Modesto requires all residential rental property owners to register with the city and self-certify unit habitability. An annual audit inspects up to 10% of units, with a $100 per-unit fee. Noncompliant owners face fines and a public registry listing.
Modesto Municipal Code Title 9, Chapter 13 (Ordinance 3703, adopted 2019) establishes the Rental Housing Safety Program (RHSP). All residential rental property owners must register online at no charge and self-certify that units meet minimum health and safety standards. The city audits up to 10% of units annually; selected owners receive at least two weeks' notice. The $100 per-unit inspection fee is charged upon audit selection and must be paid before a unit can pass inspection. Units can pass immediately if repairs are made on the spot. Owners may submit photo proof of correction within 30 days at no additional cost. Noncompliant properties are added to a public registry and subject to administrative citations escalating to civil penalties
Failure to register or pass inspection results in noncompliant registry listing, administrative citations ($100–$500 escalating), and potential civil penalties up to $2,500 per violation per day.
Modesto, CA
Modesto's noise ordinance (MMC Title 4, Ch. 9) bans 'loud and raucous noise' citywide, including from industrial operations. Certain continuous industrial ac...
Modesto, CA
Modesto enforces a 72-hour street-parking limit citywide under MMC Title 3, Chapter 2, Article 10. Designated residential areas also operate Residential Park...
Modesto, CA
Modesto Municipal Code Title 5, Chapter 4 permits backyard hens in R-1 residential zones. Up to 12 hens are allowed; roosters are prohibited. Coop placement ...
Modesto, CA
Modesto has one of the lowest pet limits in California, allowing a maximum of two dogs or cats per household under MMC Title 5, Chapter 4. Animal hoarding is...
Modesto, CA
Modesto sits on the Central Valley floor outside CAL FIRE's State Responsibility Area and is not mapped as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, so the wild...
Modesto, CA
Modesto does not regulate year-round residential lawn ornaments (statues, gnomes, flamingos, religious figures, sports themes) by size, quantity, or content....
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