritizes pickup and dropoff over parking and loading in commercial corridors. DPW retrofits curb zones using a tiered hierarchy with TNC (Uber, Lyft) zones, accessible loading, and parking allocations in unincorporated business districts.
LA County does not regulate aircraft engine run-ups; airport operators do. LAX (Los Angeles World Airports) caps run-ups at designated bays with hush-house enclosures. Bob Hope (Burbank) restricts maintenance run-ups overnight. Long Beach Airport's Noise Ordinance is the strictest in California.
FAA federal preemption blocks LA County from regulating helicopter altitude or routes. Title 12.08.330 still bars willful operation creating disturbing ground noise. LASD Air Support, news, traffic, and hospital helipads dominate countywide rotorcraft activity.
LA County Code Β§12.08.440 caps powered construction equipment at 75 dBA measured at 50 feet from the source in unincorporated areas. Work allowed Mon-Sat 7am-8pm; banned on Sundays and holidays. LASD and DPW handle citations.
LA County Code Β§12.08.500 limits motor-vehicle noise to 75 dBA at 50 feet on local streets. California Vehicle Code Β§27007 bans amplified sound systems audible 50 feet from a truck. Early-morning grocery and trash deliveries draw most complaints.
Federal law preempts LA County from designating helicopter flight paths. The LA Helicopter Noise Coalition, FAA, and operators publish voluntary routes over freeway corridors and avoid residential overflight where practical. LASD Air Support and tour operators participate but compliance is non-binding.
Hospital helipads in LA County need a building permit under California Building Code Β§1503.3 plus LACOFD Title 32 fire approval. Medevac flights enjoy emergency exemptions from Β§12.08.330 noise rules, but routine training flights must minimize residential disturbance.
LA County Code Title 12.08 measures low-frequency bass from sound systems on the C-weighted scale, capping levels at 60 dB(C) inside neighboring residences in unincorporated areas. LASD investigates throbbing-bass complaints from clubs, parties, and modified vehicles.
Bars and entertainment venues in unincorporated LA County must comply with Chapter 12.08 exterior noise standards. Commercial zone limits are 60 dBA daytime and 55 dBA nighttime. Conditional use permits often impose stricter noise conditions.
HVAC systems and mechanical equipment in unincorporated LA County must comply with Chapter 12.08 exterior noise standards. Residential HVAC units cannot exceed 50 dBA daytime or 45 dBA nighttime at the neighboring property line.
Car alarms in unincorporated LA County are regulated under Chapter 12.08 and California Vehicle Code Β§22651.5. Alarms sounding for extended periods may result in vehicle towing. Owners are responsible for ensuring alarms do not create a nuisance.
Generators and power equipment in unincorporated LA County must comply with Chapter 12.08 exterior noise standards. Portable generators commonly exceed residential noise limits and should use sound enclosures. Emergency generators have limited exemptions.
FilmLA splits still photography in LA County by use. Commercial product or fashion shoots need full permits ($795 plus location fees) under Title 22.140. Editorial, news, and journalistic still photography is generally exempt. Wedding and personal shoots fall in between.
FilmLA, the nonprofit film office, issues location permits for unincorporated LA County under Title 22.140 plus 31+ contracted cities. Permits run $795 base plus daily site fees, certificates of insurance, and notification of impacted neighbors.
FilmLA offers reduced student-permit fees in unincorporated LA County and contracted cities for students at accredited programs. Application is $25 plus $25 daily location fee. Faculty signature, school insurance, and academic-only use are required.
Measure ULA, the high-value real estate transfer tax, is a Los Angeles City ordinance under LAMC Section 21.9.2 and does not apply countywide. Most LA County sales pay only the California documentary transfer tax baseline, plus city add-ons where applicable.
Los Angeles County has not enacted a countywide vacancy tax on empty homes or commercial space. Unincorporated areas and most LA County cities impose no annual penalty on vacant property, although several cities including Santa Monica have studied measures.
