100 local rules on file · Pop. 104 · Amador County
Showing ordinances that apply to Volcano, CA
Volcano is an unincorporated community with a population of approximately 104 in Amador County, California. Because Volcano is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal government or city code. Instead, Amador 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 Amador County may have different rules.
Unincorporated Amador County's noise ordinance (Chapter 9.44, the public nuisance noise ordinance) treats disturbing noise that is plainly audible from a neighboring property between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. as a prima facie violation. The rule applies to residential uses, short-term rentals, wineries, tasting rooms, and event locations.
Unincorporated Amador County's noise ordinance (Chapter 9.44) does not set specific construction hours or a separate construction-noise decibel limit. Construction noise is governed by the general rule against disturbing, excessive, or offensive noise, and the 10 p.m.–7 a.m. prima facie window. Always confirm permit conditions with the Amador County Planning Department.
Unincorporated Amador County does not set numeric decibel limits. The public nuisance noise ordinance (Chapter 9.44) uses a 'plainly audible from a neighboring property' standard and a 10 p.m.–7 a.m. prima facie window rather than a dBA threshold. Numeric limits exist only in narrow state-law contexts such as vehicle exhaust.
In unincorporated Amador County, the animal regulations (Title 8) make it a violation for an animal to habitually make loud noise for fifteen consecutive minutes or longer, or to otherwise act so as to constitute a public nuisance. The noise ordinance (Chapter 9.44) separately lists habitual barking or howling as a prima facie nighttime violation.
Unincorporated Amador County has no ordinance that specifically bans or restricts leaf blowers, and no leaf-blower decibel limit. Leaf-blower noise is handled under the general rule against disturbing, excessive, or offensive noise in Chapter 9.44, including the 10 p.m.–7 a.m. prima facie nighttime window.
Unincorporated Amador County's noise ordinance (Chapter 9.44) specifically lists transmitting loud music or noise from an amplifying device as an example of a prima facie violation when it is plainly audible from a neighboring property between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The chapter applies to residential uses, short-term rentals, wineries, tasting rooms, and event locations.
Amador County's noise ordinance (Chapter 9.44) does not set vehicle-specific limits, so vehicle noise in the unincorporated county is governed mainly by California state law. The California Vehicle Code requires an adequate muffler (VEH 27150), caps modified-exhaust noise at 95 dBA for light vehicles (VEH 27151), and bars sound systems audible 50+ feet from the vehicle (VEH 27007).
Outdoor music in unincorporated Amador County is governed by the public nuisance noise ordinance (Chapter 9.44), which lists loud music from an amplifying device, singing, and playing a musical instrument as prima facie violations when plainly audible from a neighbor between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. The chapter expressly covers residential uses, wineries, tasting rooms, and event locations.
Amador County's public nuisance noise ordinance (Chapter 9.44) expressly does not apply to commercial and industrial uses; it covers only residential uses, short-term rentals, wineries, tasting rooms, and event locations. Industrial noise is instead controlled through the Title 19 zoning ordinance, use-permit conditions, and CEQA review administered by the Planning Department.
Unincorporated Amador County does not regulate aircraft noise, and cannot directly do so. Aircraft operations and noise are controlled by the Federal Aviation Administration under federal law, which preempts local noise ordinances. The county's Chapter 9.44 nuisance ordinance applies to ground-based residential and venue noise, not overflights.
Unincorporated Amador County has no standalone short-term-rental ordinance. Vacation lodging is handled through the Title 19 zoning code as a bed-and-breakfast inn, or as detached room units used for short-term lodging, both requiring a use permit from the Planning Commission (Chapter 19.48), plus the County's 10% Transient Occupancy Tax.
Unincorporated Amador County has no short-term-rental-specific noise ordinance because it has no STR ordinance. Noise at vacation rentals is addressed through the County's general nuisance and noise provisions and Sheriff enforcement, and through any conditions the Planning Commission attaches to a bed-and-breakfast use permit under Code Chapter 19.48.
Unincorporated Amador County has no separate STR registry, but every transient-lodging operator must register with the Tax Collector under the Transient Occupancy Tax, Code Chapter 3.16. Each operator registers before commencing business and re-registers every January for an annual registration certificate, which must be posted conspicuously on the premises.
