101 local rules on file · Pop. 1,004 · San Joaquin County
Showing ordinances that apply to Thornton, CA
Thornton is an unincorporated community with a population of approximately 1,004 in San Joaquin County, California. Because Thornton is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal government or city code. Instead, San Joaquin County ordinances apply directly to residential and commercial properties here. The rules below are the county-level regulations that govern your area. Nearby incorporated cities in San Joaquin County may have different rules.
San Joaquin County operates an annual weed abatement program under Government Code §§39560–39588. Property owners receive notices in spring; unabated parcels are cleared by county contractors with costs assessed as a lien. Noxious weeds (puncture vine, yellow starthistle, johnsongrass) are separately regulated by the County Agricultural Commissioner under Food & Agricultural Code §5004.
California Government Code §53087.7 and the AB 1572 non-functional turf ban (2024) encourage native and drought-tolerant landscaping in San Joaquin County, and Civil Code §4735 prohibits HOAs from banning low-water plants. The San Joaquin County Resource Conservation District maintains a native plant list for the Central Valley and Delta, and local water agencies offer turf-replacement rebates. San Joaquin Valley oak woodland species are especially encouraged.
These unincorporated areas are also governed by San Joaquin County ordinances.
Vehicles left on public streets in San Joaquin County for more than 72 consecutive hours may be tagged and towed under CA Vehicle Code §22651(k). On private property, vehicles must be operable, currently registered, and stored on an approved surface or behind a 6-foot solid fence per Development Title §9-1025. The county participates in the California Abandoned Vehicle Abatement (AVA) service authority, funded by a $1 DMV registration surcharge.
Overnight street parking in unincorporated San Joaquin County is generally permitted except on posted roadways, but California Vehicle Code §22651(k) allows any parked vehicle that remains in one spot for more than 72 consecutive hours to be towed. Stockton Municipal Code §10.64.090 and Lodi Municipal Code §10.24 add local street-sweeping restrictions. RVs and oversized vehicles face stricter overnight rules in each city.
California requires EV-ready parking in new construction under CALGreen (Title 24 Part 11), which San Joaquin County and its cities enforce: 10% EV-capable spaces in single-family homes, 40% EV-capable in new multifamily. Residential Level 2 charger installations require an electrical permit under AB 1236's expedited permit process. HOAs cannot prohibit EV charger installation in a homeowner's dedicated parking space (Civil Code §4745).
San Joaquin County regulates street parking in unincorporated areas through its Code of Ordinances and county road regulations. The standard 72-hour California Vehicle Code rule applies. County roads adjacent to residential zones have restrictions on oversized and commercial vehicle storage.
San Joaquin County Development Title 9 establishes driveway and parking area standards in unincorporated areas. Vehicles must not obstruct the public right-of-way from residential driveways. Agricultural areas may have different access requirements.
Unincorporated San Joaquin County allows RV storage on private property subject to zoning setbacks under Development Title 9. RV parking on county roads is subject to the 72-hour limit and general road parking ordinances.
Commercial vehicles with GVWR over 10,000 lbs are prohibited from parking on residential county streets where properly posted. Active loading and unloading is excepted. Contact San Joaquin County Public Works for road-specific rules.
San Joaquin County unincorporated areas limit leaf blower operation to construction-hour windows under Development Title §9-1015. California AB 1346 bans the sale of new gas-powered small off-road engines (including leaf blowers) effective January 1, 2024, enforced by CARB. SJVAPCD Spare the Air advisories discourage gas blower use on high-pollution days, and ag operations in unincorporated county are generally exempt under the Right to Farm Act (Civil Code §3482.5).
Amplified music in unincorporated San Joaquin County is regulated through the general noise ordinance and the Development Title special-event permit process. Outdoor events on ag or rural residential parcels typically require a Temporary Use Permit from Community Development, and sound must comply with the county's nighttime noise limits measured at the nearest property line.
San Joaquin County's noise nuisance provisions restrict construction noise in residential areas. The unincorporated county applies state construction noise standards under the California Building Code and general public nuisance laws. Contact Community Development at (209) 468-3121 for guidance.
San Joaquin County Animal Services enforces animal noise nuisance ordinances in unincorporated areas. Chronic barking that causes complaints from two or more residents constitutes a nuisance under county ordinance. Contact Animal Services at (209) 953-6073.
