Municipal code
Carlsbad Municipal Code
The enacted municipal code of Carlsbad, California, as published — every title, chapter, and section, verbatim and citable.
- Last updated
- 2026-10-01
- Contents
- 22 titles · 3,344 sections
- Jurisdiction
- Carlsbad
Contents
▸Title 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
Overview- Chapter 1.01 — CODE ADOPTION
- Chapter 1.08 — PENALTIES
- Chapter 1.12 — ELECTIONS
- Chapter 1.13 — ELECTION CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURES
- Chapter 1.14 — DISQUALIFICATION FOR CONFLICT OF INTEREST
- Chapter 1.15 — CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION LIMITS
- Chapter 1.16 — TIME LIMITS FOR JUDICIAL REVIEW
- Chapter 1.20 — MEETINGS
- Chapter 1.24 — EXPENDITURE LIMITATION
▸Title 2 — ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL
Overview- Chapter 2.04 — ELECTED OFFICIALS
- Chapter 2.30 — COMMUNITY-POLICE ENGAGEMENT COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.36 — PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.04 — ELECTED OFFICIALS
- Chapter 2.08 — OFFICERS—EMPLOYEES GENERALLY
- Chapter 2.12 — CITY MANAGER
- Chapter 2.14 — CITY ATTORNEY
- Chapter 2.15 — BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
- Chapter 2.16 — BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
- Chapter 2.18 — CARLSBAD ARTS COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.24 — PLANNING COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.28 — TRAFFIC SAFETY AND MOBILITY COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.30 — COMMUNITY-POLICE ENGAGEMENT COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.34 — ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.36 — PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.38 — SENIOR COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.40 — HOUSING COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.42 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
- Chapter 2.43 — INVESTMENT REVIEW BOARD
- 2.44 — PERSONNEL
- Chapter 2.48 — EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE RELATIONS
- Chapter 2.52 — ACCESS TO CRIMINAL RECORDS
▸Title 3 — REVENUE AND FINANCE
Overview- Chapter 3.30 — LOST AND UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
- Chapter 3.32 — CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
- Chapter 3.04 — TAXES—ASSESSMENT AND COLLECTION
- Chapter 3.08 — UNIFORM SALES AND USE TAXES
- Chapter 3.12 — TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
- Chapter 3.16 — DOCUMENTARY STAMP TAX
- Chapter 3.20 — SPECIAL GAS TAX STREET IMPROVEMENT FUND
- Chapter 3.24 — LIBRARY TRUST FUND
- Chapter 3.28 — PURCHASING
- 3.29 — DISPOSAL OF SURPLUS CITY PROPERTY
- Chapter 3.30 — LOST AND UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
- Chapter 3.32 — CLAIMS AND DEMANDS
- Chapter 3.34 — SECURITIES AND RETENTIONS
- Chapter 3.36 — FEES FOR SPECIAL POLICE SERVICES
- Chapter 3.40 — CARLSBAD REIMBURSEMENT FEE
▸Title 5 — BUSINESS LICENSES AND REGULATIONS
Overview- Chapter 5.04 — LICENSING BUSINESSES GENERALLY
- Chapter 5.08 — LICENSE TAXES
- Chapter 5.09 — ADDITIONAL LICENSE TAX ON NEW CONSTRUCTION
