Pop. 26,000 · Fresno County
Reedley has no leaf blower ban or specific restrictions. Gas and electric blowers are permitted. Leaf blower noise falls under the general RMC 5-1-18 noise ordinance.
Reedley has no local aircraft noise ordinance. The Reedley Municipal Airport (O32) operates under FAA regulations. Federal law preempts local noise rules for aircraft in flight.
RMC 5-1-18(E) sets a 5-dB-over-ambient threshold at the property line. For apartments and condos, measurement is taken within the adjoining unit. No zone-specific fixed decibel limits exist.
California Code of Regulations Title 14, Section 671 prohibits private possession of most exotic animals statewide, including in Reedley. Permits are not issued for private pet ownership.
No breed bans in Reedley -- California law prohibits breed-specific restrictions statewide. Dogs are classified as vicious based on behavior only. Max 5 dogs or 6 total pets per household.
Reedley has no city-specific beekeeping ordinance. California state law governs, requiring annual apiary registration with the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner.
Reedley defines farm animals in Section 5-3-1 and permits them generally in agricultural zones. Livestock is restricted in residential zones and prohibited from running at large.
RMC 5-3-23 restricts farm animals by zone. Chickens, goats, cows, and fowl are allowed in agricultural zones but may be prohibited in some residential areas. Noise rules apply.
Reedley requires dogs to be under immediate control at all times per Title 5, Chapter 3. Dogs at large may be impounded, and restraint must use a leash of eight feet or less.
Reedley has no standalone wildlife feeding ban, but nuisance provisions under Title 4, Chapter 2 apply when feeding attracts rodents or creates unsanitary conditions on any property.
Reedley enforces comprehensive pool safety standards through the 2022 California Building Code and the California Health and Safety Code, requiring residential pools to have anti-entrapment drain covers compliant with the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. All suction outlets must meet ASME/ANSI A112.19.8 standards, and pools with single main drains need a secondary safety device such as a safety vacuum release system. Abandoned, unattended, or unsecured pools are classified as public nuisances under Reedley Municipal Code Section 4-2-3, and the city may initiate abatement proceedings to address unsafe conditions. Building permits with electrical and plumbing sub-permits are required for all new pool and spa installations, and inspections are conducted at multiple stages of construction including pre-gunite, pre-plaster, electrical bonding, and final inspection. Pool water must be maintained in sanitary condition to prevent mosquito breeding in compliance with Fresno County Department of Public Health standards.
Hot tubs and spas in Reedley are regulated under the 2022 California Building Code and the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health and Safety Code Sections 115920-115929). Spas with water depths of 18 inches or more are subject to the same barrier requirements as swimming pools, unless they are equipped with a locking safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 standards that can support at least 485 pounds. A compliant safety cover counts as one of the two required safety features under HSC Section 115922. Electrical installations for hot tubs require permits from the Building Division and must include GFCI protection and a disconnect switch within sight of the spa and at least 5 feet from the water's edge. All hot tubs must comply with anti-entrapment drain requirements under the Virginia Graeme Baker Act. Portable hot tubs using plug-in 120V connections may not require an electrical permit, but hardwired 240V installations always do. Spas must be maintained in sanitary condition to prevent health hazards.
Reedley enforces the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health and Safety Code Sections 115920-115929), which requires all residential pools and spas to have approved safety barriers before they can be filled with water. Pool enclosures must be at least 60 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates, and the city adopted the 2022 California Building Code under Reedley Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 9-1-1, which incorporates these barrier standards into all new pool construction and remodel permits. Property owners building or remodeling a pool must select at least two approved safety features from the list in Health and Safety Code Section 115922, which includes pool fencing, approved safety covers, door alarms, and self-latching mechanisms. The Building Division reviews pool barrier plans during the permit process and conducts inspections to verify compliance before the pool may be used. Chain-link fencing used as a pool barrier must have mesh openings no larger than 1-3/4 inches, and all materials must be durable and non-climbable.
Reedley requires building permits for all pools, spas, and hot tubs under Title 9. The California Swimming Pool Safety Act mandates at least one drowning prevention feature.