San Joaquin County Code of Ordinances Title 6, Division 3 (Public Order) addresses excessive noise as a public nuisance. The occurrence of excessive noise — sounds disturbing the peace or quiet of nearby properties — is a declared nuisance. Enforcement applies to unincorporated areas of the county.
San Joaquin County prohibits intentional feeding of wild mammals and unsecured outdoor pet food that attracts wildlife under Development Title nuisance provisions. California Fish & Game Code §251.3 makes it unlawful to harass or feed deer, elk, or bear statewide. The Delta, Lodi, and Mountain House regions have coyote, raccoon, and turkey vulture activity that the California Department of Fish & Wildlife (CDFW) actively monitors.
San Joaquin County is heavily agricultural, and livestock is broadly permitted. Chickens (including roosters), goats, horses, and cattle are allowed as-of-right in AG, AU, and AG-80 zones on appropriate lot sizes. Residential zones (R-R, R-L) allow limited poultry with coop setbacks; the Right to Farm Act (Civil Code §3482.5) protects existing ag operations from nuisance complaints.
San Joaquin County does not have breed-specific legislation. California Food & Agricultural Code §31683 prohibits breed-specific ordinances. Dangerous dogs are regulated based on behavior under SJC Animal Services ordinances regardless of breed.
San Joaquin County Code Title 4, Division 9 prohibits dogs from running at large on public property. Dogs must be restrained by a leash on public property and confined on private property by a fence, structure, or leash. Dog licensing required annually under County Ordinance 6-1005.
San Joaquin County regulates beekeeping through general nuisance provisions and requires colony registration with the County Agricultural Commissioner. Beekeeping is subject to agricultural zoning rules in Development Title 9. Contact Agricultural Commissioner at (209) 953-6000.
California Fish & Game Code §2116 prohibits most wild and exotic animals statewide. San Joaquin County's animal services ordinances further address dangerous animals. Most non-domestic wildlife — big cats, bears, wolves, venomous reptiles, primates — are prohibited.
All new residential pools and spas in San Joaquin County must meet the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code §115920-115929), which requires a 60-inch barrier plus at least two additional drowning prevention safety features selected from a seven-option list (self-latching doors with alarms, removable mesh fence, ASTM F1346 safety cover, etc.). Stricter than most states — effective January 1, 2018.
San Joaquin County Development Title §9-1020 regulates fence materials by zoning district. Wood, vinyl, masonry, and tubular steel are allowed in residential zones; barbed wire and electric fences are permitted in agricultural (AG/AU/AG-80) zones under Civil Code §841 setback rules but prohibited in residential districts. Razor wire is banned in all residential and most commercial zones.
San Joaquin County requires a building permit for any retaining wall over 4 feet in exposed height measured from the bottom of the footing, or any wall of any height supporting a surcharge (driveway, structure, or slope). Walls over 4 feet must be designed by a California-licensed civil or structural engineer. Delta-adjacent properties face additional geotechnical review due to soft soils.
San Joaquin County Development Title 9, Chapter 9-1022 (Fencing and Screening) governs fence heights in unincorporated areas. Open fences up to 7 feet are permitted in required front yards if they use open materials and don't obstruct sightlines. Security fencing may add 2 more feet.
California Civil Code §841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) governs shared boundary fence costs in unincorporated San Joaquin County. The county does not enforce boundary fence disputes. Written notice is required 30 days before construction.
San Joaquin County requires a building permit for fences over 7 feet in height, masonry walls, and retaining walls in unincorporated areas. Standard fences within height limits generally do not require a building permit. Contact Building Inspection at (209) 468-3121.
Parcels in San Joaquin County within State Responsibility Areas (SRA) or mapped Fire Hazard Severity Zones must maintain 100 feet of defensible space per California PRC §4291. The eastern foothills (Clements, Linden, Lockeford area) contain SRA land inspected by CAL FIRE. Weed abatement on valley-floor parcels is handled by county Code Enforcement under Government Code §39560.
