Municipal code
Modesto Municipal Code
The enacted municipal code of Modesto, California, as published — every title, chapter, and section, verbatim and citable.
- Last updated
- 2026-10-02
- Contents
- 13 titles · 3,086 sections
- Jurisdiction
- Modesto
Contents
▸Charter
Overview- Article I — INCORPORATION AND SUCCESSION
- Article II — POWERS OF THE CITY
- Article III — ELECTIONS
- Article IV — FORM OF GOVERNMENT
- Article V — THE ELECTIVE OFFICERS
- Article VI — THE MAYOR
- Article VII — THE COUNCIL
- Article VIII — THE CITY MANAGER
- Article IX — OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
- Article X — EXECUTIVE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENTS
- Article XI — APPOINTIVE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
- Article XII — PERSONNEL SYSTEM
- Article XIII — FISCAL ADMINISTRATION
- Article XIV — FRANCHISES
- Article XV — SCHOOL SYSTEM
- Article XVI — MISCELLANEOUS
▸Title 2 — ADMINISTRATION
Overview- Chapter 1 — CITY COUNCIL ORGANIZATION AND PROCEDURE
- Chapter 2 — LEGISLATION
▸Chapter 3 — ADMINISTRATIVE DEPARTMENTS
Overview- Article 1 — Office of the City Manager
- Article 2 — Office of the City Attorney
- Article 3 — Office of the City Clerk and Auditor
- Article 4 — Finance Department
- Article 5 — Fire Department
- Article 6 — Health Department
- Article 7 — Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department
- Article 8 — Community and Economic Development Department
- Article 9 — Police Department
- Article 17 — Public Works Department
- Article 18 — Administrative Services Department
- Article 19 — Utilities Department
▸Chapter 4 — FISCAL ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 5 — PERSONNEL SYSTEM
- Chapter 6 — PEACE OFFICER STANDARDS AND TRAINING
- Chapter 7 — DISPOSAL OF UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
- Chapter 8 — CAMPAIGN REFORM
- Chapter 9 — ELECTIONS
- Chapter 10 — CONFLICT DISCLOSURE
▸Title 3 — PUBLIC SAFETY
Overview▸Chapter 1 — ADOPTION OF THE CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, 2025 EDITION
▸Chapter 2 — VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC REGULATIONS
Overview- Article 1 — Definitions
- Article 2 — Enforcement and Obedience to Parking and Traffic Regulations
- Article 3 — Traffic-Control Devices
- Article 4 — Turning Movements
- Article 5 — One-Way Streets and Alleys
- Article 6 — Special Stops Required
- Article 7 — Yield-Right-of-Way Signs
- Article 8 — Miscellaneous
- Article 9 — Pedestrians
- Article 10 — Stopping, Standing and Parking
- Article 11 — Stopping for Loading or Unloading Only
- Article 12 — Stopping, Standing or Parking Restricted or Prohibited on Certain Streets
- Article 13 — Truck Routes
- Article 14 — Special Speed Zones
- Article 15 — Parking Meters
- Article 16 — Establishment of Regulations and Use of Public Off-Street Parking Facilities
- Article 17 — Temporary Use of Sidewalks, Streets and On-Street and Off-Street Parking Spaces
- Article 19 — RESIDENTIAL PARKING PERMIT ZONES
- Article 20 — Oversized Vehicle and Trailer Parking
- Article 21 — SIDESHOWS, STREET RACES, AND RECKLESS DRIVING EXHIBITIONS
- Chapter 3 — BICYCLES
- Chapter 4 — EMERGENCY SERVICES, ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONS
- Chapter 5 — MUTUAL AID
- Chapter 7 — POLICE RESERVE