Above-ground pools in Reedley are subject to the same California Building Code safety requirements as in-ground pools, including barrier and fencing standards mandated by the Swimming Pool Safety Act. Any pool with a water depth of 18 inches or more must comply with barrier requirements, regardless of construction type. Above-ground pools with rigid walls at least 48 inches high measured from the exterior ground level may qualify as their own barrier, provided the access ladder or steps can be removed, locked, or secured when the pool is not in use. If the pool walls are less than 48 inches, a separate compliant barrier of at least 60 inches must be installed around the pool. Small inflatable pools under 18 inches deep are generally exempt from permit and barrier requirements but must still be maintained to prevent standing water, mosquito breeding, and other nuisance conditions under Reedley Municipal Code Section 4-2-3. Electrical connections for pumps and filtration equipment require GFCI protection.
RMC 6-2-4 requires vehicles on improved driveways only, with 3 ft garage setback and 5 ft side setback. Screening required along side property lines. No front-yard repairs.
Commercial vehicles on residential property follow the same RMC 6-2-4 rules: enclosed storage, behind a 5 ft fence, or screened driveway. No front-yard repair at any time.
RMC 6-2-4 allows RV and boat storage in enclosed spaces, carports, or behind a 5-foot fence. Driveway parking requires setbacks and screening; 72-hour yard limit applies.
RMC 4-2-6 and 6-2-4 regulate abandoned vehicles. Inoperative means unable to drive or unregistered. Max 2 in rear yard, 1 in front. Owners get 15 days to request a hearing.
Reedley has no overnight street parking ban. Vehicles may stay on public streets up to 96 hours. Private property requires improved surfaces and 72-hour yard limits.
Reedley follows California AB 1236 for streamlined EV charger permits. CALGreen requires EV-ready wiring in new homes. Permits are ministerial with no discretionary review.
Reedley allows street parking for up to 96 continuous hours before police may tow. This is more generous than the 72-hour limit many California cities enforce.
RMC Chapter 10.34 sets fence height limits by yard location. Front yards are limited to lower heights; side and rear yards allow taller fences. Sight triangles capped at 3 ft.
RMC 10.34.040 regulates fence materials. Solid masonry required for noise-buffering walls. Barbed wire restricted in residential zones. Scrap or disrepair fences are nuisances.
RMC 10.34.050 mandates solid masonry walls where properties abut arterials and freeways. The Community Development Director sets wall specs based on noise and hazard factors.
Pools and spas over 18 inches deep require barriers under the California Swimming Pool Safety Act. Enclosures must be 60 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates.
Building permits required for masonry walls and fences exceeding standard heights. Standard wood or vinyl fences at allowed heights may be exempt. Verify with the Building Division.
Reedley has no local neighbor-consent fence rules. California Civil Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) requires 30-day notice and equal cost sharing for boundary fences.
Retaining walls over 4 ft (footing to top) require a building permit and engineering under the California Building Code adopted via RMC 9-1-1. Fence combos follow Chapter 10.34.
Reedley imposes an 8% Transient Occupancy Tax on lodging of 30 days or fewer under RMC 3-7-3. Operators must register, collect the tax from guests, and remit to the city.
No STR-specific noise rules exist. Rental properties are subject to the general noise ordinance RMC 5-1-18 with its 25-foot audibility standard applying to all guests.
No STR-specific parking rules exist. Guest parking follows standard residential and street parking regulations. Title 10 zoning establishes off-street parking minimums.
Reedley has no dedicated STR ordinance. Operators must comply with the 8% TOT under RMC Chapter 3-7 and obtain a business license under RMC Chapter 3-2.
Reedley has no STR insurance requirements in the municipal code. No minimum liability coverage is mandated. Operators should verify their homeowner's policy covers transient guests.
Reedley imposes no annual night caps or maximum rental day limits on short-term rentals. Properties may be rented year-round with no primary residence requirement.
TOT operators must register with the tax administrator and post a certificate on premises under RMC 3-7-6. A general business license under RMC 3-2 is also required.
No STR-specific occupancy limits exist. Maximum occupancy is governed by the California Building Code adopted under RMC Title 9. No per-bedroom guest caps are codified.
Reedley enforces tiered water restrictions under Sections 8-1-8 and 8-1-12. At Level 4, all landscape irrigation is prohibited except commercial agriculture. Leak repairs are mandatory.
Property owners must maintain trees under Section 10-16-4, including removing branches below twelve feet above grade and addressing dead or dying trees posing fire or safety hazards.
Reedley follows California MWELO, requiring at least 10 percent native plants in new landscape projects of 500 square feet or more. Non-functional turf is banned in nonresidential areas.
Reedley has no heritage or protected tree ordinance. Private property owners may generally remove trees without a city permit, though right-of-way trees require city authorization.