CalFire's Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps designate portions of eastern San Joaquin County — Lodi foothills, Clements, Linden, and Farmington areas — as Moderate or High LRA (Local Responsibility Area) hazard zones. PRC §4291 requires 100 feet of defensible space around structures in SRA (State Responsibility Areas). New construction in designated zones must comply with California Building Code Chapter 7A (wildland-urban interface) fire-resistive materials.
San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors adopted a stricter fireworks ordinance in June 2025. All fireworks — including Safe and Sane — are banned in unincorporated county areas. Public displays require a permit from the County Fire Warden. Salute-type fireworks are banned even at permitted displays.
Open burning in San Joaquin County is subject to SJVAPCD rules. Most residential open burning is prohibited. Agricultural burning is under a near-total ban (effective January 1, 2025) under SB 705. CAL FIRE burn permits are required for any allowed burning.
Recreational fire pits in unincorporated San Joaquin County are subject to SJVAPCD daily burn day status and county fire regulations. Wood-burning fires are prohibited on SJVAPCD no-burn days. Gas fire pits are generally not subject to burn day restrictions.
Residential hot tubs and spas in San Joaquin County require an electrical permit for the 240V circuit and must meet California Swimming Pool Safety Act barrier requirements (HSC §115920-115929) unless fitted with an ASTM F1346 locking safety cover. The California Electrical Code mandates GFCI protection. Setbacks typically 5 feet from side/rear property lines under Development Title §9-605 fence/accessory rules.
Swimming pools, spas, and permanent hot tubs in unincorporated San Joaquin County require a building permit from the Community Development Building Division. Plan review covers structural, electrical (GFCI), plumbing, setbacks, and the California Building Code Title 24 Ch. 31 barrier requirements (60-inch fence, self-closing gates).
Above-ground pools over 18 inches deep require the same 60-inch barrier under the California Swimming Pool Safety Act. Pools with lockable/removable ladders may satisfy part of the barrier requirement. Small kiddie pools under 18 inches are exempt.
San Joaquin County enforces California's Swimming Pool Safety Act (CA H&S Code §115920). A 60-inch minimum barrier is required for all private pools over 18 inches deep. The County Community Development Building Inspection Division (209-468-3121) oversees compliance.
San Joaquin County requires building permits for pool construction. Pools must comply with California Building Code and the Swimming Pool Safety Act. Anti-entrapment drain covers (Virginia Graeme Baker Act) are federally required. Building Inspection at (209) 468-3121.
Short-term rental occupancy in unincorporated San Joaquin County is limited through the Temporary Use Permit and lodging framework at typically 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, capped by the building's kitchen/septic capacity. Stockton Municipal Code §5.97 and Lodi Municipal Code §9.22 apply similar 2-per-bedroom-plus-2 formulas, with additional limits on daytime event attendance at STRs.
San Joaquin County does not mandate a specific STR liability policy in unincorporated areas, but Stockton Municipal Code §5.97 requires $500,000 minimum general liability coverage naming the city as additional insured, with proof submitted at annual permit renewal. Platform-provided coverage (Airbnb AirCover, VRBO Liability) typically does not satisfy Stockton's additional-insured requirement. Standard homeowner policies usually exclude commercial STR use.
STR parking in unincorporated San Joaquin County must comply with county zoning and parking standards under Development Title 9. Guest vehicles must not obstruct public roads, block driveways, or encroach on neighboring properties.
San Joaquin County requires STR operators in unincorporated areas to obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit plus a Business License from the Community Development Department. The combined permit and license fee is $452.66. Zoning compliance must be confirmed before applying.
STR guests in unincorporated San Joaquin County must comply with the county's noise nuisance ordinance under Title 6, Division 3. STR operators are responsible for ensuring guest compliance. Excessive noise complaints may jeopardize the STR permit.
San Joaquin County imposes an 8% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on all short-term rental revenue in unincorporated areas. TOT returns are filed quarterly with the Treasurer-Tax Collector. Operators must register for a TOT certificate at permits.sjgov.org.
California's Homemade Food Act (AB 1616 Gutierrez, Health & Safety Code §§113758, 114365-114365.5) allows residents of San Joaquin County to sell approved shelf-stable foods (baked goods, jams, granola, dried herbs) from a home kitchen. A Class A permit allows direct sales and is registered through San Joaquin County Environmental Health. Class B adds indirect (retail/restaurant) sales with kitchen inspection. Annual revenue cap: $150,000 (2022 increase).
