Pop. 84,070 · Contra Costa County
Noxious weeds designated by the Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner under California Food and Agricultural Code Section 5004 must be controlled on private property. Common San Ramon targets include yellow starthistle, Italian thistle, French and Scotch broom, and artichoke thistle. Enforcement is handled by the county with city abatement backstop.
San Ramon enforces weed and grass abatement under California Government Code Sections 39560-39588 and the municipal code. Overgrown vegetation over approximately 6 inches may be declared a public nuisance, especially as a fire hazard in VHFHSZ areas where CAL FIRE requires grass cut to 4 inches in Zone 2 defensible space.
San Ramon encourages drought-tolerant landscaping under California's MWELO (Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance). New and renovated landscapes over 500 sq ft must meet Maximum Applied Water Allowance limits. EBMUD and DSRSD offer lawn replacement rebates. HOAs cannot prohibit water-efficient landscaping per Civil Code Section 4735.
Pool and spa drain covers in San Ramon must comply with the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGBA) and California Health & Safety Code 116064. Anti-entrapment drain covers certified to ANSI/APSP-16 or ANSI/ASME A112.19.8 are required on all public and residential pools and spas.
Swimming pool barriers in San Ramon are governed by California Health & Safety Code sections 115920-115929 (Swimming Pool Safety Act). Pools built or substantially remodeled after 2018 must have at least two of seven listed safety features, and perimeter barriers must be at least 60 inches tall with self-closing, self-latching gates. Building permits and Building Division inspections are required.
San Ramon enforces the 2022 California Building Standards Code for residential pool installations and exempts only small prefabricated above-ground pools from the building permit (less than 24 inches deep, or accessory pools with capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons); an electrical permit is still required for all prefabricated pool equipment. Above-ground pools are accessory structures under Zoning Ordinance D4-26 and follow its setback rules: 18 inches or less in height needs no setback, more than 18 inches up to 6 feet needs a 3-foot side and rear setback, and over 6 feet uses height-minus-3-feet. State law layered on top requires at least two of seven approved drowning-prevention features under California Health and Safety Code Sections 115921 to 115929 (the Pool Safety Act, expanded by SB 442 effective January 1, 2018), including a compliant 60-inch enclosure.
Hot tubs and spas fall under California's Swimming Pool Safety Act when capable of holding water deeper than 18 inches, requiring barriers, covers, or other approved safety features.
California Health and Safety Code Section 13113.7 and the California Building Code require working smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every story of all dwellings in San Ramon. Alarms must be hardwired with battery backup in new construction and interconnected. Sellers must disclose compliance at property transfer.
California Public Resources Code Section 4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures in Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. SRVFPD conducts annual inspections in San Ramon hillside neighborhoods. Zone 0 (0-5 ft ember-resistant), Zone 1 (5-30 ft lean-clean-green), and Zone 2 (30-100 ft reduced fuel) must be maintained year-round.
Wood-burning fire pits and chimineas in San Ramon are restricted by BAAQMD Regulation 5. Permanent natural gas fire features may be permitted with appropriate building permits. No burning is allowed on Spare the Air days. Contact the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District or City Building Division for permit requirements.
Open burning is prohibited in the Bay Area under BAAQMD Regulation 5. San Ramon falls within BAAQMD jurisdiction. Backyard burning of leaves, trash, and yard waste banned since 1970. San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District handles fire safety enforcement.
ALL fireworks are banned in San Ramon, including state-approved Safe and Sane fireworks. Possession, sale, use, and storage of any consumer firework is a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 plus civil penalties. The ban applies year-round including July 4, and SRVFPD and San Ramon Police conduct enhanced enforcement around Independence Day.
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.
California uniformly classifies and maps Fire Hazard Severity Zones statewide, with mandatory building, disclosure, and defensible space rules tied to zone designations.
San Ramon prohibits all exterior commercial signage on home-business properties. No signs, banners, lighted displays, or window advertising that identifies a business are permitted. The business must be visually indistinguishable from a purely residential use from the street and neighboring properties.