LA County Code Title 22.140.470 imposes an affordable housing linkage fee on new commercial and market-rate residential development in unincorporated areas. Fees fund the Affordable Housing Trust administered by LACDA, with rates tiered by zone.
LA County Code Title 7 requires a county business license for trades operating in unincorporated areas, with classifications driving fees, inspections, and gross-receipts taxes. The Treasurer-Tax Collector and TTC Business License Unit administer the program.
LA County Code Title 4.72 imposes a 10 percent parking occupancy tax on commercial parking transactions in unincorporated areas. Operators register with the Treasurer-Tax Collector, collect tax from drivers, and remit monthly under audit by the TTC.
Los Angeles County does not run a citywide Systematic Code Enforcement Program; Title 8.52 RSTPO provides limited inspection authority in unincorporated areas and LA County DPH inspects on tenant complaint.
California Code of Regulations Title 17 and federal Title X mandate lead hazard disclosure on pre-1978 rentals, while LA County DPH runs the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program with mandatory case reporting and abatement.
LA County's Rental Housing Habitability Program (RHHP), established by Chapters 8.53 and 8.55 (enacted April 2024), requires inspection of all rental units in unincorporated areas every 4 years. Inspections began November 2024.
LA County's RHHP enforces habitability standards per California Civil Code Β§1941.1 and the County Building Code. Rental units must have working plumbing, heating, electrical, weather protection, sanitation, and be free of pests and mold.
Tenants in unincorporated LA County can file habitability complaints with the RHHP. Environmental Health contacts complainants within 3 days and schedules inspections within 7 days. Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants who file complaints.
LA County Code Title 4.72 imposes a 12 percent transient occupancy tax on lodging stays under 30 days in unincorporated areas, including hotels, motels, and short-term rentals. The Treasurer-Tax Collector registers operators and audits monthly remittances.
LA County Code Title 8.105, adopted as Ordinance 2014-0024, requires successor hotel employers in unincorporated areas with 50 or more rooms to retain incumbent non-managerial workers for a 90-day transition and evaluate them in good faith before terminations.
LA County Code Title 8.105, paired with the countywide minimum wage at Title 8.100, sets a higher hotel-worker living wage for non-managerial staff at unincorporated hotels with 50-plus rooms. Rates track the LA City hotel wage and adjust each July.
LA County Code Title 13.36 restricts sitting or lying on unincorporated public sidewalks during specified hours, but Martin v. Boise and Jones v. City of Los Angeles bar enforcement when adequate shelter beds are unavailable.
LA County Code Title 22.140.620 authorizes by-right ministerial approval for affordable and bridge housing including PATH Pathways to Health and Home interim sites in unincorporated areas to fast-track homeless solutions.
Unincorporated Los Angeles County applies Title 13.36 anti-lodging and anti-encampment rules instead of the Los Angeles City LAMC 41.18 ordinance, with the Sheriff's Department handling enforcement subject to Martin v. Boise constraints.
Los Angeles County conducts CARE-style encampment cleanups in unincorporated areas under Title 13.36 with mandatory 72-hour notice and property storage protections required by Lavan v. City of Los Angeles.
LA County extended COVID-era outdoor dining as a permanent program for unincorporated areas through DPW Public Works and DPH. Restaurants apply for sidewalk and parking-lot dining permits under Title 16.40 with ADA, fire-lane, and health requirements.
LA County DPW runs parklet pilots converting parking spaces into public seating in Marina del Rey, East LA, and Florence-Graham. Sponsors apply under Title 16.40 with $5,000-$15,000 buildout costs, design review, ADA compliance, and three-year maintenance commitments.
LA County Code Title 16.04 governs temporary closure of public roads for parades and processions. Public Works issues road closure permits with LA County Sheriff coordination for traffic control, route review, and required liability insurance.
LA County Code Title 7.84 sets special-event rules for street fairs, festivals, and outdoor markets. Organizers obtain permits from Treasurer-Tax Collector business licensing, plus LACoFD and Public Health review for tents, food, and crowd safety.
