California SB 270 and SB 1046 ban single-use plastic carryout bags at OC grocery stores, pharmacies, and large retailers; reusable or paper bags require a 10-cent minimum charge.
Statewide California law since 2016 (Proposition 67 affirmed SB 270) prohibits grocery stores, supermarkets, drugstores, pharmacies, and convenience stores from providing thin single-use plastic carryout bags. Stores may sell recycled paper bags or thicker reusable plastic bags for at least 10 cents each, with revenue retained by the store. SB 1046 (2024) further bans the thicker reusable plastic bags starting January 1, 2026, allowing only paper recycled-content bags or true reusables. Restaurants, hardware stores, and produce bags are exempt. OC HCA and city code enforcement handle complaints; CalRecycle oversees retailer compliance.
Retailers face civil penalties of $1,000 first day, $2,000 second, and $5,000 each subsequent day per violation. Enforcement is typically complaint-driven through city or county code agencies.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Irvine, CA
Leaf blowers in Irvine must comply with the construction/maintenance equipment hours: 7:00 AM-7:00 PM weekdays, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM Saturdays, and prohibited on ...
Irvine, CA
Outdoor music in Irvine is subject to IMC noise zone standards. Organized events with amplified outdoor music require city permits. Music must comply with th...
Irvine, CA
Amplified music in Irvine is regulated under IMC Title 6, Division 8, Chapter 2 (Noise). Sound must not exceed the exterior noise standards for the receiving...
Irvine, CA
Aircraft noise in Irvine is primarily from John Wayne Airport (SNA), regulated by federal FAA rules and the county's access and noise plan. The IMC noise ord...
Irvine, CA
Irvine regulates street parking under IMC Title 6, Division 3 including the 72-hour limit, street sweeping compliance, and red zone prohibitions per Section ...
Irvine, CA
Irvine restricts parking of commercial vehicles in residential areas under IMC Title 6, Division 3 and the Irvine Zoning Ordinance. Large commercial vehicles...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle plastic bag rules.
See how Irvine's plastic bag rules rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.