Family day care homes in San Ramon are protected under California Health & Safety Code 1597.45, which preempts most local restrictions. Small family day care homes (up to 8 children) and large family day care homes (up to 14 children) must be allowed in residential zones as a matter of right, subject only to state licensing and minimal local standards for parking and spacing.
San Ramon home occupations strictly limit customer visits. On-site retail sales to walk-in customers are prohibited. Occasional client visits by appointment may be allowed for professional services but cannot create noticeable traffic, parking, or activity beyond what a residence would normally generate.
San Ramon requires a Home Occupation Permit and a Business License for any business operated from a residence. Home occupations must be incidental and subordinate to the residential use, with no signage, no on-site employees beyond residents, minimal customer visits, and no outward commercial appearance. Application goes through Planning Services.
The California Homemade Food Act, codified at Health and Safety Code sections 113758 and 114365, sets uniform rules for cottage food operations and bars local governments from prohibiting them in residential zones.
San Ramon requires off-street parking for all residential uses, and STRs cannot rely on on-street parking to accommodate guest vehicles. Most HOAs in Canyon Lakes, Gale Ranch, and Windemere further restrict guest parking, require vehicle registration, and ban overnight street parking in certain circumstances.
Short-term rentals in San Ramon are heavily restricted. The City does not have a permissive STR ordinance, and most residentially-zoned properties are not authorized to operate rentals under 30 days. Operators must check current zoning code and TOT registration requirements with the Finance Department, and HOA CC&Rs in master-planned communities frequently ban STRs outright.
Where short-term rentals are permitted in San Ramon, occupancy is constrained by California Building Code and San Ramon Municipal Code limits on residential density, typically 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional occupants. Fire Code sleeping unit standards, parking limits, and HOA CC&R occupancy caps further narrow allowable guest counts.
San Ramon Zoning Ordinance D4-27.C.2.i requires every STR registration to include proof of insurance demonstrating that the property is insured for use as a short-term rental. The City does not publish a specific minimum coverage amount in the ordinance, but D4-27.C.2.j separately requires the owner/operator to acknowledge a hold-harmless, indemnify-and-defend obligation to the City and staff for claims arising from the registration. Standard homeowner policies typically exclude commercial rental activity, so most operators must add a landlord, business, or short-term rental endorsement.
San Ramon allows STRs in any residential district subject to Zoning Ordinance D4-27, which makes the operator jointly responsible for compliance with all City noise regulations under Municipal Code Chapter V (B6-81 through B6-122). General nighttime quiet hours run 10 PM to 8 AM, and audio or yelling that is plainly audible at 50 feet from the building between those hours is prima facie evidence of a violation. Un-hosted STRs are capped at 12 weeks per year, and STRs may not be rented for parties or other special events.
San Ramon imposes a 7.25% Transient Occupancy Tax on short-term stays under 31 days. Operators collect the tax from guests and file quarterly returns. Guests staying 31+ consecutive days are exempt.
San Ramon allows STRs in all residential districts under Zoning Ordinance §D4-27, but requires annual registration. Hosted STRs (owner present) have no annual night cap; unhosted rentals are limited to 12 weeks (84 nights) per year. Annual registration fee is $250. Properties with an ADU or JADU are INELIGIBLE for STR registration. Submit registration form to planning@sanramon.ca.gov.
Vehicle noise in San Ramon is regulated by both California Vehicle Code and Municipal Code Chapter B3-40. Modified exhaust systems, engine revving, tire squealing, and horn abuse are prohibited. The city coordinates with CHP on I-680 corridor enforcement and Sheriff deputies handle local streets including Crow Canyon Road and Bollinger Canyon Road.
Gas-powered lawn and garden equipment can be operated in San Ramon Monday-Friday 7:30 AM-7:00 PM, Saturday-Sunday and holidays 9:00 AM-5:00 PM. Commercial landscapers (common in Bishop Ranch and Dougherty Valley HOAs) must comply with these hours. Electric equipment is subject to general noise limits only.