Unincorporated Amador County levies a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax on the rent for stays of 30 days or fewer, under Code Chapter 3.16. The operator collects the tax from the guest and remits it to the Tax Collector quarterly, by the last day of the month after each calendar quarter. Late payment carries a 10% penalty plus 1.5% monthly interest.
Unincorporated Amador County sets no general STR headcount cap because it has no STR ordinance. Occupancy is controlled through the zoning use permit: under Code Chapter 19.48, a maximum of five detached room units, each up to 350 square feet, are allowed for short-term lodging on a parcel, and the Planning Commission may set occupancy conditions on a bed-and-breakfast permit.
Unincorporated Amador County has no standalone STR parking rule, but the zoning code sets off-street parking for transient lodging approved by use permit. Under Code Chapter 19.48, detached room units used for short-term lodging require at least one off-street parking space per unit, and bed-and-breakfast use permits include off-street parking conditions.
Unincorporated Amador County has no primary-residence-only mandate from a standalone STR ordinance, but the zoning code's detached-room-unit pathway effectively requires on-site occupancy: under Code Chapter 19.48, when detached room units are used for short-term lodging, the owner or manager must occupy the property in a primary or accessory dwelling unit.
Unincorporated Amador County has no standalone host-presence ordinance, but the zoning code's detached-room-unit pathway requires on-site management: under Code Chapter 19.48, when detached room units are used for short-term lodging, the owner or manager must occupy the property in a primary or accessory dwelling unit, and bed-and-breakfast inns are operator-run.
Unincorporated Amador County does not cap the number of nights a vacation rental may operate per year. Because the County has no standalone STR ordinance, there is no annual night limit or neighborhood density cap. The only night-related threshold is the 30-day line in the Transient Occupancy Tax, which marks where the 10% TOT applies under Code Chapter 3.16.
Unincorporated Amador County does not require vacation-rental operators to carry liability insurance, because it has no standalone STR ordinance and neither the Transient Occupancy Tax (Code Chapter 3.16) nor the zoning use-permit rules (Code Chapter 19.48) is reported to mandate coverage. Operators should still carry adequate liability insurance as prudent risk management.
In the unincorporated areas of Amador County, fireworks — including state-approved 'safe and sane' fireworks — cannot be sold or used. The blanket prohibition reflects the Sierra Nevada foothill county's extreme wildfire risk. Safe-and-sane fireworks are only permitted inside the incorporated cities of Jackson, Sutter Creek, Ione, and Plymouth; Amador City and all unincorporated territory prohibit them entirely.
Backyard fire pits and recreational fires in unincorporated Amador County are treated as open burning and are tightly controlled by fire conditions. During declared fire season (typically beginning around May 1) CAL FIRE's Amador-El Dorado Unit may suspend burning, and burn barrels are illegal. Outside burn suspensions, recreational fires must be kept small, cleared around, and attended at all times.
Outdoor burning in unincorporated Amador County requires two approvals: a free CAL FIRE residential burn permit (valid from May 1) and a permissive 'burn day' from the Amador County Air District. Only dry vegetation grown on the property may be burned — no trash, and burn barrels are illegal. Large piles need a paid Air District permit.
Because most of unincorporated Amador County is State Responsibility Area, property owners must maintain 100 feet of defensible space around structures under California Public Resources Code 4291, enforced by CAL FIRE's Amador-El Dorado Unit through LE-100 inspections. The Amador County Code also requires clearing flammable material at least 15 feet from building walls.
Backyard open fires in unincorporated Amador County are open burning and require a permissive burn day from the Amador County Air District plus, from May 1, a free CAL FIRE residential burn permit. Only dry vegetation grown on the property may be burned; trash and burn barrels are prohibited. CAL FIRE suspends burning during fire season.
Amador County follows California state law on smoke and carbon monoxide alarms rather than a separate county ordinance. Under Health & Safety Code 13113.7, State Fire Marshal-approved smoke alarms are required in every dwelling, and HSC 13260 et seq. requires carbon monoxide alarms in homes with fuel-burning appliances, fireplaces, or attached garages.