Home occupations in unincorporated San Joaquin County are regulated under Development Title 9. A zoning compliance review or administrative use permit may be required depending on the zoning district and nature of the business. Contact Community Development at (209) 468-2193.
California state law preempts most local restrictions on home daycare. Under Health & Safety Code §§1597.30-1597.62, small family childcare homes (up to 8 children) and large family childcare homes (up to 14 children) are classified as residential use of property in any residential zone across San Joaquin County. State licensing is through Community Care Licensing Division (CCLD) and local fire department inspection is required for large daycares.
San Joaquin County Development Title 9 generally prohibits external signage for home occupations in residential zones. No signs advertising a home business may be visible from the street or neighboring properties.
Home occupations in unincorporated San Joaquin County may not generate customer or delivery traffic beyond normal residential levels. Client visits, regular commercial deliveries, or employee traffic exceeding residential norms require a use permit review.
Carports in unincorporated San Joaquin County require a building permit and must meet Development Title §9-605 setback rules: generally 3 feet from side, 5 feet from rear, and 20 feet from front (matching garage setback). Maximum height typically 15 feet. Attached carports count toward the primary dwelling setback. Stockton, Lodi, and Manteca apply similar zoning but some older R-1 neighborhoods have tighter front setbacks.
Tiny homes on a permanent foundation in San Joaquin County are regulated as dwellings or ADUs under Gov. Code §65852.2, with no statewide minimum size for ADUs (local minimums are preempted). Tiny Homes on Wheels (THOW) are classified as RVs or manufactured homes under CA Vehicle Code and HSC §18000 — they cannot be occupied full-time on a residential lot except in approved RV parks. California Residential Code Appendix Q applies to dwellings under 400 sq ft.
Sheds up to 120 square feet without electricity or plumbing are generally exempt from building permit requirements in unincorporated San Joaquin County. Single-story accessory buildings in the rear one-third of a parcel may be placed within 3 feet of rear or side property lines.
San Joaquin County permits ADUs by right in residential zones under state law (CA Gov. Code §65852.2) and Development Title 9. Detached ADUs up to 16 ft, attached ADUs up to 25 ft; 4 ft rear/side setbacks; one ADU + one JADU per single-family lot. ADUs <750 sq ft exempt from impact fees.
Garage-to-ADU conversions in unincorporated San Joaquin County are permitted by right under state law with no replacement parking required. SB 987 requires simultaneous review of demolition and ADU permits. Building permits are required for all habitable space conversions.
California's Solar Rights Act (Civil Code §714) overrides HOA restrictions on residential solar panels in all San Joaquin County communities, including Mountain House, Brookside, Weston Ranch, and Spanos Park. HOAs cannot prohibit installation and cannot impose aesthetic conditions that raise system cost by more than $1,000 or reduce efficiency by more than 10%. Approval timelines are capped at 45 days, with no-response deemed approved.
San Joaquin County processes residential rooftop solar permits under the California Solar Rights Act and AB 2188 expedited-permit mandate. Online SolarAPP+ or next-business-day over-the-counter review is available for standard systems up to 38.4 kW on 1-2 family dwellings. PG&E interconnection through NEM 3.0 is required for grid-tied systems. Fire setbacks follow CRC R324 (3 feet at roof ridge and edges).
Mobile food facilities operating in unincorporated San Joaquin County require a Mobile Food Facility permit from SJ County Environmental Health under California Retail Food Code (CalCode, HSC §113700 et seq.), a SJ County business license, and a commissary agreement. Annual plan review, truck inspection, and fire suppression (Type I hood) inspection required.
Food trucks in unincorporated San Joaquin County may operate on private commercial/industrial property with owner consent but are restricted near schools (500 ft buffer per CA Vehicle Code §22455 and county ordinance) and within the public right-of-way. SB 946 (2018) sidewalk vending preemption applies to sidewalk vendors but not full MFFs. Port of Stockton and county-operated parks require separate permits.
San Joaquin County and its cities require trash, recycling, and organics bins to be stored out of public view between collection days — typically behind a fence, in a garage, or on the side of the house. Carts may be placed at the curb no earlier than 4 PM the day before collection and must be retrieved within 12 to 24 hours after pickup. SB 1383 (2022) organics/food-waste sorting is now mandatory statewide.