Reedley requires all weeds and grasses removed by April 15 each year under Section 4-2-4, with year-round maintenance enforced by the Fire Department and code enforcement.
Artificial turf is permitted in Reedley with no city restrictions. California law prevents HOAs from banning low-water landscaping. Installations must meet drainage requirements.
Section 4-2-4 mandates weed clearance from all lots by April 15 annually. The Fire Department proactively inspects vacant lots and enforces year-round maintenance through fire season.
Rainwater harvesting is legal in Reedley under California AB 1750. No city permit is needed for rain barrels. Large cisterns may require building permits as accessory structures.
SB 1383 requires every California resident and business to separate food scraps and yard waste from trash, with universal collection or on-site composting.
Home occupations in Reedley must not generate traffic beyond normal residential levels per Chapter 10.84. Businesses with frequent customer visits face additional scrutiny.
All home businesses require a permit under Chapter 10.84, issued by the Community Development Director. Permits auto-terminate after twelve months of inactivity or change of residence.
Family daycare homes are permitted by right in all Reedley residential zones under California Health and Safety Code Sections 1597.40-1597.46. The city cannot prohibit them.
Reedley requires a home occupation permit under Chapter 10.84, issued by the Community Development Director. Neighbor objections trigger a conditional use permit process.
Cottage food operations are permitted in Reedley under California AB 1616. Cities cannot ban them. Registration is through the Fresno County Department of Environmental Health.
Reedley prohibits all exterior business signage at home occupations under Chapter 10.84. No external evidence of business activity may be visible from outside the residence.
Vegetation abatement is handled under Title 4 nuisance provisions. California PRC 4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space. Fresno County Fire Protection District enforces clearance.
No specific fire pit ordinance exists. Recreational fires follow the California Fire Code under Title 9. SJVAPCD no-burn days and Rule 4901 restrict wood burning in the valley.
Reedley adopts California fire and building codes via RMC 9-1-1, requiring smoke alarms in every bedroom and on each story. CO detectors required with gas appliances.
RMC Chapter 5-7 bans dangerous fireworks. Only safe and sane fireworks are legal, sold exclusively from temporary stands during June 28 through July 4. No fireworks in city parks.
Reedley is not in a CAL FIRE High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. The city sits on flat valley floor surrounded by irrigated farmland, placing it at low wildfire risk.
Backyard wood fires are banned on SJVAPCD no-burn days (typically November through February). On burn days, fires must be under 3 ft diameter with 25 ft clearance from structures.
Residential outdoor burning is prohibited under SJVAPCD rules. Agricultural burning has been nearly eliminated since January 2025. CAL FIRE burn permits apply during fire season.
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.
Sheds and detached storage buildings in Reedley are regulated under the 2022 California Building Code as adopted in Reedley Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 1, Section 9-1-1. Detached accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet in floor area and 10 feet in height are generally exempt from building permit requirements, provided they are used exclusively for storage and do not contain electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems. Larger sheds require building permits and must meet all applicable zoning setback requirements for the residential district. All sheds, regardless of size, must comply with the property development standards for the zone including lot coverage limits, height restrictions, and placement rules requiring location in rear or side yards. Metal, wood, vinyl, and prefabricated shed kits are all subject to the same standards. Structures attached to the primary dwelling are classified as additions rather than accessory buildings and require standard building permits with full plan review.
Reedley regulates accessory dwelling units under Municipal Code Chapter 10.52, allowing one ADU plus one Junior ADU (JADU) on single-family residential lots in eligible zones including RE, R-1(SP), R-1-5, R-1-6, R-1-7, R-1-9, R-1-12, RM-2, and RM-3. Detached ADUs may be up to 1,200 square feet of living area with 4-foot side and rear setbacks and a maximum height of 16 feet. Attached ADUs are limited to 50 percent of the existing living area or 1,200 square feet, whichever is less. JADUs must be created within the existing home footprint and cannot exceed 500 square feet. No development impact fees apply to ADUs under 750 square feet, and no owner-occupancy requirement applies to ADUs permitted after January 1, 2020. State law mandates that the city approve or deny complete ADU applications within 60 days, and parking is generally one space per ADU with several exemptions available.