Propane (LP-gas) storage in unincorporated Amador County is governed by the California Fire Code (Chapter 61) and NFPA 58, which the county adopts, not a unique county ordinance. Residential aboveground tanks must meet setback distances from buildings and property lines based on tank size — generally at least 10 feet for typical 125–500 gallon home tanks.
Most of unincorporated Amador County lies in State Responsibility Area (SRA) with Moderate, High, and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones mapped by CAL FIRE. The 2015 Butte Fire burned over 70,000 acres in Amador and Calaveras counties. Properties in these zones face PRC 4291 defensible-space rules and Wildland-Urban Interface building standards.
Amador County has no general ban on parking commercial vehicles in residential areas. Instead, Chapter 10.24 sets gross-weight limits on named county bridges and roads (10,000 to 20,000 pounds and 14 tons), and the California Vehicle Code governs commercial vehicles elsewhere.
In unincorporated Amador County, the zoning code (Title 19, Chapter 19.48) lets two recreational vehicles without self-contained motive power be stored outside on any lot in any district. Living in an RV requires a use permit and is generally tied to building a permanent home.
Unincorporated Amador County has no general residential street-parking time limit. The county's parking ordinance (Chapter 10.12) regulates specific county lots in Jackson and named bridges and roads. On most rural county roads, the California Vehicle Code controls.
Unincorporated Amador County has no blanket overnight-parking ban on residential roads. In the county lots in Jackson, no private vehicle may park more than 24 consecutive hours. Some parks and lake-area roads carry their own posted overnight restrictions.
Amador County has no dedicated ordinance regulating electric-vehicle charging stations or EV parking spaces. EV charging installations are governed by the state-mandated California Building/Green Building (CALGreen) standards through county building permits, and EV-space enforcement falls under state law.
Amador County Code Chapter 10.32 declares abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperable vehicles a public nuisance subject to abatement under California Vehicle Code Section 22660. A vehicle left on a highway 72+ hours is presumed abandoned. Refusing to abate is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 and six months in jail.
Amador County has no county-wide ordinance dictating residential driveway parking, but driveway encroachments onto county roads need a Public Works permit, and snow guidance makes driveway berm removal the owner's responsibility. Blocking a driveway is controlled by the California Vehicle Code.
Amador County has no general ordinance limiting where oversized vehicles may park on residential streets. Instead, Chapter 10.24 sets weight limits on named bridges and roads, and oversize movements require permits under California Vehicle Code Section 35780 and the county's Chapter 10.44 transportation permits.
Amador County has no general loading-zone ordinance for residential or commercial streets. Within the county parking areas in Jackson, commercial vehicles may stop to load or unload for up to thirty minutes (Section 10.12.130). Other loading rules come from the California Vehicle Code.
Amador County's published Snow Removal Policy requires residents to park at least five feet off the roadway, plows roads by a Priority 1-5 system, and makes driveway berms the owner's responsibility. Pushing driveway snow into the road is illegal, and vehicles blocking plows may be towed at the owner's expense.
Unincorporated Amador County imposes few specific fence requirements: Title 19 excludes fences under six feet from its 'structure' rules (Sec. 19.08.590), and the building code lets wood or steel fencing reach ten feet without a permit. Fences must still respect road setbacks, sight distance, and any sectional building lines.
In unincorporated Amador County, Title 19 zoning does not set a general residential fence height cap. The zoning ordinance excludes fences under six feet from its definition of 'structure' (Sec. 19.08.590), and the building code exempts wood or steel fencing up to ten feet from a building permit.
Title 19 zoning in unincorporated Amador County does not set general material restrictions for ordinary residential fences. Limits come from the building code permit thresholds - wood/steel fencing up to ten feet and masonry/concrete walls up to four feet are exempt - and from any use-permit conditions in special districts.
Unincorporated Amador County exempts freestanding nonbearing wood or steel fencing up to ten feet from a building permit, and freestanding nonbearing masonry or concrete walls up to four feet (measured bottom of footing to top of wall). Taller fences and walls require a permit from the Building Department.
