Pop. 91,799 · Alameda County
Backyard recreational fires in San Leandro are allowed in approved pits under 3 ft diameter with 15 ft setback, banned on Spare the Air days.
SLMC §3-2-205 caps grass and weeds at 4 inches in height citywide; properties in the newly mapped High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (adopted June 2025 from CAL FIRE 2025 maps) must also meet Public Resources Code §4291 / Government Code §51182 defensible space - 100 feet of…
Open burning of yard waste, leaves, brush, or trash is effectively banned in San Leandro. The Bay Area Air Quality Management District Regulation 5 (Open Burning) prohibits residential open burning year-round in urbanized Alameda County, and California Fire Code §307 (adopted by…
San Leandro follows California Building Code requirements: working smoke alarms in every bedroom, hallway, and on each floor. 10-year sealed batteries required for replacements.
San Leandro adopts the 2022 California Fire Code Chapter 61 (Liquefied Petroleum Gases) via SLMC §7-5-810, which limits residential (R-3) aggregate LPG container capacity to 500 gallons water-capacity outside, requires 10-foot clearance from combustibles, and requires Fire Code…
All fireworks are illegal in San Leandro, including state-licensed 'Safe and Sane' fireworks. SLMC Title 7, Chapter 7-5, Article 7 (adopting CFC Chapter 56) prohibits possession, sale, use, and storage; only permitted public displays approved by the City Manager are allowed.
CAL FIRE's Feb 24, 2025 LRA Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps (adopted by San Leandro City Council mid-June 2025) designate hillside neighborhoods east of I-580 as Moderate and High FHSZ. The prior Very High zone was eliminated. Properties in mapped zones must follow California…
San Leandro adopts the 2022 California Fire Code under SLMC §7-5-810, which incorporates California Fire Code §307.4 governing recreational fires and portable outdoor fireplaces. Wood burning in outdoor fire pits is also illegal anywhere in the Bay Area on any day a Spare the…
San Leandro requires a building permit for fences over 6 feet tall or any masonry/retaining wall over 3 feet. Under 6 feet wood fences are permit-exempt.
San Leandro defers to California Civil Code §841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act): adjoining owners are presumed equally responsible for the reasonable cost of a shared boundary fence, and a 30-day written notice is required before billing a neighbor.
Wood, vinyl, wrought iron, chain link, and masonry allowed in San Leandro. Barbed wire and electric fences prohibited in residential zones.
San Leandro requires a clear sight triangle at corner lots: no fence, hedge, or structure over 3 feet tall within 25 feet of the curb intersection.
California Health & Safety Code §§115920–115929 governs pool fencing in San Leandro: a 60-inch enclosure with self-closing, self-latching gates plus at least two of seven approved drowning-prevention features for any new or remodeled pool at a single-family home.
Permitted fence/wall materials are wood, steel, finished concrete, and stucco. Chain-link and corrugated metal fencing are prohibited. Street-facing fences may not exceed 75% opacity.
Up to 7 feet in rear and interior side yards in residential districts; only 3 feet in required front yards or corner side yards abutting a street. RO district caps at 6 feet; industrial districts allow up to 8 feet.
Retaining walls 4 feet or less measured from bottom of footing to top of wall are exempt from a building permit, unless they support a surcharge (e.g., driveway, slope) or impound Class I, II, or IIIA liquids. Walls over 4 feet require a permit and engineered plans.
San Leandro Municipal Code Chapter 4-11 Article 12 allows up to 4 hens by right on parcels of 4,500 sq ft or more (smaller parcels need an Animal Permit), caps the flock at 10 birds with a permit, and bans roosters. Other livestock (horses, cows, sheep, goats) are prohibited as…
San Leandro Municipal Code §4-11-740 prohibits any dog from being 'at large' off its owner's property unless restrained by a substantial leash not to exceed six feet in length and under control of a competent person. Local enforcement reports cite fines up to $400 per violation.
San Leandro does not impose breed-specific bans or ownership restrictions. California Food & Agricultural Code §31683 preempts local breed-specific ordinances that declare a dog dangerous or vicious based solely on breed. The City instead regulates individual dogs through its…
San Leandro limits households to a combined total of 4 dogs and cats on single-family lots. Kennel permit required above that threshold.