Garage conversions to accessory dwelling units are permitted in Reedley under Municipal Code Chapter 10.52 and California Government Code Section 65852.2, which together establish the framework for creating ADUs from existing structures. Converting a garage to an ADU does not require replacement parking spaces under state law, as California prohibits cities from imposing parking replacement requirements when a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is converted to an ADU. Converted garages must meet full California Building Code standards for habitable space, including proper egress windows, natural light and ventilation, insulation meeting Title 24 energy code requirements, minimum ceiling height of 7 feet, and fire separation from adjacent structures. No additional setbacks are required for ADUs converted from existing legally established structures, making garage conversions one of the most straightforward ADU options. A building permit is required, and the converted unit must have independent exterior access and kitchen facilities to qualify as a full ADU.
Carports in Reedley are regulated as accessory structures under the 2022 California Building Code and the city's zoning code in Title 10. A building permit is required for all carport construction because carports typically exceed the 120-square-foot threshold for permit-exempt structures. Carports must meet the setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for the applicable zoning district, and construction plans must be submitted to the Building Division for review before work begins. Open carports with at least two open sides may qualify for reduced setback requirements compared to fully enclosed garages in some residential zones, though the specific allowances depend on the zone. Carports must be constructed with materials that meet fire resistance standards when located near property lines. Under California Government Code Section 65852.2, existing carports may be converted to accessory dwelling units without requiring replacement parking spaces, making carport-to-ADU conversion one of the most affordable housing options available to Reedley homeowners.
Tiny homes in Reedley are primarily regulated through the accessory dwelling unit framework established in Municipal Code Chapter 10.52 and California's statewide ADU laws including Assembly Bill 68, Senate Bill 13, and Assembly Bill 2580 for movable tiny homes. Site-built tiny homes that meet full California Building Code standards may be permitted as ADUs on residential lots, subject to the same size limits of up to 1,200 square feet, 4-foot side and rear setbacks, and 16-foot height limits that apply to all detached ADUs. Factory-built tiny homes must be certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to qualify for placement on a residential lot. Tiny homes on wheels are classified as recreational vehicles under California law and cannot legally serve as permanent dwellings on residential lots in Reedley. The city does not have a separate tiny home ordinance beyond the ADU framework, and all tiny home construction or placement must go through the standard building permit process.
Reedley enforces property blight standards under City Code Sections 4-2-3 and 10-16-4. A blighting influence exists when deficiencies cover more than 25 percent of any wall, exterior surface, roof, or paved area as viewed from any off-site vantage point. Cracked walls, deteriorated fences, peeling paint, and dilapidated structures all constitute violations subject to administrative citation and abatement.
Reedley requires trash, recycling, and organics containers to be placed curbside by 6:00 AM on collection day with lids closed and carts spaced at least 3 feet apart. Containers left in the front yard after the scheduled pickup day are classified as a property nuisance under Reedley City Code Section 4-2-3. Bins must not be blocked by parked vehicles and should be retrieved promptly after service.
Reedley does not require a permit for residential garage or yard sales. Sales are considered an accessory use of residential property. Sellers are expected to keep the sale area orderly, avoid blocking sidewalks or streets, and remove all unsold items and signage promptly after the sale ends. Signs advertising garage sales must comply with the city's general sign regulations and may not be placed on utility poles or public property.
Reedley does not have a snow removal ordinance. Located in the San Joaquin Valley of Fresno County at approximately 350 feet elevation, Reedley experiences a warm Mediterranean climate with no measurable snowfall in a typical year. Property owners are responsible for general sidewalk maintenance and keeping walkways free of obstructions under the city's property maintenance standards, but no snow-specific clearing requirements exist.
Reedley requires vacant lot owners to keep properties free of weeds, rubbish, and debris under City Code Sections 4-2-3 and 4-2-4. All weeds and grasses must be removed by April 15 each year. Accumulations of litter, combustible materials, or items that harbor rodents are nuisances subject to abatement at the owner's expense. Vacant buildings left in disrepair also constitute violations.
Reedley residents must place trash, recycling, and organics containers at the curb by 6:00 AM on collection day. Carts must be spaced at least 3 feet apart with lids fully closed and clear access for the collection truck. Containers may not be blocked by parked vehicles, and bins left in the front yard after the pickup day are classified as a property nuisance.
Reedley's residential trash collection is provided exclusively by Mid Valley Disposal under a city franchise agreement. Pickup occurs Monday through Friday between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Residents receive three containers for trash, recycling, and organics. Collection is suspended on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, with service delayed one day for the rest of that week.