LA County DPW issues sidewalk-dining encroachment permits in unincorporated commercial corridors. Tables and chairs must preserve a five-foot ADA-compliant clear path, with Public Health review for outdoor food service per California Retail Food Code.
LA County Fire Code Title 32 Β§6101 caps propane patio heaters at one 20-pound cylinder per heater on commercial patios with 10-foot clearance from buildings. CARB regulates outdoor heater emissions, and SCAQMD natural-gas heater rules apply across the LA basin.
FilmLA processes commercial filming permits for unincorporated LA County, coordinating with Public Works on road closures, LA County Sheriff for traffic and security, and LACoFD for stunts, pyrotechnics, and special-effects review under Title 32.
Block parties in unincorporated LA County require road closure approval from Public Works, the Sheriff's Department, Fire Department, and CHP. Applications must include consent forms from affected residents and proof of liability insurance.
Events in LA County parks require permits from the Department of Parks and Recreation. Events expecting 100+ attendees or generating $5,000+ in fees need a Facility Use Agreement. Smaller events use a standard Facility Use Permit (Form P&R-82).
Sidewalk cafes in unincorporated LA County require encroachment permits from Public Works and planning approval. A minimum 4-foot clear pedestrian path must be maintained. ADA accessibility requirements apply to all outdoor dining setups.
Los Angeles County does not use Historic Preservation Overlay Zones; unincorporated areas instead apply Significant Ecological Areas under Title 22.110.060 for natural resources and Mills Act historic districts for buildings.
California Government Code 50280 and LA County Code Title 22.124 allow Mills Act contracts that cut property tax bills 60 to 70 percent for designated historic property owners who agree to ten-year preservation plans.
Los Angeles County imposes a demolition stay under Title 22.124 for designated historic landmarks in unincorporated areas, with Cultural Heritage Commission review required before any demolition permit can issue.
Los Angeles County designates historic landmarks under Title 22.124, with the Historical Landmarks and Records Commission recommending Board of Supervisors approval for properties of local, state, or national cultural significance.
Ailanthus altissima, the tree-of-heaven, is a Cal-IPC rated high-impact invasive that the LA County Agricultural Commissioner detects and treats due to its host role for the spotted lanternfly pest threat to California agriculture.
Los Angeles County Department of Public Works street tree program shifts from non-native palms toward native shade species under community plan policies, citing low shade canopy and water inefficiency of palms.
The LA County Agricultural Commissioner maintains a list of noxious weeds and invasive plant species. California's noxious weed list (Food & Agriculture Code Β§5004) applies countywide. Additionally, the county's landscaping and water-efficient ordinance discourages high-water-use ornamental species.
Los Angeles County does not have a specific countywide ordinance banning or restricting bamboo planting. However, running bamboo that spreads onto neighboring properties can create civil liability under California nuisance law, and the LA County Agricultural Commissioner monitors invasive species.
LA County allows front yard vegetable and food gardens in unincorporated areas. California AB 2561 (2022) prohibits local governments from banning front yard food gardens. The county's drought-tolerant landscaping incentives further encourage replacing ornamental lawns with productive gardens.
LA County has no specific doorbell camera ordinance, so California Penal Code 632 two-party consent for recorded conversations and Civil Code 1708.8 anti-paparazzi privacy rules govern Ring and Nest installations in unincorporated areas.
Los Angeles County has no countywide facial recognition prohibition; the Sheriff's Department accesses state and federal facial recognition databases including DOJ Cal-ID under existing law enforcement information-sharing agreements.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department operates automated license plate reader systems under California Civil Code 1798.90.5 and SB 34 retention, security, and audit requirements applicable to all California ALPR operators.
Security cameras on private residential property are legal in unincorporated LA County. California is a two-party consent state for audio recording (Penal Code Β§632), so cameras recording audio require all-party consent. Cameras must not point into areas where neighbors have a reasonable expectation of privacy.