Unincorporated Amador County has no special boundary-fence ordinance, so California's Good Neighbor Fence Act (Civil Code Sec. 841) controls. Adjoining owners are presumed to share equally in the reasonable cost of a boundary fence, and a 30-day written notice is required before incurring shared costs.
In unincorporated Amador County, a freestanding nonbearing masonry or concrete wall is exempt from a building permit only up to four feet measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. Walls over four feet, or walls supporting a surcharge, require a building permit from the County Building Department.
Unincorporated Amador County does not dictate fence materials in its zoning code. The practical material rules are building-permit thresholds: freestanding wood or steel fencing is permit-exempt up to ten feet, while masonry or concrete walls are exempt only up to four feet from the bottom of the footing.
Amador County's Animal Control Ordinance contains no breed-specific bans or breed-based licensing differences. Dog regulation in unincorporated areas is conduct-based (at-large, bite, nuisance). California law (Food & Agricultural Code 31683) bars local programs from being breed-specific, except for spay/neuter rules.
In unincorporated Amador County, dogs may not run at large. County Code defines a dog as 'at large' when off the owner's premises and not on leash or under the owner's direct control. Letting a dog run at large is prohibited and chargeable as an infraction.
Unincorporated Amador County is a rural foothill county where keeping chickens, fowl, and small livestock is broadly allowed by zoning. There is no county chicken-count limit in residential-agricultural zones, but enclosed pens on parcels under 10 acres must sit at least 25 feet from property lines.
Beekeeping is allowed in unincorporated Amador County. Apiaries and honey extraction plants are a permitted use without a use permit in the agricultural (AG) zone (County Code 19.24.036). The Animal Control Ordinance also exempts honey-producing bees from its 'wild animal' venomous-species restriction.
Amador County's code does not contain a specific ordinance prohibiting feeding deer, bears, or other wildlife. The County Code's animal provisions focus on owned domestic and captive wild animals. California law and CDFW guidance discourage feeding wildlife, and a statewide regulation bans intentionally feeding big game such as deer and bears.
Amador County's Animal Control Ordinance defines 'wild animal' broadly, including big cats, wolves, primates, large constrictors and crocodilians, raptors, and any venomous species (except honeybees). Keeping wild animals is restricted, and California Fish & Game permit rules separately govern many exotic species statewide.
Amador County is a rural ranching county with designated open-range grazing land in its eastern foothills. The Animal Control Ordinance treats all domestic animals except dogs and cats as 'livestock,' bars livestock from running at large on public roads (a misdemeanor), and sets a 3-day stray-removal process on non-grazing land.
Amador County sets no flat household pet limit, but it regulates by kennel size. Keeping 5 to 9 dogs is a 'noncommercial kennel' requiring a county kennel license and inspection. Five or more dogs kept for pay, or 10 or more dogs total, is a 'commercial kennel.' AG-zoned parcels are exempt.
Amador County treats cats more leniently than dogs. Domestic cats are expressly excluded from the at-large and animal-nuisance prohibitions, and cats are not subject to county dog-style licensing. However, every cat over four months old must have a current rabies vaccination under County Code 8.20.040.
Amador County has no standalone 'hoarding' ordinance, but its kennel-licensing rules cap unlicensed multi-dog keeping and require proper care of every animal. Severe hoarding/neglect is prosecuted under California Penal Code 597 and 597.1, which let officials seize and care for neglected animals.
In unincorporated Amador County, the defensible-space ordinance (County Code Chapter 7.30) requires annual grasses and forbs in the 30-100 foot zone around structures on improved parcels to be cut down to a maximum height of four inches. There is no flat lot-wide grass-height limit.
Amador County Code Chapter 7.30 requires owners of improved parcels in the unincorporated county to keep tree branches at least 10 feet from chimneys and stovepipe outlets, remove dead and overhanging branches near structures, and create canopy spacing in the 30-100 foot zone. There is no separate routine tree-trimming permit.
Unincorporated Amador County does not require native or drought-tolerant plantings for ordinary homeowners, nor does it ban them. State law (Civil Code 4735) protects a homeowner's right to install low-water and native landscaping, and the state MWELO encourages climate-appropriate plants for new permitted landscapes. Defensible-space rules limit flammable vegetation near homes.