- Chapter 5.10 — BINGO
- Chapter 5.12 — CARDROOMS
- Chapter 5.16 — MASSAGE SERVICES
- Chapter 5.17 — ESCORT SERVICES
- Chapter 5.20 — TAXICABS
- Chapter 5.24 — TRAILERS AND TRAILER PARKS
- Chapter 5.29 — STATE VIDEO FRANCHISES
- Chapter 5.50 — FORTUNETELLING AND RELATED OCCUPATIONS
- Chapter 5.60 — SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTALS
▸Title 6 — HEALTH AND SANITATION
Overview- Chapter 6.22 — PLASTIC BOTTLED BEVERAGE REDUCTION
- Chapter 6.02 — COUNTY CODE—HEALTH AND SANITATION
- Chapter 6.03 — HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
- Chapter 6.04 — EMERGENCY SERVICES
- Chapter 6.06 — EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION SERVICE
- Chapter 6.08 — SOLID WASTE
- Chapter 6.10 — PRESCRIPTION DRUG DROP BOXES
- 6.12 — JUNK
- Chapter 6.14 — PROHIBITION OF SMOKING IN UNENCLOSED DINING AREAS
- Chapter 6.15 — PROHIBITION OF SMOKING IN MULTIUNIT RESIDENCES
- Chapter 6.16 — PUBLIC NUISANCES AND PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
- Article II
- Article III — Property Maintenance
- Chapter 6.17 — URINATING OR DEFECATING IN PUBLIC
- Chapter 6.18 — ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES
- Chapter 6.20 — PHASED-IN SINGLE-USE PLASTIC FOODWARE BAN
- Chapter 6.22 — PLASTIC BOTTLED BEVERAGE REDUCTION
- Chapter 6.24 — PLASTIC BAG BAN
- Chapter 6.26 — INTENTIONAL RELEASE OF BALLOONS PROHIBITION
▸Title 8 — PUBLIC PEACE, MORALS AND SAFETY
Overview- 8.95 — MEDICINAL CANNABIS DELIVERY SERVICE BUSINESSES
- Chapter 8.04 — PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY AND JUVENILE CRIME AND VICTIMIZATION PREVENTION LAW
- Chapter 8.09 — ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE
- Chapter 8.16 — FIREARMS
- Chapter 8.17 — SPECIAL EVENTS
- Chapter 8.18 — EXPRESSIVE ACTIVITY
- Chapter 8.28 — MOTOR VEHICLES
- Chapter 8.29 — SPECTATORS PROHIBITED AT ILLEGAL SPEED CONTESTS OR EXHIBITIONS OF SPEED
- Chapter 8.32 — VENDING AND SOLICITING
- Chapter 8.34 — SOLICITATION
- Chapter 8.36 — UNLAWFUL CAMPING, FIRES ON PUBLIC PROPERTY, AND STORAGE OF PROPERTY
- Chapter 8.38 — OBSTRUCTION OF PROPERTY, TRESPASS, AND DISORDERLY CONDUCT
- Chapter 8.44 — ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
- Chapter 8.45 — CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL OR CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES BY MINORS AT PARTIES, EVENTS OR…
- Chapter 8.48 — NOISE
- Chapter 8.50 — ALARM SYSTEMS
- Chapter 8.54 — PICKETING
- Chapter 8.60 — ADULT BUSINESS LICENSES AND OPERATING REGULATIONS
- Chapter 8.70 — ADULT BUSINESS PERFORMER LICENSE
- Chapter 8.80 — MINI-SATELLITE WAGERING
- Chapter 8.90 — CANNABIS
- Chapter 8.95 — MEDICINAL CANNABIS DELIVERY SERVICE BUSINESSES
▸Title 10 — VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
Overview- Chapter 10.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 10.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 10.08 — TRAFFIC ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 10.12 — TRAFFIC REGULATIONS—ENFORCEMENT AND OBEDIENCE
- Chapter 10.16 — TRAFFIC-CONTROL DEVICES
- Chapter 10.20 — TURNING MOVEMENTS