San Joaquin County Development Title §9-1030 (Nuisance) and Health & Safety Code §17920.3 (Substandard Building) authorize code enforcement action against blighted residential and commercial properties. Common violations: peeling paint, broken windows, accumulated debris, overgrown vegetation, inoperable vehicles, and graffiti. Notice periods typically 10-30 days with abatement costs liened against the property under Gov. Code §38773.5.
Vacant lots in San Joaquin County must be maintained free of weeds, trash, and fire hazards. Development Title §9-1030 requires weeds to be mowed at or below 12 inches from May through October and debris removed within 10 days of notice. Stockton's Weed Abatement Program (SMC §8.56) conducts annual inspections April through July with summary abatement on non-compliant lots, costs liened against property.
San Joaquin County property maintenance code requires garage/yard sales to avoid creating blight conditions. Merchandise must be displayed in an organized manner and fully removed from public view at the end of each sale day. Unsold items at the curb past the sale end-date can trigger blight citations under Development Title property standards.
San Joaquin County (Central Valley, elevation ~20 ft) experiences snow only rarely. There is no sidewalk snow-removal ordinance because measurable snow is essentially absent — the last significant Stockton snowfall was a trace event decades ago. Property owners remain responsible for general sidewalk maintenance, tripping hazards, and overhanging vegetation.
San Joaquin County does not operate a county-level rental registration program in unincorporated areas, but Stockton requires landlords to participate in the Rental Housing Inspection Program (Stockton Municipal Code §8.56) with annual fees per unit and periodic inspections. Lodi and Manteca rely on complaint-driven inspections rather than mandatory registration. All landlords must maintain habitability under California Civil Code §1941.1.
San Joaquin County does not impose county-level rent control in unincorporated areas, but the statewide Tenant Protection Act of 2019 (AB 1482) caps annual rent increases at 5% plus CPI (max 10%) for most rentals built before 2009 occupied 15+ years. Stockton, Lodi, Manteca, and Tracy follow AB 1482 without additional local rent caps. Single-family homes, condos, and newer construction are generally exempt unless owned by a corporation or REIT.
All covered rentals in San Joaquin County — Stockton, Lodi, Manteca, Tracy, and unincorporated areas — are subject to the statewide just-cause eviction rules in AB 1482 (Civil Code §1946.2). After 12 months of tenancy, landlords must state a recognized at-fault or no-fault reason to terminate, and no-fault evictions require one month of rent as relocation assistance. No city in the county has enacted additional local just-cause protections.
Unincorporated San Joaquin County allows temporary garage sale signs up to 4 square feet on the sale property and a limited number of directional signs, but prohibits attaching signs to utility poles, traffic signs, or placing them in the public right-of-way. Signs must be removed within 24 hours after the sale ends. Stockton, Lodi, and Manteca apply similar rules through their sign codes.
Holiday decorations on residential property in San Joaquin County are treated permissively by the county and its cities — no permits required, and seasonal displays are generally exempt from the standard sign code. Displays must not obstruct sidewalks or sight lines at intersections, inflatables must be secured against Delta winds, and electrical installations must meet the CA Electrical Code (Title 24 Part 3). HOAs in Mountain House, Weston Ranch, Brookside, and Spanos Park may impose additional timing and style rules.
Political signs on private property in unincorporated San Joaquin County are protected as core political speech under the First Amendment and Reed v. Town of Gilbert (2015). Development Title §9-1040 allows signs up to 32 square feet in residential zones during campaign periods, prohibits placement in the public right-of-way, and requires removal within 10 days after the election. Stockton, Lodi, and Manteca have parallel rules in their respective sign codes.
Tree removal permits in San Joaquin County trigger replacement planting at ratios from 1:1 to 10:1 depending on size and species. Native oaks require native oak replacement — typically 3:1 for standard oaks and 5:1–10:1 for heritage. An in-lieu fee paid to the SJ Oak Woodlands Conservation Fund is allowed where on-site replanting is infeasible.