San Ramon prohibits amplified music audible beyond the property line of the source, with stricter enforcement during quiet hours (10 PM-7 AM). Outdoor events with amplified sound require a Special Event Permit from the city. Violations can trigger progressive administrative fines up to $500 per occurrence.
San Ramon authorizes administrative penalties for barking dogs and noisy animals. Contra Costa County Animal Services enforces animal noise complaints. The general noise ordinance covers animals or birds creating frequent or continuous disturbances.
Construction in San Ramon is permitted Monday-Friday 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM and Saturday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. No construction is allowed on Sundays or city-recognized holidays except for emergency repairs. These restrictions apply to all exterior construction, grading, and mechanical equipment use under Municipal Code Chapter B3-40.
San Ramon enforces quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM daily under Municipal Code Chapter B3-40. During these hours, sound levels at residential property lines cannot exceed 50 dBA, and amplified sound, power equipment, and construction are prohibited. The city treats repeated late-night disturbances as public nuisances subject to progressive fines.
No local airport in San Ramon. Aircraft noise regulated federally by the FAA. Nearest general aviation airport is Buchanan Field in Concord. CA Health & Safety Code §46000 authorizes local noise regulation.
Livestock is prohibited on standard residential lots in San Ramon. The city's suburban master-planned zoning does not include agricultural districts, and lot sizes in Dougherty Valley, Bishop Ranch, and Canyon Lakes communities are too small for livestock. Limited exceptions exist for properties with agricultural zoning adjacent to open space preserves.
San Ramon permits up to 6 backyard hens on residential lots with coop setback requirements (typically 10-20 feet from property lines and 25+ feet from neighboring dwellings). Roosters are prohibited. Coops must be kept clean to avoid odor and vector nuisance. HOA CC&Rs in master-planned communities frequently ban chickens entirely.
San Ramon limits residential properties to 3-4 dogs and 3-4 cats per household, with combined totals varying by lot size. Kennel permits are required for households keeping more animals and for commercial boarding. Exotic pet limits are addressed separately, and no permit exceptions exist for breeding operations in residential zones.
San Ramon requires all dogs over 4 months old to be licensed through Contra Costa County Animal Services and leashed (max 6 ft) when off the owner's property. Current rabies vaccination is required for licensing. Off-leash is permitted only in designated dog parks including Memorial Park Dog Park and Hap Magee Ranch.
San Ramon follows California Food & Agricultural Code §31601-31683 for dangerous dog determinations, which are strictly behavior-based. No breed-specific bans are permitted statewide. Contra Costa County Animal Services conducts investigations and hearings. Owners of declared dangerous dogs face confinement, insurance, and registration requirements.
San Ramon borders extensive East Bay Regional Park District open space (Las Trampas, Bollinger Canyon, Iron Horse Trail) hosting deer, coyotes, mountain lions, turkeys, and raptors. Feeding wildlife is prohibited. California Department of Fish and Wildlife handles dangerous wildlife; city code enforcement addresses feeding violations.
San Ramon prohibits exotic and wild animals as pets, with regulation primarily governed by California Fish and Game Code §2118 which bans private possession of dangerous wildlife statewide. Prohibited animals include big cats, primates, bears, venomous reptiles, and most non-native wildlife. Permitted small exotics (certain reptiles, birds) are subject to general pet nuisance rules.
Backyard beekeeping is permitted in San Ramon with setback and hive limit restrictions. Typical requirements include minimum 10-25 foot setbacks from property lines, water source on property, and colony limits based on lot size. Registration with Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner is required under California Food & Ag Code §29040.
Retaining walls in San Ramon require a building permit if over 4 feet in height measured from bottom of footing to top, or if supporting a surcharge load. Engineered plans are required for taller walls. Given San Ramon's hillside terrain in Canyon Lakes, Bollinger Canyon, and Crow Canyon areas, drainage and geotechnical review are often required.