- Chapter 10.24 — ONE-WAY STREETS AND ALLEYS
▸10.28 — SPECIAL STOPS
- Chapter 10.32 — MISCELLANEOUS DRIVING RULES
- Chapter 10.33 — OVERSIZE VEHICLE OR LOAD PERMIT
- Chapter 10.34 — INTERSTATE TRUCKS
- Chapter 10.36 — PEDESTRIANS
▸Chapter 10.40 — STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING
- Chapter 10.42 — PARKING VIOLATION ENFORCEMENT
▸10.44 — SPEED RESTRICTIONS
- 10.48 — TRAINS
- Chapter 10.52 — ABANDONED VEHICLES
- Chapter 10.56 — OPERATION OF REGULATED MOBILITY DEVICES
- Chapter 10.58 — SKATEBOARDING, INLINE SKATES, ROLLER SKATES, TOY VEHICLE, COASTER, AND SIMILAR…
- Chapter 10.60 — SHARED MOBILITY DEVICES
▸Title 11 — PUBLIC PROPERTY
Overview- Chapter 11.02 — LEASE OF CITY PROPERTY
- Chapter 11.02 — LEASE OF CITY PROPERTY
- Chapter 11.04 — STREETS AND SIDEWALKS AND TRAILS
- Chapter 11.08 — UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICTS
- 11.12 — TREES AND SHRUBS
- Chapter 11.16 — PERMITS FOR WORK OR ENCROACHMENTS IN PUBLIC PLACES
- Chapter 11.24 — AGUA HEDIONDA LAGOON
- 11.28 — PUBLIC NUDITY
- Chapter 11.32 — PARKS AND BEACHES
- Chapter 11.33 — CITYWIDE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PUBLIC FACILITIES, SERVICES, PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
- Chapter 11.36 — LOCATIONS AND STANDARDS FOR NEWSRACKS ON PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY
- 11.40 — BRIDGES
- Chapter 11.44 — PRIVATE PARTY SIGNS ON CITY PROPERTY
- Chapter 11.46 — TEMPORARY RESTRICTIONS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
▸Title 13 — SEWERS
▸Title 17 — FIRE PROTECTION
▸Title 18 — BUILDING CODES AND REGULATIONS
Overview- Chapter 18.48 — STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION
- Chapter 18.03 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 18.04 — BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 18.05 — BUILDING PERMIT MORATORIUM
- Chapter 18.06 — UNIFORM HOUSING CODE
- Chapter 18.07 — UNREINFORCED MASONRY BUILDINGS
- Chapter 18.08 — HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 18.09 — EXISTING BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 18.10 — MECHANICAL CODE
- Chapter 18.12 — ELECTRICAL CODE
- Chapter 18.16 — PLUMBING CODE
- Chapter 18.17 — SWIMMING POOL AND HOT TUB CODE
- Chapter 18.18 — SOLAR ENERGY CODE
- Chapter 18.19 — DANGEROUS BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 18.20 — RESIDENTIAL CODE
- Chapter 18.22 — ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
- Chapter 18.24 — MOVING BUILDINGS
- Chapter 18.25 — SMALL RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOP SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
- Chapter 18.30 — CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE
- Chapter 18.32 — TENTS
- Chapter 18.40 — DEDICATION AND IMPROVEMENTS
- Chapter 18.42 — TRAFFIC IMPACT FEE
- Chapter 18.48 — STORMWATER POLLUTION PREVENTION
- Chapter 18.50 — WATER EFFICIENT LANDSCAPE
- Chapter 18.51 — TRANSPORTATION DEMAND MANAGEMENT
▸Title 19 — ENVIRONMENT
▸Title 20 — SUBDIVISIONS
Overview- Chapter 20.36 — ADJUSTMENT PLATS
- Chapter 20.48 — ENFORCEMENT—CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCE
- 20.04 — GENERAL REGULATIONS