San Joaquin County recognizes heritage native oaks (typically 24-inch+ DBH valley oaks, blue oaks, interior live oaks) under the Oak Woodlands Ordinance, with stricter protections and 5:1 to 10:1 mitigation. Removal requires Planning Commission approval absent an imminent-safety finding. The Delta riparian corridor hosts many heritage oaks subject to additional CEQA review.
San Joaquin County protects native oaks (valley oak, blue oak, interior live oak) through the Oak Woodlands Ordinance. Removal of oaks with trunk diameter 6 inches+ DBH generally requires a permit from Community Development, with mitigation. Commercial orchards and ag operations are exempt under the Right to Farm Act. Street trees in maintained districts are county-controlled.
Unincorporated San Joaquin County regulates outdoor lighting under the Development Title dark-sky and glare provisions, requiring fixtures to be shielded so that light does not spill onto adjoining properties or across roadways. Lighting near rural AG-zoned land and the Lodi AVA wineries must avoid measurable illumination at property lines, and violations are handled by Community Development code enforcement as nuisance cases.
San Joaquin County Development Title requires outdoor lighting to be fully shielded (full-cutoff), directed downward, and not spill across property lines. Glare into public roadways is prohibited. LED color temperature is encouraged at 3000K or below. Lighting near Stockton Metropolitan Airport must not interfere with pilot night vision or airfield lighting.
San Joaquin County and its cities enforce juvenile curfew ordinances for minors under 18 under authority of California Welfare & Institutions Code §625.5. Typical curfew is 10:00 PM–5:00 AM Sunday through Thursday and 12:00 AM–5:00 AM Friday and Saturday. Stockton has a daytime curfew during school hours. Parents may be cited.
San Joaquin County Parks close daily from 30 minutes after sunset to sunrise unless otherwise posted. Micke Grove, Oak Grove, Dos Reis, and Mossdale Crossing regional parks have specific posted hours; camping is only allowed at Dos Reis. After-hours presence is a trespass under Penal Code §602 and may be cited by the Sheriff's Office or Park Rangers.
Curbside recycling and SB 1383 organics diversion are mandatory in unincorporated San Joaquin County for all single-family, multifamily, and commercial generators. Blue cart accepts paper, cardboard, glass bottles, metal cans, and rigid plastics #1–#5. Green cart is for yard waste + food scraps. Contaminated carts are skipped.
Bins in unincorporated San Joaquin County must be placed curbside with lids closed on service day, spaced 3 feet apart and 3 feet from obstacles (mailboxes, parked cars, hydrants). Carts must be retrieved within 24 hours of pickup and stored out of front-yard view between service days per Development Title property maintenance standards.
Unincorporated San Joaquin County contracts residential solid waste and recycling service through franchise haulers — primarily Waste Management (north and east county) and Republic Services/Allied (south and west). Weekly curbside trash, recycling, and SB 1383 organics collection is required. Bins out by 6:00 AM on service day; contaminated bins may be rejected.
Franchise haulers in unincorporated San Joaquin County offer 1–2 on-call bulk pickups per year included with service for furniture, mattresses, and appliances with refrigerants removed. Additional bulk or construction debris must go to Foothill Sanitary Landfill or Forward Landfill. Illegal dumping on rural roads is aggressively prosecuted.
San Joaquin County requires a grading permit from Public Works for earth-moving over 50 cubic yards or any work within a flood zone, levee, or sensitive area. Plans must show drainage that does not redirect water onto adjoining properties and must meet FEMA flood elevation requirements in mapped SFHAs. Grading in Primary Zone Delta is severely restricted.
Erosion and sediment control is required on all grading and construction sites in San Joaquin County. Grading permits include an erosion control plan per the CASQA BMP Handbook. Sediment discharge to Delta waters violates Porter-Cologne and the Clean Water Act, with substantial Regional Board fines. Wind erosion controls are critical on the valley floor.
San Joaquin County is inland and has NO California Coastal Commission jurisdiction — no coastal zone extends into the county. However, Delta waterfront development on the San Joaquin River, Mokelumne River, and Delta islands is regulated by the Delta Stewardship Council, Delta Protection Commission, Central Valley Flood Protection Board, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
San Joaquin County operates under a Phase II MS4 NPDES permit from the Central Valley Regional Water Board. Construction disturbing 1+ acre needs a SWPPP and coverage under the CGP. Priority Development Projects creating 2,500+ sq ft of impervious area need post-construction stormwater treatment. Illicit discharge to storm drains and Delta sloughs is strictly prohibited.