Hedges in San Ramon are regulated similarly to fences for sight-line purposes. Front yard hedges must not exceed 3.5 feet within the front setback, and corner lot sight triangles apply. Hedges over 6 feet that block a neighbor's solar access or constitute a 'spite fence' under Civil Code §841.4 may be actionable.
San Ramon permits standard fence materials including wood, vinyl, masonry, wrought iron, and chain link, with restrictions on barbed wire, razor wire, and electric fences in residential zones. HOA CC&Rs in master-planned communities typically specify approved material types and often prohibit chain link in front yards.
Pool safety barriers in San Ramon must meet California Health & Safety Code §115920-115929 requirements: minimum 60-inch height, self-closing/self-latching gates, no climbable features, and pools built after 2007 require at least two additional safety features. The Building Division enforces compliance through permit inspections.
San Ramon permits 6-foot fences in side and rear yards and 3.5-foot (42-inch) fences in front yards. Corner lots have additional sight-triangle restrictions at intersections. Fences over 6 feet require a building permit. HOA CC&Rs in master-planned communities often impose stricter architectural review requirements.
Garage conversions to ADUs permitted under CA statewide ADU law. No replacement parking required. Must meet building code for habitable space. Reviewed through building permit process.
ADUs allowed per CA Gov Code §65852.2 and San Ramon Zoning Ordinance §D4-39. One detached ADU and one JADU per single-family lot. Setbacks: 4 ft side/rear, 20 ft front for detached units. JADU up to 500 sq ft within existing home. Permit review: 6–12 weeks. Pre-approved plans available through Permit Ready ADU program.
Accessory structures limited to 12 ft height in most residential zones (HR, RE-B, RS, RM, RMH, RH, RVH) and 16 ft in RC, RR, and RE-A zones. Structures in front setback limited to 3 ft plus 18 inches for decorative features/lighting.
Carports in unincorporated Contra Costa County are regulated as accessory structures under Title 8 (Zoning) of the County Ordinance Code and as covered structures under the California Building Code as adopted by the county. A carport must satisfy the yard-setback rules of the underlying residential zoning district (e.g., R-6 single-family per Chapter 84-4) and requires a building permit. The county's STR ordinance separately requires off-street parking and may restrict use of carports for STR guest parking.
California HCD guidance and Health and Safety Code 18007 classify many tiny homes on wheels as manufactured housing or ADUs, granting statewide siting protections.
CA Vehicle Code requires vehicles to move every 72 hours. Vehicles missing essential parts (engine, transmission, wheels, doors, windshield) may be towed immediately as safety hazards. Expired registration over 6 months also triggers immediate removal.
San Ramon limits on-street parking to 72 consecutive hours under California Vehicle Code Section 22651(k) and San Ramon Municipal Code Chapter 6.12. Vehicles parked longer than 72 hours without moving can be cited and towed. Overnight parking is generally allowed except on designated streets with posted restrictions. Permit parking districts exist in some neighborhoods near Iron Horse Trail and school zones. Street sweeping schedules are posted, and parking is prohibited during posted sweeping hours on affected streets.
San Ramon prohibits overnight parking of commercial vehicles over a certain weight or length in residential zones under San Ramon Municipal Code and California Vehicle Code Section 22507.5. Commercial vehicles typically defined as those exceeding 10,000 lbs GVW, over 22 feet in length, or bearing commercial markings with equipment racks are restricted from residential street parking overnight. Short-term parking for active work (deliveries, service calls) is permitted during daytime hours. Violations may result in citations and towing.
San Ramon prohibits long-term on-street parking of recreational vehicles, boats, trailers, and oversized vehicles under California Vehicle Code Section 22507.5 and local ordinance. RVs and boats may be parked on private residential property but must generally be stored behind the front setback line and screened from view, typically in side or rear yards. On-street RV parking is limited to short durations for loading, unloading, and active use (typically 72 hours maximum). Oversized vehicle parking is further restricted in residential zones.
California Civil Code sections 4745 and 4745.1, plus Government Code 65850.7, create statewide rights for residents to install EV charging stations and require expedited local permitting that supersedes restrictive local rules.