San Leandro's Zoning Code (SLMC Article 4) prohibits livestock in all residential zones (RS, RM) including horses, cattle, sheep, and goats. Backyard chickens and bees are allowed with limits — see the dedicated 'chickens-livestock' and 'beekeeping' subcategories. Swine are…
San Leandro Municipal Code §4-11-1100 prohibits keeping exotic animals - and any animal not on the household-pet whitelist - inside the city. State law (Cal. Fish & Game Code §2118 and 14 CCR §671) layers a separate prohibition on restricted species like primates, big cats…
San Leandro Municipal Code Chapter 4-11 Article 14 requires an Animal Permit to keep bees, sets a minimum lot size of 6,000 square feet, caps colonies at three (3) hives, prohibits front-yard hives, and imposes hard setbacks: 5 ft from any property line, 50 ft from any dwelling…
San Leandro has no dedicated municipal wildlife-feeding ordinance, but California 14 CCR §251.3 bans knowingly feeding big game mammals (deer, bear, elk, etc.), 14 CCR §251.1 bars harassing wildlife, and feeding that creates a rodent or vector attractant is enforceable as a…
San Leandro has no standalone hoarding statute, but SLMC §4-11-1100 caps household dogs at two and applies an Animal Permit requirement to additional animals, while California Penal Code §597 (animal cruelty) is the primary tool for prosecuting hoarding that causes neglect, with…
San Leandro Municipal Code §4-11-435 prohibits any owner or keeper from knowingly permitting a dog or other animal to disturb a neighbor's peace and quiet by barking or other sound. The Noise Ordinance §4-1-1115(a) adds a broader, intent-based animal-noise prohibition.
San Leandro Municipal Code §4-1-1115(d) bans amplifiers, loudspeakers, phonographs, and electronic instruments in public streets, parks, and open areas between 10:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m. §4-1-1115(e)(3) prohibits loudspeakers and public address systems between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00…
Vehicle exhaust and muffler noise on public roads is regulated by California Vehicle Code §§27150–27159 (preempting local rules). San Leandro Municipal Code §4-1-1115 separately bars sustained automobile/motorcycle repair, testing, modification, or operation between 9:00 p.m…
San Leandro Municipal Code §4-1-1115(b) restricts construction adjacent to or across the street from a residential use to 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. on weekdays and 8:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. No construction is allowed on federal holidays.
San Leandro Municipal Code Article 11 (Noise Ordinance) prohibits disturbing noise at all hours, with hard nighttime cutoffs of 9:00 p.m.-8:00 a.m. for engines and equipment, and 10:00 p.m.-8:00 a.m. for stereos, instruments, and TVs that are plainly audible at 50 feet.
San Leandro has no local leaf blower ordinance. State law - California AB 1346 (2021) and the California Air Resources Board's Small Off-Road Engine (SORE) regulation - bans the sale of new gas-powered leaf blowers in California for model year 2024 and later, but does not…
San Leandro is unusual among Bay Area cities: SLMC Article 11 sets only one numeric noise threshold — 5 decibels above ambient at the complainant's property line. There is no day/night dBA table by zoning category in the Municipal Code; planning-level standards live in the…
In-flight aircraft noise is federally preempted (FAA). San Leandro Municipal Code Article 11 (§4-1-1120) exempts activity regulated by state/federal law. The City's General Plan Noise Element uses the State 65 dB CNEL contour from Oakland International Airport (OAK) and Hayward…
San Leandro Municipal Code §4-1-1115 makes any noise exceeding the ambient on adjoining property by more than 5 decibels a violation. Article 11 contains no numeric dBA caps by zone — industrial noise is regulated through the nuisance/ambient-plus-5 standard plus the Zoning…
SLMC §4-1-1115 prohibits use of any loudspeaker, loudspeaker system, public address or similar device between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. when it disturbs neighboring residents, and bars band or orchestral concerts and electronic equipment use in parks during nighttime hours…
San Leandro requires vehicles parked on residential driveways to stay entirely on paved surfaces and prohibits any portion of a vehicle from overhanging the public sidewalk.
San Leandro prohibits commercial vehicles exceeding 20 feet in length, 7 feet in height/width, or 10,000 lbs GVWR from parking on any residential-district street, except for up to 2 hours for active pickups, deliveries, or construction/repair work.
San Leandro does not recognize any 'dibs' or 'savie' parking custom. Public streets are public space — placing chairs, cones, garbage cans, or other objects to reserve a public parking space is unlawful obstruction under SLMC Title 6 (Streets and Sidewalks) and California…
Vehicles that remain in the same location on a San Leandro street for 72+ hours, or are dismantled/inoperable on private property, may be declared abandoned and towed under California Vehicle Code §22660 and the San Leandro Municipal Code.
San Leandro prohibits parking any vehicle on a public street for 72 or more consecutive hours, and requires all parked vehicles to be wholly within designated parking spaces.