Reedley requires residential recycling through its three-container collection system operated by Mid Valley Disposal. The recycling container accepts commingled materials including mixed paper, cardboard, aluminum and tin cans, glass bottles and jars, and plastics numbered 1, 2, and 5. California SB 1383 mandates organic waste diversion, and Reedley provides a separate organics container for food scraps and green waste.
Reedley residents can request bulky item collection through Mid Valley Disposal for large items such as appliances, mattresses, couches, electronics, and tires. Residents may also drop off garbage at a designated facility up to two times per calendar year. Bulk items should not be placed at the curb without scheduling a pickup, as unscheduled items may trigger nuisance violations.
Reedley has not adopted a local drone ordinance. Recreational drone operators in Reedley must follow Federal Aviation Administration rules under the Exception for Recreational Flyers (49 USC 44809), which require registration of drones weighing over 0.55 pounds, flying below 400 feet in uncontrolled airspace, maintaining visual line of sight, and avoiding flight over people or near airports. Reedley Municipal Airport airspace requires particular attention.
Commercial drone operations in Reedley require an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate, as the city has no additional local drone permit requirements. Operators must pass the FAA aeronautical knowledge test, register their aircraft, and comply with airspace restrictions including proximity to Reedley Municipal Airport. Commercial operations near the airport may require FAA airspace authorization through the LAANC system.
Reedley does not operate a mandatory rental registration program or rent registry. Landlords are required to obtain a standard City of Reedley business license under Title 3 Chapter 2 if they conduct rental operations as a business. There is no separate rental inspection program, rental housing registry, or annual registration fee specific to rental properties beyond the general business licensing requirement.
Reedley does not have a local just cause eviction ordinance, but California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) provides statewide just cause eviction protections. After a tenant has occupied a unit for 12 months, landlords may only terminate the tenancy for specified at-fault or no-fault reasons. No-fault evictions require relocation assistance equal to one month's rent.
Reedley does not have a local rent control ordinance, but California's Tenant Protection Act (AB 1482) applies statewide including in Reedley. Annual rent increases are capped at 5 percent plus the local Consumer Price Index change, or 10 percent, whichever is lower. The law covers most residential rental properties built more than 15 years ago and remains in effect through January 1, 2030.
Reedley addresses light trespass primarily through its property nuisance provisions under City Code Section 4-2-3, which classifies conditions materially detrimental to nearby properties as nuisances. The city does not set specific measurable limits for light trespass in foot-candles or lumens at property boundaries. Enforcement is complaint-driven, and residents experiencing intrusive lighting from neighbors may file a nuisance complaint with code enforcement.
Reedley does not have a standalone dark sky ordinance. As a small agricultural city in the San Joaquin Valley, Reedley addresses outdoor lighting through its general zoning and development standards, which require that exterior lighting on new commercial and multifamily projects be directed downward and shielded to prevent glare onto adjacent properties. Residential properties face minimal lighting restrictions beyond nuisance provisions.
Reedley manages stormwater under Municipal Code Title 12, Chapter 2, Section 12-2-4, which establishes standards for the planning, engineering, administration, and construction of storm drainage systems within public streets, alleys, easements, and city property for the health, safety, and welfare of residents. The city participates in regional stormwater management programs coordinated through Fresno County and is subject to the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board's National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements. Construction projects disturbing one acre or more of soil must obtain coverage under the California State Water Resources Control Board's Construction General Permit and prepare a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) detailing best management practices for pollution prevention during construction. New development projects must incorporate drainage infrastructure to manage increased runoff from impervious surfaces.
Reedley is bounded by the Kings River to the west, creating significant flood risk in portions of the city that fall within FEMA-mapped Special Flood Hazard Areas (Zones AE and A). The city regulates development in these flood hazard areas under Municipal Code Title 12, Chapter 1, which implements the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) requirements administered by FEMA. Properties in the Special Flood Hazard Area must elevate the lowest floor of new construction to or above the base flood elevation (BFE), and floodplain development permits are required before any construction, grading, or fill activity within mapped flood zones. The 2024 Fresno County Hazard Mitigation Plan identifies Kings River flooding as a primary hazard for Reedley, noting that low-lying areas including the Reedley Mobile Home Park are particularly flood-prone. High-water events in 2017 and 2023 prompted evacuations along the Kings River corridor through Reedley.