California Civil Code 1708.8 makes it a tort to use a drone to capture images or recordings of private activity where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Penalties include actual damages, punitive damages, and up to three times the monetary amount. Voyeurism via drone also triggers Penal Code 647(j).
Commercial drone operations in California follow uniform federal rules under 14 CFR Part 107 plus statewide California provisions in Civil Code 1708.8 and Public Utilities Code 21401, with local rules limited to ground-based regulation.
San Ramon restricts food truck and mobile food facility operating locations through zoning and SB 972-consistent regulations. Typical restrictions include: no parking within a specified distance of brick-and-mortar restaurants, schools during school hours, or residential property lines; time limits on stationary vending; and prohibition in certain zoning districts unless at an approved site. Private property operation requires owner permission. City-sponsored events at Central Park and Bishop Ranch designate approved vendor areas.
Food trucks operating in San Ramon must hold a Contra Costa County Environmental Health mobile food facility permit, a California seller's permit, a City of San Ramon business license, and comply with SB 972 sidewalk vending provisions where applicable. Health inspections, commissary requirements, and vehicle compliance with California Retail Food Code (CalCode) are required. Special event vendors at City-sponsored events require additional event permits coordinated through San Ramon's Parks and Community Services.
San Ramon enforces a juvenile curfew for persons under 18 between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM (with earlier hours on school nights in some neighboring jurisdictions), consistent with Contra Costa County practice. Exceptions cover minors with parents, on work/school errands, or in emergency. Violations are infractions with parental notification.
San Ramon parks and open space are closed from 30 minutes after sunset until 6:00 AM unless a permit or scheduled event is in progress. Trespass after hours is a misdemeanor under Penal Code 602(o). Dougherty Valley Aquatic Center, Central Park, Memorial Park, and Iron Horse Trail sections all follow the posted hours.
San Ramon bans all commercial medical cannabis operations - dispensaries, cultivation, manufacturing, and testing - within city limits. Patients may possess and consume under Proposition 215 and MAUCRSA but must obtain product via state-licensed delivery from outside the city. Home cultivation of up to 6 plants indoors is allowed under Prop 64.
Health and Safety Code section 11362.2 grants every adult 21 or older the statewide right to cultivate up to six cannabis plants indoors, and bars local governments from completely prohibiting indoor personal cultivation.
Carbon monoxide alarms are required in all San Ramon dwellings with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages under California Health & Safety Code 17926 (Senate Bill 183, Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Prevention Act of 2010). Alarms must be installed outside each sleeping area and on every level of the dwelling.
San Ramon enforces the California Building Code and California Health & Safety Code sections 13113.7-13114 for smoke alarm placement. Smoke alarms are required in every sleeping room, outside each sleeping area, and on every floor of a dwelling. All alarms installed in new construction and substantial remodels must be hardwired with battery backup and interconnected.
San Ramon requires a building permit for reroofing projects through the Contra Costa County Building Inspection Division, which provides permit services to San Ramon. Roofing must comply with the 2022 California Residential Code and California Building Code. Class A fire-rated roof assemblies are required citywide because San Ramon is located in a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) area under CAL FIRE mapping. Permits are needed for full reroofs and significant repairs; minor patch repairs under 100 sq ft may be exempt.
Plumbing permits in San Ramon are issued through Contra Costa County Building Inspection Division and governed by the 2022 California Plumbing Code. Permits are required for water heater replacements, repiping, sewer lateral work, gas line modifications, backflow prevention devices, and fixture additions. Like-for-like fixture swaps (faucets, toilets in existing location) generally do not require permits, but water heater and gas work always do. EBMUD or DSRSD serves as the water provider depending on location, and Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (Central San) handles sewer permits.
Electrical work in San Ramon requires permits issued by the Building Division, with work performed by licensed C-10 electrical contractors or qualifying homeowners under California Business and Professions Code 7044. The California Electrical Code (Title 24 Part 3, based on NEC 2022) governs all installations, with inspections required before concealment and at final completion.