- 20.08 — FEES
- Chapter 20.12 — MAJOR SUBDIVISIONS—PROCEDURE
- Chapter 20.16 — MAJOR SUBDIVISIONS—REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 20.17 — VESTING TENTATIVE MAPS
- Chapter 20.20 — FINAL MAP REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 20.22 — ENVIRONMENTAL SUBDIVISIONS
- 20.24 — MINOR SUBDIVISIONS—PROCEDURE
- Chapter 20.28 — MINOR SUBDIVISIONS—REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 20.32 — PARCEL MAP REQUIREMENTS
- Chapter 20.36 — ADJUSTMENT PLATS
- 20.40 — REVERSIONS TO ACREAGE
- 20.44 — DEDICATION OF LAND FOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
- Chapter 20.48 — ENFORCEMENT—CERTIFICATES OF COMPLIANCE
▸Title 21 — ZONING
Overview- Chapter 21.07 — E-A EXCLUSIVE AGRICULTURAL ZONE
- Chapter 21.24 — RD-M RESIDENTIAL DENSITYMULTIPLE ZONE
- Chapter 21.48 — NONCONFORMING LOTS, STRUCTURES AND USES
- Chapter 21.61 — JUDICIAL REVIEW OF ZONING DECISIONS AND TIME LIMITATION
- Chapter 21.80 — COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMITS—AGUA HEDIONDA
- Chapter 21.85 — INCLUSIONARY HOUSING
- Chapter 21.105 — RECYCLING FACILITIES AND RECYCLING AREAS
- 21.110 — FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS
- 21.202 — COASTAL AGRICULTURE OVERLAY ZONE
- Chapter 21.209 — CR-A/OS CANNON ROAD AGRICULTURAL/OPEN SPACE ZONE
- Chapter 21.02 — PURPOSE
- Chapter 21.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 21.05 — ZONE ESTABLISHMENT—BOUNDARIES
- Chapter 21.06 — Q QUALIFIED DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY ZONE
- Chapter 21.07 — E-A EXCLUSIVE AGRICULTURAL ZONE
- Chapter 21.08 — R-A RESIDENTIAL AGRICULTURAL ZONE
- Chapter 21.09 — R-E RURAL RESIDENTIAL ESTATE ZONE
- Chapter 21.10 — R-1 ONE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONE
- Chapter 21.12 — R-2 TWO-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONE
- Chapter 21.16 — R-3 MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL ZONE
- Chapter 21.18 — R-P RESIDENTIAL PROFESSIONAL ZONE
- Chapter 21.20 — R-T RESIDENTIAL TOURIST ZONE
- Chapter 21.21 — H-O HOSPITAL OVERLAY ZONE
- Chapter 21.22 — R-W RESIDENTIAL WATERWAY ZONE
- Chapter 21.24 — RD-M RESIDENTIAL DENSITY-MULTIPLE ZONE
- Chapter 21.25 — COMMUNITY FACILITIES ZONE
- Chapter 21.26 — C-1 NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL ZONE
- Chapter 21.27 — OFFICE ZONE
- Chapter 21.28 — C-2 GENERAL COMMERCIAL ZONE
- Chapter 21.29 — C-T COMMERCIAL TOURIST ZONE
- Chapter 21.30 — C-M HEAVY COMMERCIAL—LIMITED INDUSTRIAL ZONE
- Chapter 21.31 — C-L LOCAL SHOPPING CENTER ZONE
- Chapter 21.32 — M INDUSTRIAL ZONE
- Chapter 21.33 — OS OPEN SPACE ZONE
- Chapter 21.34 — P-M PLANNED INDUSTRIAL ZONE
- Chapter 21.35 — V-B VILLAGE-BARRIO ZONE
- Chapter 21.36 — P-U PUBLIC UTILITY ZONE
- Chapter 21.37 — RMHP RESIDENTIAL MOBILE HOME PARK ZONE
- Chapter 21.38 — P-C PLANNED COMMUNITY ZONE
- Chapter 21.39 — L-C LIMITED CONTROL ZONE
- Chapter 21.40 — S-P SCENIC PRESERVATION OVERLAY ZONE
- Chapter 21.41 — SIGN ORDINANCE
- Chapter 21.42 — MINOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS AND CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS
- Chapter 21.43 — ADULT BUSINESSES
- Chapter 21.44 — PARKING
- Chapter 21.45 — PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS
- Chapter 21.46 — YARDS
- Chapter 21.47 — NONRESIDENTIAL PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS
- Chapter 21.48 — NONCONFORMING LOTS, STRUCTURES AND USES
- Chapter 21.49 — PLANNING MORATORIUM
- Chapter 21.50 — VARIANCES
- Chapter 21.52 — AMENDMENTS
- Chapter 21.53 — USES GENERALLY
- Chapter 21.54 — PROCEDURES, HEARINGS, NOTICES AND FEES
- Chapter 21.55 — DEDICATION OF LAND AND FEES FOR SCHOOL FACILITIES
- Chapter 21.56 — INTERPRETATION
- Chapter 21.58 — VIOLATION—REVOCATION—EXPIRATION
- Chapter 21.60 — PERMITS—LICENSE ENFORCEMENT
- Chapter 21.61 — JUDICIAL REVIEW OF ZONING DECISIONS AND TIME LIMITATION
- Chapter 21.62 — VIOLATIONS
- Chapter 21.70 — DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS
- Chapter 21.80 — COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMITS—AGUA HEDIONDA
- Chapter 21.82 — BEACH AREA OVERLAY (BAO) ZONES
- Chapter 21.83 — CHILD CARE
- Chapter 21.84 — HOUSING FOR SENIOR CITIZENS
- Chapter 21.85 — INCLUSIONARY HOUSING
- Chapter 21.86 — DENSITY BONUS
- Chapter 21.87 — REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
- Chapter 21.88 — MULTIFAMILY HOUSING AND MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT—OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS
- Chapter 21.89 — SUBSTANTIAL CONFORMANCE REVIEW
- Chapter 21.90 — GROWTH MANAGEMENT
- Chapter 21.95 — HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
- Chapter 21.100 — T-C TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR
- Chapter 21.105 — RECYCLING FACILITIES AND RECYCLING AREAS
- Chapter 21.110 — FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT REGULATIONS
- Chapter 21.201 — COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT PROCEDURES
- Chapter 21.202 — COASTAL AGRICULTURE OVERLAY ZONE
- Chapter 21.203 — COASTAL RESOURCE PROTECTION OVERLAY ZONE
- Chapter 21.204 — COASTAL SHORELINE DEVELOPMENT OVERLAY ZONE
- Chapter 21.205 — COASTAL RESOURCE OVERLAY ZONE MELLO I LCP SEGMENT
- Chapter 21.208 — COMMERCIAL/VISITOR-SERVING OVERLAY ZONE
- Chapter 21.209 — CR-A/OS CANNON ROAD AGRICULTURAL/OPEN SPACE ZONE
- Chapter 21.210 — HABITAT PRESERVATION AND MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS
▸Carlsbad Municipal Water District Code
Overview▸Title 2 — WATER RATES AND SYSTEM FACILITIES
Overview- Chapter 2.04 — GENERAL REGULATIONS
- Chapter 2.08 — RETAIL AND RECYCLED WATER RATES AND COLLECTION
- Chapter 2.12 — METERS, SERVICE CONNECTIONS, CONNECTION FEES AND PAYMENT
- Chapter 2.16 — CONNECTIONS AND INSTALLATIONS OF SERVICE
- Chapter 2.20 — EXTENSION OF PIPELINES AND OTHER FACILITIES
- Chapter 2.24 — ENGINEERING SERVICES FEES
- Chapter 2.28 — FIRE HYDRANTS
- Chapter 2.32 — CROSS-CONNECTION CONTROL PROGRAM
- Chapter 2.36 — PROCEDURES FOR WORK IN THE DISTRICT RIGHT-OF-WAY
- Chapter OL-A — CARLSBAD MUNICIPAL WATER DISTRICT ORDINANCE LIST AND DISPOSITION TABLE
- Title SR — STATUTORY REFERENCES FOR CALIFORNIA CITIES
- Title AR — CODES ADOPTED BY REFERENCE
- Title OL — ORDINANCE LIST AND DISPOSITION TABLE