San Leandro prohibits oversized vehicles, RVs, and heavy commercial vehicles from parking on residential streets between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., and limits RVs on private property to one per parcel.
San Leandro provides an expedited, streamlined permit process for residential and commercial EV charging stations, consistent with California Government Code §65850.7.
San Leandro limits RVs, boats, campers, and trailers to one per residential property, restricts on-street overnight parking between 2 AM and 6 AM, and bars front-yard placement within 20 feet of the sidewalk except in the driveway when no other space is available.
San Leandro caps grass, turf, and weeds at 4 inches on private property. Overgrown vegetation is declared a public nuisance and abated at the owner's expense if not corrected after notice.
San Leandro requires permits to remove protected and street trees. Private non-protected trees generally do not need permits on residential lots.
San Leandro is served by East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). EBMUD's permanent Section 29 Water Use Restrictions ban runoff, mid-day irrigation, and watering within 48 hours of rain in every drought stage, including Stage 0.
San Leandro's Zoning Code Chapter 4-16 (Landscape Requirements) implements California's Water Conservation in Landscaping Act (AB 1881) and the StopWaste.Org Bay-Friendly protocols, requiring climate-appropriate, low-water plants on projects with 500+ sq ft of new landscaping.
Weeds taller than 4 inches are a public nuisance under San Leandro Municipal Code 3-1-200(b)(2). The City's Community Preservation Division can order abatement and bill the cost to the owner if vegetation is not removed.
San Leandro has no heritage tree ordinance for private property: owners may trim or remove trees on their own land without a City permit. Street trees in the public right-of-way require an encroachment permit, and unauthorized work is fined up to $1,000.
California allows rooftop rainwater capture for irrigation and approved non-potable uses without a permit, and San Leandro encourages on-site retention through the Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program's C.3 stormwater requirements. EBMUD also offers rain barrel rebates.
San Leandro does not prohibit artificial turf on residential properties, and California Civil Code 4735 voids any HOA rule that prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting synthetic grass. Installations on permitted projects must still meet zoning landscape and stormwater…
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 San Leandro may not generate pedestrian, automobile, or truck traffic detrimental to the neighborhood, and may not reduce or eliminate any required residential parking.
San Leandro requires a home occupation permit and business license for any business operated from a residence. Zoning code restricts signage, employees, and customer visits.
California Health & Safety Code §113758 (AB 1616) preempts local prohibitions on cottage food operations in homes — San Leandro must treat a registered or permitted CFO as a permitted residential use, subject only to reasonable local standards.
San Leandro allows home-based businesses in residential zones but requires a Home Occupation Permit from the Zoning Enforcement Official before operating, and only residents of the dwelling may work on site.
San Leandro prohibits any sign for a home occupation, and the existence of the business must not be apparent beyond the boundaries of the property — even business cards may not list the home address.
Under California Health & Safety Code §1597.45 (amended by SB 234, effective Jan. 1, 2020), small and large family daycare homes are a use by right in every residential zone — San Leandro cannot require a zoning permit, business license, or fee for them.
Short-term rental guests must comply with San Leandro's general noise ordinance, and hosts must post quiet-hours information inside the unit. STRs cannot become a neighborhood nuisance.
Hosted short-term rentals in San Leandro are capped at 180 calendar days per permit term or year. Portions of a day count as a full day toward the cap.
San Leandro charges a 14% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on all hosted short-term rental income. Hosts must also obtain a City business license and a hosted STR permit before renting.
Every hosted STR must have a posted maximum occupancy as part of the Good Neighbor Policy. The host's primary residence must be occupied by the host during the entire rental period — non-hosted rentals are banned outright.
San Leandro requires that hosted STR guests park only in designated or available parking spaces on the property. Parking restrictions must be posted inside the unit.
A hosted STR dwelling unit must be the permittee's primary, permanent residence. Investor-owned vacation rentals, second homes, and ADUs (in-law units) cannot be operated as STRs in San Leandro.
Even hosted (host-present) STRs are capped at 180 calendar days per permit year. Partial days count as full days. San Leandro has no separate 'extended home share' tier — all hosted operations share the same 180-day annual limit.
San Leandro does not require proof of liability insurance to obtain a hosted STR permit, but the City strongly encourages hosts to carry coverage given the nature of short-term rentals.
San Leandro's hosted STR ordinance requires the permittee to physically occupy the dwelling unit for the entire duration of every short-term rental stay. Any rental where the host is absent is a prohibited non-hosted STR.