Reedley regulates grading and drainage through the 2022 California Building Code grading provisions (Appendix J) adopted under RMC Title 9 and storm drainage requirements in Municipal Code Title 12, Chapter 2. Grading permits are required for projects involving excavation or fill exceeding the thresholds established by the California Building Code, generally 50 cubic yards of material. All finished grades must direct surface drainage away from building foundations with a minimum 2 percent slope for the first 10 feet, and drainage must be conveyed to approved public storm drainage facilities or other approved outlets. Development must not increase stormwater runoff onto adjacent private properties or concentrate flows in ways that cause erosion or flooding. The relatively flat terrain of the San Joaquin Valley makes proper site grading and drainage design especially critical in Reedley, as even minor grading errors can cause persistent ponding, foundation damage, and drainage disputes with neighboring properties.
Reedley requires erosion and sediment control measures for all construction and grading activities in compliance with the 2022 California Building Code grading provisions adopted under RMC Title 9 and stormwater quality regulations under Title 12. All projects requiring a grading permit must submit an erosion and sediment control plan demonstrating how soil disturbance will be managed during and after construction to prevent sediment from leaving the site. Projects disturbing one acre or more require a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan under the state Construction General Permit. The San Joaquin Valley climate, with its dry summers and concentrated winter rainfall between October and April, creates particular erosion risks when seasonal rains hit exposed construction soils. Enhanced erosion controls including stockpile covering, slope stabilization, and accelerated grading schedules are required during the wet season to protect water quality in the Kings River watershed.
The California Coastal Act does not apply in Fresno County. Fresno County is inland in the San Joaquin Valley with no Pacific coastline, and no portion of the county falls within the Coastal Zone or California Coastal Commission jurisdiction.
Reedley heavily restricts personal cannabis cultivation under Municipal Code Chapter 5-13. Section 5-13-3 establishes a general prohibition on all personal cultivation and personal use of cannabis within city limits except as expressly permitted by the chapter. Section 5-13-5 provides the narrow exception, allowing recreational marijuana cultivation only to the minimum extent required by California state law under Proposition 64 (Health and Safety Code Section 11362.1 et seq.), which permits adults 21 and older to cultivate up to six living cannabis plants per residence. However, Reedley imposes strict local conditions requiring that all cultivation occur indoors within a fully enclosed and secure structure, with plants not visible from any public right-of-way or neighboring property. Cultivation may not create odors, humidity, mold, or other nuisance conditions detectable outside the residence. The chapter explicitly states that nothing permits commercial marijuana operations or dispensaries.
Reedley prohibits all commercial cannabis operations including retail dispensaries, delivery services, cultivation facilities, manufacturing, distribution, and testing laboratories within city limits. Municipal Code Chapter 5-13 explicitly states that nothing in the chapter permits commercial marijuana operations or marijuana dispensaries, and the city has exercised its authority under California Business and Professions Code Section 26200 to opt out of allowing commercial cannabis businesses. No zoning district in Reedley's zoning code (Title 10) includes any cannabis-related commercial use as a permitted, conditionally permitted, or specially permitted use. The city council has not adopted a commercial cannabis regulatory program or local licensing ordinance. However, cannabis delivery by state-licensed retailers based outside Reedley is permitted under California law, as the state Department of Cannabis Control has ruled that local jurisdictions cannot prohibit licensed deliveries into their boundaries.
Garage sale signs in Reedley are subject to the city's temporary sign regulations under the zoning code (Title 10) and must comply with general sign placement rules that apply throughout the city. Signs advertising a garage sale may be displayed on the property where the sale takes place without a sign permit, consistent with the temporary and noncommercial nature of the activity. Directional signs placed off-site to guide buyers to the sale location must also comply with the city's sign placement rules and may not be placed on public property, trees, utility poles, traffic signs, or within the public right-of-way. Temporary garage sale signs should be removed promptly after the sale concludes, typically within 24 hours, and signs left up after the sale may result in code enforcement action. The number and size of garage sale signs may be limited by the temporary sign provisions in the zoning code, and excessive or unsightly signage may be cited as a property nuisance under Reedley Municipal Code Section 4-2-3.
Political signs in Reedley are permitted on private property with the property owner's consent, protected under both the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and California Elections Code Section 18310, which makes it a misdemeanor to take, remove, or destroy any lawfully placed political sign. Reedley's municipal code permits political signs on private residential and commercial property but prohibits signs on public property, in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, on traffic signs, and on trees. Under California Government Code Section 65850.6, local agencies may adopt reasonable time, place, and manner regulations for political signs but cannot effectively prohibit their display on residential property. Political signs related to specific elections may typically be displayed up to 90 days before an election and should be removed within 10 days after the election, though signs expressing general political viewpoints not tied to a specific election may be displayed year-round under free speech protections.