California is a two-party (all-party) consent state for recording confidential communications. Under Penal Code Β§632, recording private conversations without consent from all parties is a crime punishable by fines and imprisonment. This applies to both audio and video recordings that capture private communications.
In unincorporated LA County, privacy fences up to 6 feet are allowed in side and rear yards without a building permit. Front yard fences are limited to 42 inches. Fences over 6 feet require a permit from the Department of Public Works, Building and Safety Division.
LA County's Sidewalk Vending Ordinance designates permitted vending areas and restricted zones in unincorporated communities. Vendors must maintain distances from storefronts, intersections, fire hydrants, and transit stops.
LA County's Sidewalk Vending Ordinance (adopted February 2024, effective August 2024) requires all vendors in unincorporated areas to register with the Department of Economic Opportunity for a Sidewalk Vending Registration Certificate (SVRC).
Food vending carts in unincorporated LA County must meet Department of Public Health CMFO standards. LA County partnered with the City of LA to provide free health-compliant carts to qualifying vendors through the sidewalk vending program.
HOAs in LA County are governed by the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act (Civil Code Β§4000β6150). Board meetings require advance notice, open sessions, and recorded minutes. Annual elections follow strict secret ballot procedures.
HOAs in LA County may require architectural approval for exterior modifications under their CC&Rs, but California law limits restrictions on solar panels, drought-tolerant landscaping, EV charging stations, and ADUs.
The Davis-Stirling Act regulates HOA assessments in LA County. Regular assessments may increase up to 20% annually without member vote. Special assessments exceeding 5% of budget require majority member approval.
The Davis-Stirling Act requires HOAs to offer internal dispute resolution (IDR) and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) before litigation. Members may request IDR meetings with the board. ADR mediation is required before most lawsuits.
HOAs in LA County enforce CC&Rs through the Davis-Stirling Act. Fines require notice and hearing. CC&R amendments typically need 67% member approval. Enforcement must be uniform and non-discriminatory.
In unincorporated LA County, the Department of Public Works maintains public sidewalks. Property owners are responsible for damage caused by trees on their property. The County operates a Sidewalk Repair Program for qualifying neighborhoods.
LA County Code prohibits obstructing public sidewalks and rights-of-way in unincorporated areas. A minimum 4-foot clear path must be maintained for ADA compliance. Encroachment permits are required for any permanent or semi-permanent use of sidewalk space.
Any work within a public right-of-way in unincorporated LA County requires an encroachment permit from the Department of Public Works. This includes utility connections, driveways, sidewalk modifications, and temporary construction activities.
Fences under 6 feet in height do not require a building permit in unincorporated LA County. Fences over 6 feet, retaining walls with fences, and fences in special zoning areas require permits. Front yard fences must not exceed 42 inches within the required setback.
In unincorporated LA County, one-story detached accessory buildings (tool/storage sheds) under 120 square feet with a maximum height of 12 feet are exempt from building permits. Larger sheds require a permit from the DPW Building and Safety Division. All sheds must comply with zoning setbacks.
In unincorporated LA County, decks not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below are exempt from building permits. Elevated decks, covered patios, and attached patio covers require permits from the DPW Building and Safety Division.
Most renovation work in unincorporated LA County requires a building permit from the DPW Building and Safety Division. Permits are needed for structural changes, electrical/plumbing/mechanical work, roofing, and window/door replacements that change openings. Cosmetic work generally does not require permits.
LA County Building and Safety investigates code complaints through scheduled inspections. Emergency safety hazards are prioritized, while routine complaints are generally investigated within 10-15 business days of filing. Complex cases involving permits or legal action may take longer.
Residents in unincorporated Los Angeles County can report building, zoning, and property maintenance violations to the LA County Department of Public Works, Building and Safety Division. Reports can be filed online, by phone at (626) 458-3173, or through the LA County portal.
The most frequently cited code violations in unincorporated LA County include construction without permits, illegal dwelling units (garage conversions), overgrown vegetation, unpermitted signage, and property maintenance failures such as accumulated debris and dilapidated structures.