Hosted STR permits expire each December 31 and must be renewed annually alongside the business license. Operators must register the business as 'Rental – Hosted Short-Term' and remit 14% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) monthly.
San Leandro requires a hosted Short-Term Rental (STR) permit plus a city business license for any rental under 30 days. Non-hosted STRs (whole-home/vacation rentals where the host is absent) are banned citywide under Municipal Code Chapter 4-41.
Detached storage sheds 120 sf or less and under 8 ft tall are permit-exempt under the California Building Code as adopted by San Leandro, but still must meet Zoning Code Section 2.04.348 setbacks and lot coverage limits.
ADU and JADU permits in San Leandro are issued ministerially by the Building Division within 60 days of a complete application, separate from any main-house permit.
San Leandro Zoning Code §2.04.388 allows one detached ADU and one JADU per single-family lot through ministerial review, implementing California Government Code §§65852.1, 65852.2 and 65852.22.
San Leandro Zoning Code §2.04.388 does not impose owner-occupancy for ADUs; for JADUs, owner-occupancy is required only when sanitary facilities are shared with the primary dwelling.
San Leandro has no separate tiny-home ordinance; site-built tiny houses are permitted only as ADUs under Zoning Code Sec. 2.04.388, and tiny houses on wheels (THOWs) are only allowed when they qualify as movable ADUs meeting California HCD registration and ANSI A119.5/NFPA 1192…
Converting an existing attached or detached garage into an ADU or JADU is a ministerial 60-day approval under San Leandro Zoning Code Sec. 2.04.388, and California Government Code Sec. 66314 prohibits the city from requiring replacement of the displaced parking spaces.
Per San Leandro Zoning Code §2.04.388, if an ADU or JADU is rented, the rental term must be 30 days or longer; short-term rental (under 30 days) is prohibited.
A carport in San Leandro counts as a covered parking space and is regulated jointly by Zoning Code Sec. 2.04.348 (accessory-structure setbacks) and Chapter 4.08 (Off-Street Parking and Loading), which limits visible above-ground parking to 40% of street frontage and requires…
Effective July 21, 2025, San Leandro City Council Resolutions 2025-106 and 2025-107 waive Park Impact Fees and Development Fees for Street Improvements (DFSI) for all ADUs; ADUs under 750 sq ft are exempt from all impact fees by state law.
New and remodeled San Leandro pools must include at least two of the seven drowning-prevention safety features from California Health & Safety Code §115922 (SB 442) and anti-entrapment dual drains per §115928, in addition to the 5-foot barrier and door alarms required by §115923.
Per 2022 CBC §3109.2 (incorporating California Health & Safety Code §115923), every San Leandro pool or spa must be completely surrounded by a fence/enclosure at least 5 feet high, with self-closing self-latching gates that swing away from the pool and have latches at least 60…
Above-ground pools in San Leandro need the same building permit as in-ground pools if water exceeds 18 inches, and electrical service must use a single-outlet locking GFCI receptacle at least 6 feet from the pool wall (or 10 feet if conditions are not met), per the City's…
A building permit from the San Leandro Division of Building & Safety Services is required for any pool, spa, hot tub, decorative pond, or fountain containing water more than 18 inches deep, per 2022 CBC §202 and §3109.2.
San Leandro classifies hot tubs and spas as 'swimming pools' under 2022 CBC §202 once water exceeds 18 inches deep, so the full permit, 5-foot barrier, and door-alarm rules apply. 240-volt spas additionally need a readily accessible disconnect within sight of the spa and at…
San Leandro adopted a local Rent Review Ordinance in 2020 for mediation. AB 1482 statewide rent cap also applies: CPI+5%, max 10% annually, just cause eviction.
San Leandro requires landlords to register rental units with the Rent Review Program and report rent increases through the Rent Review Board.
San Leandro follows California AB 1482 (Civil Code 1946.2) statewide just-cause eviction rules. Landlords must cite one of 15 allowable reasons.