Unincorporated Amador County has no general ordinance requiring a permit to remove trees from private residential property. Oak woodlands are protected at the development-project stage through CEQA and the General Plan, and California PRC 21083.4 requires the county to mitigate significant oak-woodland conversion. Defensible-space removals are allowed and encouraged.
Amador County Code Chapter 7.30 declares all hazardous vegetation and combustible material on improved parcels in the unincorporated county a public nuisance and requires owners to abate it. 'Hazardous vegetation' expressly includes seasonal and recurrent weeds, stubble, brush, and dry leaves.
California's SB 1383 requires organic-waste (food scraps and yard trimmings) diversion statewide, including unincorporated Amador County, though rural and low-population areas may qualify for state waivers. Home backyard composting is encouraged and is exempt from the law. Compost piles must still avoid creating fire fuel or vector nuisances.
Unincorporated Amador County does not impose its own day-of-week watering schedule. Outdoor water use is governed by statewide State Water Resources Control Board prohibitions and by each retail water provider (such as Amador Water Agency). New and rehabilitated landscapes follow California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
Capturing rooftop rainwater is legal across California, including unincorporated Amador County. Under the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, rooftop rainwater capture does not require a state water-right permit, and simple gravity-fed rain barrels generally need no building or plumbing permit. Larger or pressurized cisterns may need a county permit.
Unincorporated Amador County has no ordinance banning artificial turf, and the county does not impose a special synthetic-turf permit for residential yards. State Civil Code 4735 bars homeowners' associations from prohibiting artificial turf used to replace lawns for water conservation. Installations must still meet drainage, grading, and defensible-space rules.
In unincorporated Amador County, a building permit from the County Building Department is required to construct an in-ground residential swimming pool, along with separate electrical and plumbing review. Under the California Building/Residential Code a 'swimming pool' is any body of water 18 inches or more deep. The County adopts the California Building Codes by reference (Amador County Code Title 15, Ch. 15.04). Private residential pools are not regulated by Environmental Health, which oversees public pools and spas.
Pool barriers in unincorporated Amador County are governed by the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code 115922-115923), adopted via the County's California Building Codes. When a building permit is pulled for a new or remodeled residential pool/spa, the property must include at least two approved drowning-prevention features. An isolation enclosure must be at least 60 inches high with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
Residential pool safety in unincorporated Amador County follows the California Swimming Pool Safety Act (Health & Safety Code 115922 and 115928), enforced through the County's adopted Building Codes. New and remodeled pools need at least two approved drowning-prevention features and anti-entrapment suction outlets. Self-closing door devices must release at least 54 inches above the floor.
Above-ground pools in unincorporated Amador County fall under the same California Building/Residential Code definition of a 'swimming pool' as in-ground pools: any body of water 18 inches or more deep. Electrical and plumbing work always needs a permit, and the same California Swimming Pool Safety Act barrier rules apply once a building permit is issued. The County has no separate above-ground pool ordinance.
Hot tubs and spas in unincorporated Amador County are treated as 'swimming pools' under the California Building/Residential Code when they hold 18 inches or more of water, and are regulated under the California Electrical and Plumbing Codes adopted in Amador County Code Chapter 15.04. The California Swimming Pool Safety Act barrier rules apply when a building permit is issued. Public/commercial spas are separately permitted by Environmental Health.
Home occupations in unincorporated Amador County are allowed only in the R1, R1A, RE, A, AG and X zoning districts and are regulated by Amador County Code Section 19.48.125. The use must be clearly incidental and subordinate to the residence, occupy no more than 25% of the dwelling's floor area and never more than 250 square feet, and employ no more than one employee.
Signs for home occupations in unincorporated Amador County are limited under the County sign rules and Section 19.48.125. The sign must be non-illuminated and within the parcel: on parcels of 4.99 acres or smaller, no more than 2 square feet and within 10 feet of the dwelling; on parcels of 5 acres or larger, up to 4 square feet placed anywhere within the property.
Home occupations in unincorporated Amador County are authorized under Amador County Code Section 19.48.125, conducted through the Planning Department. The use must meet all of the section's criteria - allowed only in R1, R1A, RE, A, AG and X districts, incidental to the residence, no more than 25% of the dwelling (max 250 sq ft), one employee maximum, and no excess traffic, parking, noise or odors.