San Joaquin County participates in FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program and maintains a CRS Class 7 rating, providing 15% flood insurance discounts in high-risk areas. San Joaquin County is a member of SJAFCA and completed major levee improvements. Floodplain management administered by Public Works (209) 468-3090.
Commercial door-to-door solicitors in unincorporated San Joaquin County must register with the Sheriff's Office and obtain a solicitor identification card, subject to a Live Scan background check. Permits are valid up to one year. Hours limited to 9:00 AM to sunset (or 8:00 PM, whichever is earlier). Religious, political, and charitable canvassing are exempt under First Amendment protections.
Residents of unincorporated San Joaquin County can post a 'No Soliciting' sign at the entrance to the property, which permitted solicitors must honor under county ordinance. There is no countywide formal no-knock registry, but posted signs carry the same legal force. Religious, political, and charitable canvassing retain First Amendment protections regardless of signs.
Commercial drone operators in San Joaquin County must hold an FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate (14 CFR Part 107). Operations near Stockton Metropolitan Airport, Port of Stockton facilities, and Tracy Municipal require LAANC authorization. County film permits required for commercial aerial filming on county property; agricultural spraying falls under Part 137 and Ag Commissioner rules.
Recreational drone use in San Joaquin County follows FAA rules (49 USC §44809): register drones over 0.55 lbs, fly under 400 ft AGL, keep visual line of sight, stay out of Stockton Metropolitan Airport (KSCK) and Tracy Municipal (KTCY) controlled airspace without LAANC authorization. County parks prohibit drone launch/landing without a permit.
San Joaquin County Development Title limits residential structures to 35 feet in most zones. Agricultural zones allow taller ag buildings (barns, silos) to 50 feet by right. Chimneys, antennas, and solar arrays may exceed height limits by up to 10 feet. Stockton Metropolitan Airport FAR Part 77 surfaces further restrict heights near the airport.
San Joaquin County Development Title establishes minimum setbacks by zoning district. Typical residential setbacks: R-L 20 ft front, 5 ft side, 15 ft rear; R-R 25 ft front, 10 ft side, 20 ft rear. Agricultural zones require 50 ft front and 30 ft side from all structures. Corner-lot side-street setbacks are increased. State ADU law (Gov Code §65852.2) overrides for 4-ft ADU setbacks.
San Joaquin County Development Title limits building lot coverage: R-L residential typically 40%, R-R 25%, AG 10%. Impervious surface totals trigger stormwater requirements under Regional Water Board MS4 permit when exceeding 2,500 sq ft (SWPPP threshold) or 5,000 sq ft of net new impervious area.
Unincorporated San Joaquin County garage/yard sales are limited to daytime hours, typically 7:00 AM to sunset or 7:00 PM (whichever is earlier). All merchandise, tables, and signs must be stored out of public view at the end of each sale day. Items left curbside after sale hours may trigger blight citations.
San Joaquin County Development Title limits household garage/yard sales in unincorporated residential zones to 3 per calendar year, each not exceeding 3 consecutive days. Neighborhood-wide sales count as one event for each participating household. Exceeding limits triggers reclassification as a home occupation requiring zoning approval.
San Joaquin County does not require a formal garage sale permit in unincorporated areas for residents' occasional personal-property sales. Sellers must comply with frequency limits (3 per household per year), time restrictions, and sign rules. Commercial resale activity triggers home-business zoning requirements.
Proposition 64 allows adults 21+ to grow up to 6 plants per residence for personal use, statewide. In unincorporated San Joaquin County, cultivation must be indoors or within a fully enclosed and locked accessory structure — outdoor personal cultivation is prohibited. Plants cannot be visible from public view. Landlords may prohibit cultivation in rentals.
San Joaquin County allows a limited number of commercial cannabis businesses (cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, testing) in unincorporated areas with a Cannabis Business Permit and zoning Use Permit. Retail storefront dispensaries are prohibited in unincorporated county. Cities set their own retail rules — Stockton, Lodi, and others license retailers separately.