California evictions run through the unlawful detainer process. Under Code of Civil Procedure § 1161, nonpayment requires a 3-day notice to pay rent or quit (excluding weekends and holidays), and lease violations require a 3-day notice to cure or quit. No-fault terminations of…
California landlords must keep rentals fit to live in. Civil Code §§ 1941 and 1941.1, reinforced by Green v. Superior Court, imply a warranty of habitability covering plumbing, heat, water, electricity, and sanitation. If repairs fail after notice, a tenant may repair and deduct…
California Civil Code § 1954 limits when a landlord may enter a rented home. Except in emergencies, abandonment, or with tenant consent, the landlord must give reasonable written notice (24 hours is presumed reasonable) and may enter only during normal business hours, for…
California sets no fixed dollar or percentage cap on rent late fees, but a late fee in a residential lease is treated as liquidated damages. Under Civil Code § 1671, such a fee is valid only if it reasonably estimates the landlord's actual loss from late payment; arbitrary…
To end a California month-to-month tenancy, a tenant gives 30 days' written notice. A landlord gives 30 days if the tenant has lived there under a year, or 60 days if a year or more, under Civ. Code § 1946.1. AB 1482 requires just cause after 12 months; military and DV tenants…
California requires written notice before raising a month-to-month tenant's rent. Under Civ. Code § 827, increases of 10% or less in 12 months need 30 days' notice; increases above 10% need 90 days' notice. AB 1482 separately caps yearly increases on covered units.
As of July 1, 2024, California landlords may collect no more than one month's rent as a security deposit, regardless of whether the unit is furnished. The deposit, minus any lawful deductions, must be returned with an itemized statement within 21 days after move-out, or the…
California adverse possession requires five years of continuous, open, hostile possession AND payment of all property taxes during that period under Code of Civil Procedure § 325. A squatter or trespasser who has not paid taxes gains no ownership and can be removed by unlawful…
San Leandro HOAs must follow Davis-Stirling Act (Civ Code 4000-6150) board meeting procedures, including open meetings and 4-day notice under Civ Code 4920.
HOA architectural review in San Leandro must follow Civil Code 4765. Written procedures, fair review, and timely decisions are required. Solar cannot be banned (Civ 714).
HOA CC and R enforcement in San Leandro requires due process under Civ Code 5850 and 5855: written notice, hearing, and reasonable fines from posted schedule.
San Leandro HOAs must offer Internal Dispute Resolution (Civ 5900) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (Civ 5925) before litigation over governing documents.
HOA assessment increases in San Leandro are capped at 20 percent annually and special assessments at 5 percent without member vote under Civil Code 5605.
California HOAs may fine members for rule violations, but only under a published schedule of fines and after strict due-process steps. Civil Code section 5855 requires written notice and a hearing before any monetary penalty, and section 5725 bars fines from becoming a…
California overrides HOA governing documents on several owner protections. The Davis-Stirling Act and related Civil Code sections bar HOAs from prohibiting solar systems, U.S. flag displays, drought-tolerant landscaping, EV charging stations, and most noncommercial signs, even…
San Leandro limits garage and yard sales to two times per year on the property owner's premises or a residential property in the immediate vicinity. Off-site signs on public property (utility poles, street trees, medians, sidewalks) are prohibited — all signs must be placed on…
San Leandro permits holiday lights and decorations under Zoning Code §4-1804(12): displays may be installed no sooner than 45 days before the holiday and must be removed within 14 days following the holiday. No permit is required for residential holiday displays that comply with…
San Leandro caps political signs at 16 square feet on private property and requires a Declaration of Intent filed with the City Clerk at least 2 days before installation. Signs are prohibited on all City property; on Caltrans/state highway property they may be posted no earlier…
San Leandro Municipal Code Chapter 3-24 adopts the Alameda County Organics Reduction and Recycling Ordinance (ORRO), requiring all residents and businesses to sort recyclables, organics, and trash into the correct containers in compliance with California SB 1383.
San Leandro uses exclusive franchised haulers (Alameda County Industries and Waste Management of Alameda County). Carts must be at the curb by 6:00 a.m. on collection day with at least 3 feet between carts.
Dumping refuse, garbage, or discarded objects on any street, alley, sidewalk, or public/private property is prohibited. Local administrative fines start at $100 and California Penal Code §374.3 imposes mandatory criminal fines starting at $250 (doubled for tires).
Garbage, recycling, and green-waste carts cannot be visible from the street except on regular collection day. All containers must have tight-fitting lids and be removed from the curb immediately after pickup.
Yard waste (grass, leaves, weeds, branches under 6 inches) must go in the green organics cart along with food scraps, per SLMC Ch. 3-24 and SB 1383. Palm fronds, dirt, rock, concrete, brick, and treated wood are NOT accepted.
Single-family residents receive one free Enhanced On-Call/Bulky Item Clean-Up pickup per 12-month period from their franchised hauler. Additional pickups require pre-paid tags or scheduling fees.
San Leandro caps residential height at 28-30 ft / 2 stories in RS zones. Accessory structures limited to 15 ft; ADUs to 16-25 ft per state law.