San Ramon recycling is single-stream through Waste Management's blue cart, with materials processed at the Davis Street MRF. Accepted: paper, cardboard, glass, metal, rigid plastics #1-5 and #7. Rejected: bags, film, styrofoam, food-soiled items. California SB 54 producer-responsibility law will phase in stricter packaging rules through 2032.
Waste Management of Alameda County / Contra Costa is the exclusive franchise hauler for San Ramon, providing once-weekly curbside pickup of garbage, recycling, and organics. Collection day depends on address; carts must be curbside by 6 AM and removed within 24 hours. Missed pickups are reported to Waste Management directly.
Illegal dumping in San Ramon is prohibited under the municipal code and California Penal Code 374.3. Fines start at $250 for a first offense and escalate to $3,000+ plus cleanup costs and possible jail time. Report dumping to San Ramon Public Services or the Contra Costa County non-emergency line.
Single-family San Ramon households receive two free bulky-item pickups per year through Waste Management. Residents schedule in advance, place items curbside the morning of pickup, and limit each pickup to roughly three cubic yards. E-waste, mattresses, and appliances are accepted; hazardous waste is not.
San Ramon residents must use Waste Management-issued carts for garbage, recycling, and organics. Carts cannot exceed capacity, overflow lids, or contain prohibited items. Extra garbage requires an overage tag or larger service tier. Damaged carts are replaced free; lost or stolen carts may incur a replacement fee.
In San Ramon, HOA CC&Rs and City ordinances operate as parallel regulatory systems. HOAs enforce private covenants under the Davis-Stirling Common Interest Development Act, while the City enforces zoning and municipal code. HOA rules cannot conflict with state law, but they can impose stricter standards than the City on most land-use and aesthetic issues.
Disputes between San Ramon homeowners and their HOAs follow a statutory process under Davis-Stirling Act Civil Code 5900-5965, which requires Internal Dispute Resolution (IDR) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) before most litigation. Small claims, superior court, and state enforcement by the Bureau of Real Estate (for specific issues) are later options.
HOA fines in San Ramon must follow the due process requirements of California Civil Code 5850 and 5855. Fines must be reasonable, set forth in a published schedule, and imposed only after written notice and an opportunity for the member to be heard at a board hearing. Continuing violations can incur accumulating fines but cannot become liens for the fines alone (except for safety-related violations).
San Ramon follows federal Title X and California disclosure rules for lead-based paint in pre-1978 housing. Landlords must provide the EPA pamphlet, a written disclosure of known lead hazards, and a 10-day inspection opportunity before lease signing. The city does not impose additional local lead disclosure requirements beyond state and federal mandates.
California Civil Code 1941.7 and Health & Safety Code 17920.3 require San Ramon landlords to disclose known visible mold in a unit and to remediate mold that makes a dwelling substandard. There is no San Ramon-specific mold ordinance. Tenants can pursue habitability remedies, and Contra Costa County Environmental Health handles complaints.
San Ramon does not currently operate a mandatory city-wide residential rental registration program. Landlords must still obtain a City of San Ramon business license and comply with California state rental laws including AB 1482 rent cap/just cause (for qualifying properties), security deposit limits under Civil Code 1950.5, and statewide habitability standards. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) have separate registration requirements. Property owners of 3+ units should review state landlord-tenant rules carefully.
Civil Code 1946.2 requires landlords statewide to have just cause to terminate tenancies of qualifying tenants who have lived in a covered unit at least 12 months.
Civil Code 1947.12 limits annual rent increases to 5 percent plus CPI, capped at 10 percent total, on most California rental units regardless of local ordinances.
San Ramon does not operate an official No-Knock Registry. Residents rely on California's statewide Do Not Call Registry for phone, the FTC/FCC registries, and posted No Soliciting signs at the door. A posted sign creates enforceable trespass under Penal Code 602.1 if ignored by commercial solicitors.
Commercial door-to-door solicitation in San Ramon requires a Business License and in some cases a Solicitor Permit, with state and federal background-check rules. Solicitation is prohibited where No Soliciting signs are posted (Penal Code 602.1). Hours typically limited to 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM. Non-commercial canvassing is constitutionally protected.