Cottage food operations in unincorporated Amador County are governed by California's Homemade Food Act (Health & Safety Code 113758; AB 1616). Operators register or permit through the County Environmental Health Department: Class A (direct sales) by self-certification with no kitchen inspection, Class B (direct and indirect/wholesale sales) by permit after a home-kitchen inspection. The County must treat a CFO as an allowed home use within statutory limits.
Family daycare homes in unincorporated Amador County are protected by California state law (Health & Safety Code 1597.40 and SB 234, the Keeping Kids Close to Home Act). Both small (up to 8 children) and large (up to 14 children) family daycare homes must be treated as a residential use of property. The County cannot require a use permit or business license, and the state occupies the field.
Unincorporated Amador County allows accessory dwelling units in every zoning district that permits residential dwellings under Zoning Code Chapter 19.72. Compliant ADUs are approved ministerially within 60 days, with no public hearing. A four-foot side and rear setback applies, and detached new-construction ADUs are capped at 800 square feet and 16 feet in height.
In unincorporated Amador County, detached accessory buildings such as sheds are governed by Zoning Code Section 19.48.110. They must sit at least six feet from the main building, may not be closer to the front than the district's front setback, and must stay out of easements. A building permit is required for most sheds under the county building code.
Converting a garage into living space in unincorporated Amador County is most often done as an ADU under Zoning Code Chapter 19.72. A Category 2, Type 1 'within existing space' permit lets owners convert an existing garage or accessory structure into a dwelling unit, and converting a parking structure to an ADU triggers no requirement to replace the lost parking.
Carports are treated as accessory buildings in unincorporated Amador County and follow the same setback rules in Zoning Code Section 19.48.110. A detached carport must sit at least six feet from the main building and meet district setbacks, while certain architectural features like eaves and canopies may extend only limited distances into a required yard.
Unincorporated Amador County does not allow movable tiny homes on wheels, RVs, or similar units as permanent dwellings. Under Zoning Code Chapter 19.72, a mobile home, RV, park-model RV, yurt, tent, or cargo container may not be used as an ADU. A tiny home built on a foundation to the California Building Standards Code can qualify as an ADU instead.
Amador County has no separate ordinance banning backyard propane or charcoal BBQ grills, but in this high-wildfire-hazard county grills must be used safely away from flammable vegetation, and propane cylinders for grills fall under California Fire Code Chapter 61 / NFPA 58. During red-flag conditions or burn suspensions, residents should avoid open-flame cooking in wildland areas.
Amador County has no specific ordinance regulating residential meat smokers, but they are heat/open-flame devices used where most land is High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Wood- and charcoal-fired smokers must be kept clear of dry vegetation, used cautiously during fire season, and ashes fully extinguished. Burn-day and burn-suspension rules apply to any open wood fire.
In the R1-A residential-agricultural district, Amador County limits building height to 35 feet (Sec. 19.24.045). Chapter 19.48 allows exceptions: chimneys, vents, towers, water tanks and similar appurtenances may exceed the limit, and certain public buildings may reach up to 75 feet with added yards.
Setbacks in unincorporated Amador County vary by zoning district. In the R1-A single-family residential-agricultural district (Sec. 19.24.045), the front setback is 25 feet, side yards are 5 feet (interior) or 10 feet (corner), and the rear is 15 feet. A 50-foot setback from highway centerlines also applies (Sec. 19.48.110(M)).
Lot coverage limits depend on the zoning district. In the R1-A single-family residential-agricultural district, Amador County caps permanent structure coverage at 35 percent of the lot (Sec. 19.24.045). Minimum lot sizes vary by General Plan classification, from about 6,000 square feet up to 40 acres in agricultural zones.
In unincorporated Amador County, blight is addressed through targeted code chapters rather than one omnibus ordinance. Abandoned, wrecked, or inoperable vehicles are abated under Chapter 10.32, hazardous vegetation and combustible debris under Chapter 7.30, and accumulated solid waste under the Title 7.24 Solid Waste Ordinance, with the Sheriff and Code Enforcement enforcing.