San Leandro RS zones typically cap building lot coverage at 40%. Impervious surface limits apply under Bay Area C.3 stormwater standards.
San Leandro residential setbacks: 20 ft front, 5 ft side, 15 ft rear in RS zones. ADU setbacks reduced to 4 ft per Gov Code 65852.2.
A San Leandro grading permit (SLMC Title 7, Chapter 7-12 — Grading, Excavations and Fills) is required for movement of 50 cubic yards or more of soil (about 6 dump truck loads) or excavation 5+ feet deep. Drainage must convey storm waters to an approved natural watercourse or…
San Leandro Municipal Code Chapter 3-15 (Storm Water Management and Discharge Control Ordinance) prohibits non-stormwater discharges to the City's storm sewer system and requires C.3 BMPs for new development. The City participates in the Alameda Countywide Clean Water Program…
San Leandro Municipal Code Title 7, Chapter 7-9 (Floodplain Management) implements the National Flood Insurance Program. The current FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) for San Leandro was issued December 21, 2018 following a coastal study, with Special Flood Hazard Areas…
Under San Leandro Municipal Code Title 7, Chapter 7-12 (Grading, Excavations and Fills), §7-12-230 requires Erosion Control, Sedimentation Control, and Drainage Plans prepared by a Civil Engineer and approved by the City Engineer for any project requiring a grading permit.
San Leandro is NOT under California Coastal Commission jurisdiction (which covers the Pacific outer coast). Instead, the City's San Francisco Bay shoreline falls under the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC), which regulates fill, dredging, and…
San Leandro offers SolarAPP+ instant online permits for residential solar. AB 2188 caps review to 3 business days. Title 24 mandates solar on new homes.
California Civil Code 714 Solar Rights Act preempts HOA bans on solar panels. Restrictions that reduce output >10% or cost >$1,000 are void.
Vacant lots must be kept free of weeds, debris, and trash under San Leandro nuisance abatement and weed abatement programs.
Garbage, recycling, and organics carts must be stored out of public view except on collection day under San Leandro property maintenance rules.
Snow is not a concern in San Leandro, but California Streets and Highways Code 5610 makes adjacent owners responsible for sidewalk maintenance.
Residential garage sales are allowed in San Leandro with limits on frequency, signage, and hours under the municipal code.
San Leandro Property Maintenance Ordinance prohibits blight conditions such as junk, graffiti, abandoned vehicles, and neglected structures.
San Leandro zoning code requires shielded outdoor lighting in residential zones. No formal Dark Sky ordinance but spill/glare onto neighbors prohibited.
San Leandro nuisance code allows complaints for light trespass onto neighboring property. Typical remedy is shielding or redirecting fixtures.
San Leandro does not require a permit for occasional household garage sales but limits frequency, hours, and signage to prevent commercial resale.
San Leandro does not impose a numeric frequency cap on garage sales by ordinance. However, sales that recur regularly enough to constitute a 'business' violate residential zoning under SLMC Article 4 (R-zone use regulations) and require a home occupation permit or change of use.
San Leandro garage sales must comply with the City's general noise ordinance (SLMC Title 4 Chapter 4-1 Article 11). No electronic amplification (music, PA) is permitted before 9:00 a.m. or after 10:00 p.m. in residential areas. Sales themselves are not subject to a separate hour…
Per San Leandro Municipal Code Chapter 4-34 (Mobile Food Vending), it is unlawful to operate a mobile food vending unit without a City permit, a business license, current commercial & auto liability insurance, and an Alameda County Environmental Health Department permit. Hours…
SLMC Ch. 4-34 and the city's Planning policy limit mobile food vending to specific zoning districts. Vendors must keep 300 feet from existing eating places and 500 feet from schools during school hours; the City's Zoning Ordinance may prohibit vending entirely in some districts.
California SB 946 (Gov. Code §51038–§51039) decriminalized sidewalk vending statewide and limits San Leandro to non-criminal time/place/manner rules tied to objective health, safety, or welfare. Violations are punishable only by administrative fines after an ability-to-pay…
San Leandro scaffolding over public right-of-way requires encroachment permit from Public Works. Cal/OSHA Title 8 scaffold safety standards apply statewide.
San Leandro pre-1978 renovations must follow EPA RRP rule and California HSC 17920.10. Lead-safe certified firms required for paint-disturbing work.
Elevators in San Leandro are regulated by Cal/OSHA Division of Occupational Safety and Health. Annual inspections and permits to operate are required.
San Leandro enforces property maintenance nuisance provisions for rodent and pest infestations. Housing code requires landlords to keep rentals vermin-free.