San Ramon prohibits illicit discharges to its storm drain system under the Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit (MRP) and local ordinance. Illicit discharges include any non-stormwater entering the MS4 — wastewater, wash water, chemicals, paint, oil, sediment, and pool water. Violations carry fines up to $10,000 per day under California Water Code Section 13385 and local penalties. Reporting is encouraged through the Contra Costa Clean Water Program or San Ramon Public Services.
San Ramon has FEMA-mapped flood zones primarily along San Ramon Creek, Alamo Creek, and their tributaries. Properties in Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA, Zones A and AE) are subject to FEMA flood insurance requirements for federally-backed mortgages and to elevation requirements under the city's floodplain management ordinance. The city participates in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and enforces the California Model Floodplain Management Ordinance. New construction in SFHAs must have lowest floor elevated to or above the Base Flood Elevation (BFE).
The California Coastal Act, Public Resources Code sections 30000 through 30900, requires Coastal Development Permits for nearly all work in the coastal zone and gives the Coastal Commission appeal jurisdiction over local decisions.
San Ramon Development Code limits light glare and spillover from private lighting onto neighboring properties and public rights-of-way. Typical standards require illumination at property lines not to exceed 0.5–1.0 foot-candles for residential-adjacent properties, with full-cutoff fixtures required to prevent direct view of light sources from off-site. Violations are handled through code enforcement and may also give rise to civil nuisance claims. Security lighting is allowed but must be shielded and ideally motion-activated.
San Ramon regulates outdoor lighting through its Development Code (Title D) to reduce light pollution, glare, and spillover onto adjacent properties. Requirements include shielded fixtures, downward-directed light, and limits on lumens and color temperature (typically 3000K or below preferred). The city is not a formal IDA Dark Sky community but incorporates dark-sky principles in design review for new development, especially near open space preserves (Bishop Ranch Regional Preserve, Las Trampas).
Political signs are strongly protected under the First Amendment and Civil Code 4710. San Ramon may not regulate them more strictly than other non-commercial signs and cannot ban them. HOAs also cannot ban political signs, though reasonable size and duration rules (posted 90 days before election, removed 15 days after) are enforceable.
Garage sale signs are allowed on private property with owner consent during the sale and must be removed within 24 hours after. Signs in the public right-of-way, on utility poles, traffic signs, or trees are prohibited and removed without notice. Maximum 6 sq ft per sign, content-neutral rules apply.
San Ramon limits residential garage sales to approximately 2-4 events per address per calendar year, each lasting no more than 2-3 consecutive days. Exceeding this frequency converts the activity into a commercial business requiring a Business License and CDTFA seller's permit. Some HOAs restrict sales to 1-2 community-wide days per year.
San Ramon does not require a permit or fee for residential garage, yard, or estate sales at an owner-occupied single-family home. Sales must stay on private property, signs must follow garage-sale-sign rules, and sales cannot become a de facto commercial business. HOAs may impose additional sale-day restrictions.
San Ramon streamlines solar permits under California AB 2188 and SB 379, which require expedited review and online permitting for small residential rooftop solar. Standard rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems under 10 kW receive same-day or next-business-day permit issuance through SolarAPP+ or equivalent. Title 24 Solar Mandate (2020) requires solar on most new single-family and low-rise multifamily construction. NEM 3.0 (Net Billing Tariff) applies to systems interconnected after April 15, 2023 with PG&E.
California Civil Code Section 714 (Solar Rights Act) prohibits San Ramon HOAs from banning solar panels. HOAs and CC&Rs can impose only 'reasonable restrictions' — those that do not significantly increase system cost (over $1,000 for PV) or decrease efficiency by more than 10%. HOA approval must be granted within 45 days or it is deemed approved. Civil Code 4600 and 4745 reinforce homeowner solar rights. San Ramon's many HOA communities (Gale Ranch, Windemere, Canyon Lakes) must comply.
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.