Holiday displays and seasonal decorations on private residential property in Reedley are generally permitted without special permits or city approval, consistent with First Amendment free speech protections that cover religious and secular holiday expression. Reedley does not have a specific ordinance regulating the content, timing, or style of residential holiday decorations. Displays including lights, inflatables, nativity scenes, menorahs, lawn figures, and other seasonal items may be placed on residential property without restriction, provided they do not create traffic hazards, obstruct public sidewalks or rights-of-way, or constitute a nuisance under the general provisions of Reedley Municipal Code Section 4-2-3. Electrical components of holiday lighting and displays must be UL-listed and rated for outdoor use, and temporary wiring should comply with the National Electrical Code provisions for temporary installations. The city does not impose specific time limits or removal deadlines for residential holiday decorations.
Solar panel installations in Reedley require a building permit from the Building Division, which reviews plans for compliance with the 2022 California Building Code and local zoning regulations. The city uses an online citizen portal at reedley.portal.iworq.net for permit submissions. Under California Assembly Bill 1414 and Government Code Section 65850.5, Reedley must provide a streamlined, nondiscretionary permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems up to 10 kilowatts, meaning these applications must be approved administratively without discretionary design review. Required submittals typically include equipment specification sheets for UL-listed panels and inverters, structural attachment details showing how the racking system connects to the roof, and an electrical single-line diagram. Fire code setbacks from roof edges and ridges must be maintained for firefighter access. California Title 24 energy standards require solar panels on most new single-family residential construction since 2020.
California Civil Code Section 714, known as the Solar Rights Act, provides strong protections for Reedley homeowners seeking to install solar panels on their property against unreasonable restrictions imposed by homeowners associations. Under this law, HOAs cannot adopt or enforce any covenant, restriction, or rule that effectively prohibits the installation of a solar energy system on an owner's property. An HOA restriction is considered unreasonable and therefore void if it would increase the total cost of the solar energy system by more than $1,000 or reduce the expected electricity output by more than 10 percent as measured in kilowatt hours. HOAs must approve or deny a complete solar energy system application within 45 calendar days of submission, and if the HOA fails to act within that period, the application is deemed approved automatically by operation of law. Any CC&R provision that purports to ban solar panels outright is void and unenforceable.
Food truck operators in Reedley must obtain a City of Reedley business license under Title 3 Chapter 2 and meet conditions established under Section 3-2-5. Additionally, all mobile food facilities operating in Fresno County require a valid Fresno County Department of Public Health permit and a California seller's permit from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration. Operators must comply with both local business regulations and state health and safety requirements.
SB 946 (2018) legalized sidewalk vending statewide. SB 972 (2023) streamlined MFF zoning. AB 1401 (2022) limits local time/place restrictions. Fresno County zoning sets allowed locations; prolonged vending requires land-use approval.
Fresno County Oak Tree Preservation provisions protect valley oak (Quercus lobata) and blue oak (Quercus douglasii). Native oaks above specified DBH are subject to preservation standards in development and ministerial permits.
Tree removal permits required in Fresno County only for protected native oaks, riparian trees, or trees associated with development. Non-protected landscape trees on private residential property generally require no permit.
When protected oak removal is permitted, Fresno County typically requires 3:1 replacement mitigation with in-kind native species. Oak woodland mitigation follows AB 242 and CEQA guidelines.
CA AB 1699 (2020) standardized 'No Soliciting' signs as legally enforceable. Fresno County respects posted notices. Door-to-door commercial solicitation requires compliance with county peddler/solicitor ordinance. Non-commercial (religious, political) is First Amendment protected.
Fresno County requires a peddler/solicitor permit for door-to-door commercial sales in unincorporated areas. Background check and fee required. Non-commercial canvassing (religious, political, charitable) exempt per First Amendment jurisprudence.
Fresno County parks closed from sunset to sunrise unless posted otherwise. County Code Chapter 12 regulates park hours. State and regional parks (Millerton Lake, Pine Flat) have separate hours set by operators.
Fresno County unincorporated has no countywide juvenile curfew ordinance for unincorporated areas. The City of Fresno has a 10 PM curfew for under-18s. CA Welfare & Institutions Code §625.5 authorizes local curfews.
Primary dwelling height limits per Title 18: R-1 (35 ft), RR/RE (35 ft), AE/AL (35 ft with exceptions for ag buildings). Accessory structures typically 15-20 ft.