Under Amador County's Title 7.24 Solid Waste Ordinance, solid waste must be removed from a residence every 7 days and stored in water-tight, rodent-proof containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent flies, rodents, vectors, and nuisances. The County's franchised hauler, ACES Waste (Republic Services), supplies 32-, 64-, or 96-gallon carts.
Unincorporated Amador County has no standalone 'vacant lot' ordinance; vacant parcels are regulated through the same nuisance framework as all property. Chapter 7.30 makes hazardous vegetation and combustible material on real property a public nuisance, and owners of improved parcels must maintain defensible space within 100 feet of structures.
Unincorporated Amador County does not set a cosmetic lawn height; it regulates flammable weeds and brush as a fire hazard. Chapter 7.30 deems hazardous vegetation a public nuisance, requires owners of improved parcels to maintain defensible space within 100 feet of structures, and is enforced by the Amador Fire Protection District fire chief with cost recovery.
Amador County's published materials do not identify a specific countywide garage-/yard-sale permit, fee, or frequency cap for the unincorporated areas. Sellers should follow County sign rules (Title 19 Zoning), avoid creating blight with leftover goods, and observe California's state tax rule that genuinely occasional sales of used personal property don't need a seller's permit.
ACES Waste, Amador County's franchised hauler, requires carts to be placed at the curb (or street edge where there is no curb), facing the street, on level ground, and out before 6:00 a.m. on collection day. Setout rules come from the hauler; the underlying storage standard comes from the County's Title 7.24 ordinance.
Unincorporated Amador County is served by franchised hauler ACES Waste Services (Republic Services), which provides weekly curbside garbage collection countywide using 32-, 64-, or 96-gallon carts across four service zones. Residents may also self-haul to the Western Amador Recycling Facility (Buena Vista) in Ione, where a $3.00 per-load county surcharge applies.
Unincorporated Amador County residents dispose of bulky items by self-hauling to the Western Amador Recycling Facility (Buena Vista transfer station) in Ione, where a $3.00 per-load county surcharge applies on top of disposal fees by waste type. There is no countywide scheduled curbside bulky pickup; the County advises calling Waste Management (209-223-6429) for item-specific fees.
In unincorporated Amador County, franchised hauler ACES Waste provides residential recycling at no extra charge. Automated routes get a 32-gallon recycle cart collected every other week; non-automated routes receive orange bags. Recyclables can also be dropped at the Western Amador Recycling Facility. California's statewide recycling laws (AB 341, CRV) apply independently.
California's SB 1383 mandates organic-waste recycling statewide, but Amador County qualifies as a rural jurisdiction (Public Resources Code §42649.8) and applied for the rural exemption under 14 CCR §18984.12(c). Through December 31, 2026, the County is not subject to the organic-waste collection-services and recovered-organics procurement requirements. Edible food recovery and other universal SB 1383 duties still apply.
Temporary political signs are allowed in unincorporated Amador County under Zoning Code Section 19.32.010(K). Signs must relate to the next ballot, may not exceed four feet by eight feet, and must be removed within ten days after election day. Homeowners may post them on their own property without a permit; campaigns placing signs elsewhere need a county permit.
In unincorporated Amador County, private yard and garage sale signs are temporary. Under Zoning Code Section 19.32.010(L)(2), these signs may not be put up more than 24 hours before the sale and must be completely removed within 24 hours after the event. They must also follow general sign rules and may not be attached to utility poles.
Unincorporated Amador County has no countywide dark-sky or outdoor-lighting ordinance. The Planning Commission approved a proposed dark-sky lighting ordinance in 2020, but the Board of Supervisors rejected it on a 3-2 vote in August 2020. Outdoor lighting in the unincorporated county is therefore largely governed by general nuisance principles and California's statewide Title 24 energy standards.
Unincorporated Amador County has no general light-trespass ordinance prohibiting light from spilling onto neighboring property. A proposed 2020 lighting ordinance that would have banned exterior lights from shining onto adjacent properties was rejected by the Board of Supervisors. Light spillover is currently addressed mainly through general nuisance principles and limited sign-lighting shielding rules.
These unincorporated areas are also governed by Amador County ordinances.