San Leandro permits a limited number of cannabis dispensaries under a city license program, with strict zoning buffers from schools and youth uses.
Adults 21+ in San Leandro may grow up to six cannabis plants under Prop 64 and Health and Safety Code 11362.2, subject to local indoor rules.
Per San Leandro Administrative Code Ch. A7 (Park Operating Procedures), all city parks except Chabot Park and the Shoreline are open 8:00 AM–8:00 PM (Oct 31–Apr 30) and 8:00 AM–10:00 PM (May 1–Oct 30). The San Leandro Shoreline Recreation Area is open from one-half hour before…
San Leandro Municipal Code Title 4, Chapter 4-1, Article 3 (Youth Curfews) bars unemancipated minors from public places between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM and from loitering during school hours (8:00 AM–3:00 PM) on school days. First offense $50, second $100 within 12 months, third+…
San Leandro adopts the 2022 California Building Code through SLMC Title 7 Chapter 7-5. CBC Section 2308 (conventional light-frame construction) and Appendix Chapter A3 of the California Existing Building Code govern bolting wood-framed homes to their foundations. The City is in…
California's URM Law (Government Code 8875 et seq.) required San Leandro and all SDC D/E jurisdictions to inventory unreinforced masonry buildings and adopt a mitigation program. San Leandro adopted Chapter 4 of the State's Guidelines for Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings…
California Health and Safety Code 19200-19205 and California Building Code 1.8.5 require seismic gas shutoff valves for certain new construction and major alterations. In San Leandro, PG&E and the City Building & Safety Division enforce these triggers under SLMC Title 7 Chapter…
San Leandro Ordinance 24-495 (adopted December 2024) added Article 16 to SLMC Title 7 Chapter 7-5 (Building Code), creating a mandatory Earthquake Hazard Reduction program for existing wood-frame residential buildings with soft, weak, or open-front ground-story walls. Owners…
San Leandro Administrative Code Title 32 requires a film permit for any filming activity within City limits except news gathering. Applications must be submitted at least seven (7) working days before the planned shoot date.
Film productions in San Leandro must comply with SLMC Title 4 Chapter 4-1 Article 11 (Noise) and the conditions of their Administrative Code Title 32 film permit. Generators, amplified dialogue, and FX noise cannot exceed ambient + 5 dB at the nearest residential property line…
Street closures for film production in San Leandro require an approved parking and traffic plan as part of the Administrative Code Title 32 film permit. Closures cannot be approved until the parking plan is signed off, and only San Leandro Police Department personnel may be used…
San Leandro regulates only trees located on public property and within the public right-of-way (street trees). Private-property trees are not regulated — there is no heritage tree ordinance currently in effect. Street tree rules are in SLMC Title 5 Chapter 5-2 and Administrative…
The parkway strip between curb and sidewalk is public right-of-way; all trees there are City property. Residents may plant a parkway tree only with Public Works Director approval using species from the approved list.
San Leandro requires an encroachment permit from Public Works to remove any street tree (city-owned trees in the parkway strip), but currently has no permit requirement for trees on private property.
San Leandro has no adopted heritage tree ordinance protecting large or historic trees on private property. A draft 'Protected Tree' ordinance defining trees of 18" diameter or greater has been pending since 2014 but is not yet law.
When the City removes a street tree, the adjacent property owner may request a free replacement; if no replacement is requested, the owner must pay the $210 Master Fee Schedule planting fee for a city-chosen replacement.
San Leandro has no local protected tree species list. State and federal protections still apply: nesting bird inspections are required before any tree work, and California Public Resources Code protections for native oaks remain in effect.
