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.
Public Resources Code 42280-42288 prohibits covered stores including supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores, and large retailers from distributing single-use plastic carryout bags at checkout. Stores must offer reusable bags or recycled paper bags for at least 10 cents. SB 270 was enacted in 2014 and ratified by voters as Proposition 67 with 53 percent in 2016. SB 1053 (2024) further restricts thicker reusable plastic bags effective 2026. The law applies statewide to covered retailers; local governments may impose stricter rules but cannot weaken the prohibition.
Violations carry civil penalties of $1,000 per day for the first violation, $2,000 per day for second, and $5,000 per day thereafter under Public Resources Code 42283.
Santa Cruz County, CA
Persistent barking dogs in unincorporated Santa Cruz County are enforced under SCCC Chapter 8.30 (Noise) and Title 6 (Animals). Barking audible 150 feet past...
Santa Cruz County, CA
Santa Cruz County Code Chapter 8.30 (Noise) prohibits any offensive noise between 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. in unincorporated areas (including Aptos, Soquel, ...
Santa Cruz, CA
Santa Cruz Municipal Code Chapter 10.40 (Stopping, Standing and Parking) prohibits any 'oversized vehicle' from parking on city streets or municipal lots bet...
Santa Cruz County, CA
Under SCCC Title 6 (Animals), chickens, ducks, geese, pigeons, other fowl, rabbits, and guinea pigs are allowed in the unincorporated county only if they can...
Santa Cruz County, CA
Santa Cruz County Code Title 6 (Animals) requires dogs to be under physical restraint - leash, tether, or in a person's grasp - whenever off the owner's prop...
Santa Cruz County, CA
More than half of Santa Cruz County residents live in the Wildland Urban Interface - one of the highest shares in California. CAL FIRE maps designate most ru...
See how Santa Cruz's plastic bag rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.