Fresno County Title 18 sets maximum lot coverage by zone — typically 40% R-1, 30% R-A, 20% RR, 10% RE, and 5% AE/AL agricultural zones.
Setbacks by zone per Fresno County Title 18: R-1 (20 ft front, 5 ft side, 10 ft rear); AE (50 ft front, 30 ft side/rear); RR/RE (35 ft front, 15 ft side, 25 ft rear).
Fresno County typically limits garage sales to 3-4 per residence per year in residential zones. Excessive sales can be deemed a home-based retail business requiring zoning review. Specific limits in County Zoning Ordinance.
Fresno County does not require a permit for occasional residential garage sales in unincorporated areas. Sales tax exemption applies to casual sales under CA Rev & Tax Code §6006.5 (occasional sale rule).
Fresno County does not set specific garage sale hours by ordinance, but noise ordinance quiet hours (typically 10 PM to 7 AM) apply. Sales should be conducted during daylight hours to avoid noise complaints.
California sets a statewide minimum wage floor under Labor Code 1182.12, currently $16.50 per hour for all employers as of 2025. Local governments are not preempted and may set higher minimums; many cities exceed the state rate substantially.
California's Healthy Workplaces, Healthy Families Act under Labor Code 245-249 mandates paid sick leave for nearly all employees statewide. SB 616 (2023) raised the minimum to 40 hours or five days annually effective January 2024, applying universally.
California regulates concealed carry weapons licenses statewide under Penal Code 26150 through 26225. Senate Bill 2 (2023) imposes uniform sensitive-place restrictions and applicant standards, preempting local variations on issuance criteria and qualifications.
California preempts most local firearm regulation under Government Code 53071 and Penal Code 25605, reserving licensing, registration, and manufacture authority to the state. However, local governments retain limited authority over discharge, sensitive places, and zoning of gun businesses.
California broadly prohibits open carry of firearms statewide under Penal Code 25850 (loaded firearms in public) and Penal Code 26350 (open carry of unloaded handguns). The prohibition applies uniformly across all California cities and counties without local variation.
California prohibits carrying loaded firearms in vehicles statewide under Penal Code 25400 and 25850. Unloaded handguns transported in private vehicles must be in a locked container or the vehicle's locked trunk; long guns must be unloaded but need not be locked.
California prohibits state and local governments from requiring private employers to use the federal E-Verify system except where federal law mandates it, under Government Code 7285.1 and 7285.3. The restriction applies uniformly to every California city and county.
The California Values Act (SB 54, 2017) codified at Government Code 7284-7284.12 limits state and local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. It applies uniformly to every California agency and bars participation in most civil immigration enforcement.
The California Land Conservation Act of 1965 (Williamson Act), Government Code 51200-51297.4, allows landowners to enter contracts with counties restricting land to agricultural use for ten-year minimum terms in exchange for reduced property tax assessment based on farming income.
The California Right to Farm Act under Civil Code 3482.5 protects established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits brought by neighbors who moved in after farming began. The law applies statewide and limits both private and local government nuisance actions.
California prohibits grocery stores and large retailers from providing single-use plastic carryout bags under Public Resources Code 42280-42288, enacted by SB 270 (2014) and ratified as Proposition 67 in 2016. Recycled paper or reusable bags require a 10-cent minimum charge.
California restricts expanded polystyrene food containers statewide through SB 54 (2022) packaging requirements under Public Resources Code 42040-42081. The law mandates that polystyrene foodware achieve 25 percent recycling by 2025 or face statewide sales prohibition.
California Public Resources Code 42270-42273, enacted by AB 1884 (2018), prohibits full-service restaurants from providing single-use plastic straws unless requested by the customer. The on-request rule applies uniformly to dine-in restaurants statewide.
California prohibits sale of tobacco and vapor products to anyone under 21 statewide under Business and Professions Code 22958, enacted by SBX2-7 in 2016. The Tobacco 21 standard applies uniformly across all California jurisdictions.
California bans retail sale of most flavored tobacco products statewide under Health and Safety Code 104559.5, enacted by SB 793 (2020) and upheld by voters via Proposition 31 in November 2022. The ban applies uniformly to all California retailers.
California requires statewide licensing of tobacco and vape retailers under the STAKE Act and the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Licensing Act. Business and Professions Code 22970 establishes uniform retailer licensing, while local governments may adopt stricter rules.