Under California's Safe Sidewalk Vending Act (SB 946, Gov Code 51036-51039), San Leandro must permit sidewalk vendors subject only to objective health, safety, and welfare requirements. Sidewalk food vendors must also hold an Alameda County Environmental Health permit and a San…
Sidewalk vending carts in San Leandro must comply with Alameda County Environmental Health's Mobile Food Facility requirements (California Retail Food Code Sections 114294-114297). Carts must be NSF-certified, have potable water and waste tanks, and be cleaned and stored at an…
Under SB 946 (Cal. Gov Code 51038), San Leandro cannot ban sidewalk vending citywide but may restrict it in specific zones based on objective health, safety, and welfare concerns. Vending is generally permitted on commercial sidewalks but restricted in parks, near schools, and…
Per SLMC Chapter 4-5 (Peddlers, Solicitors, and Itinerant Merchants), Article 2, it is unlawful to engage in the business of peddler, solicitor, or itinerant merchant in San Leandro without a permit. Applicants file a sworn application with the Finance Director, who issues a…
San Leandro Municipal Code Chapter 4-5 does not establish a city-wide 'no knock' registry. Homeowners can post 'No Solicitors' signs which solicitors must respect under SLMC's general nuisance and trespass provisions; refusing to leave after a request is criminal trespass under…
San Leandro has not adopted a local drone ordinance. Recreational flyers must follow FAA 49 U.S.C. §44809 (TRUST test, line-of-sight, ≤400 ft AGL, registration if >250 g) plus California's statewide rules: Penal Code §402(b) (interfering with first responders) and Civil Code…
Any commercial drone work in San Leandro (real estate photo, inspection, mapping, delivery, film) requires an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate. San Leandro does not impose a city UAS permit, but commercial filming requires the city's standard Film Permit and Class C…
San Leandro has no drone-specific park ban, but Administrative Code Chapter A7 (Recreation and Parks) prohibits disrupting park activities, interfering with public use, and conducting any business in parks without written City consent — which captures drone uses that disturb…
HVAC condensers, heat pumps, and pool equipment in Alameda County must not exceed residential decibel limits at neighboring property lines: 60 dBA daytime and 50 dBA nighttime. Setback and screening are required for new installations.
Bars and nightclubs in unincorporated Alameda County operate under conditional use permits with noise conditions limiting amplified music, door-open times, and patron crowd noise. Violations can trigger ABC license review.
Standby and portable generators in Alameda County must comply with residential noise limits (50 dBA night, 60 dBA day) except during verified power outages. BAAQMD permits apply to larger stationary units.
Alameda County prohibits blocking sidewalks with vehicles, merchandise, overgrown vegetation, or construction materials. Clear 4-foot ADA-compliant passage must be maintained.
Under CA Streets and Highways Code 5610, adjacent property owners are responsible for maintaining sidewalks fronting their property in Alameda County unincorporated areas.
Alameda County's Code Enforcement Division investigates violations in unincorporated areas. Complaints can be filed by phone at (510) 670-5460, by email at PlanningCode.Enforcement@acgov.org, or by visiting the Community Development Agency offices.
Alameda County Code Enforcement typically conducts initial site visits within 3-5 business days of receiving a complaint. The full enforcement process, from initial notice to resolution, can take weeks to months depending on compliance and whether formal hearings are needed.
The most common code violations in unincorporated Alameda County include property nuisances (junk, debris, overgrown vegetation), junk vehicles, unpermitted structures, illegal grading, and zoning violations such as unauthorized land uses or setback encroachments.
Security cameras are legal on residential and commercial properties in Alameda County. Video-only recording in public-facing areas is permitted. Audio recording triggers California's strict two-party consent law (Penal Code 632), requiring all parties' consent.
In unincorporated Alameda County, residential fences up to 6 feet tall in rear and side yards generally do not require permits. Front yard fences are typically limited to 3-4 feet. Privacy fences can help establish reasonable expectation of privacy for legal purposes.
California is a two-party (all-party) consent state. Recording any confidential communication without all parties' consent is a crime under Penal Code 632. This applies to phone calls, in-person conversations, and audio on security cameras.
California maintains a state-level list of noxious weeds and invasive plants regulated by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Alameda County follows state regulations and also participates in regional invasive species management through the Alameda County Weed…
Alameda County does not have a specific bamboo ban, but running bamboo that spreads onto neighboring properties can be addressed as a nuisance under county ordinances and California civil law. Property owners are responsible for preventing invasive spread.
Alameda County generally permits front-yard gardens including food gardens in unincorporated areas. California law (AB 2561) prohibits local governments from banning front-yard food gardens. Landscaping must comply with county zoning setbacks and water-efficient standards.
In unincorporated Alameda County, storage sheds under 120 square feet without electrical or plumbing are exempt from building permits. Larger sheds require permits. All sheds must meet setback requirements and height limitations.
Residential fences up to 6 feet tall in unincorporated Alameda County generally do not require building permits. Fences over 6 feet, retaining wall/fence combinations, and fences in front yards exceeding zoning height limits require permits.
Small ground-level decks (under 200 sq ft, less than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a building) are generally exempt from permits in Alameda County. Larger or elevated decks require building permits with structural plans.
Most renovation work in unincorporated Alameda County requires building permits. Cosmetic changes like painting and flooring replacement are exempt. Work involving structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems requires permits and inspections.
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…
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…
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.