- Chapter 8 — LICENSING AND REGULATION OF AMBULANCES
- Chapter 9 — LICENSING AND REGULATION OF NONEMERGENCY TRANSPORT
- Chapter 10 — AWARD OF NON-CONSENSUAL TOWING CONTRACTS
- Chapter 11 — SECURITY ALARMS
- Chapter 12 — FUNERAL PROCESSIONS
- Chapter 13 — ANTI-THEFT DEVICE INSTALLATION REQUIRED PRIOR TO THE TRANSFER OF
▸Title 4 — PUBLIC WELFARE, SAFETY AND HEALTH
Overview▸Chapter 1 — REGULATION OF AMUSEMENTS AND AMUSEMENT DEVICES
Overview- Article 1 — Amusement Devices
- Article 2 — Bowling Alleys
- Article 3 — Carnivals and Circuses
- Article 4 — Entertainment Establishments and Special Events
- Article 6 — Music in Public Places
- Article 7 — Cardrooms, Etc
- Article 8 — Miscellaneous
- Article 10 — Bingo Games
- Article 11 — Firearm Ranges and Firearms
- Article 12 — Sidewalk Vendors
- Article 13 — Picture Arcades
- Chapter 2 — MISDEMEANORS
- Chapter 3 — MOVING OF BUILDINGS
▸Chapter 4 — SUBDIVISION OF LAND
Overview- Article 1 — General Provisions
- Article 2 — Definitions
- Article 3 — General Regulations and Design
- Article 4 — Tentative Maps for Subdivisions Other Than Parcel Maps
- Article 5 — Parcel Maps
- Article 6 — Final Map
- Article 7 — Other Maps
- Article 8 — Improvements
- Article 9 — Exceptions
- Article 10 — Correction and Amendments of Final Maps
- Chapter 5 — REGULATION OF STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
▸Chapter 6 — TAXICABS
▸Chapter 7 — MISCELLANEOUS REGULATIONS
Overview- Article 1 — Advertising Matter
- Article 2 — Youth Protection Curfew
- Article 3 — Hotels Required to Keep Registration
- Article 4 — Peddlers
- Article 5 — Sale of Drug Paraphernalia
- Article 5.5 — Disposal of Prescription Waste
- Article 7 — Sale of Jewelry at Auction
- Article 8 — Communications Systems
- Article 11 — Green Waste and Leaf Collection
- Article 12 — Regulation of Searchlights
- Article 13 — Regulation of Sound Vehicles and Sound-Amplifying Equipment
- Article 14 — Regulating Going-Out-of-Business Sales, Removal-of-Business Sales and Fire and Ot…
- Article 15 — Acts Constituting Disorderly Conduct
- Article 16 — Regulation of Trampoline Centers
- Article 17 — Second Response
- Article 18 — Prohibition of Uninvited Services Associated with the Cleaning of the Exterior of…
- Article 19 — Abandonment of Motor Vehicles
- Chapter 8 — REGULATION OF PARADES
▸Chapter 9 — NOISE REGULATIONS
- Chapter 10 — ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
▸Chapter 13 — CRIMINAL OFFENDER REGISTRATIONS
▸Chapter 14 — DISCLOSURES UPON TRANSFER OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY
▸Chapter 15 — OUTDOOR DINING IN THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY
Overview- Article 1 — Outdoor Dining Encroachment Permit Required
- Article 2 — Alcoholic Beverage Restrictions Applicable to Outdoor Dining Areas
- Article 3 — Suspension, Revocation and Penalties
- Article 4 — Failure to Obtain Encroachment Permit
- Article 5 — Business Closure, Business Transfer and Other Operational Changes Impacting the Ou…
- Article 6 — Protest and Appeal Process
- Article 7 — Miscellaneous
- Chapter 17 — REGULATION OFF-SITE AUTOMOBILE SALES
- Chapter 18 — PROHIBITION AGAINST UNDERAGE DRINKING AND SOCIAL HOST LIABILITY
- Chapter 19 — MOBILE HOME RENT STABILIZATION PROGRAM
- Chapter 21 — JUNK DEALERS AND SCRAP METAL RECYCLERS
- Chapter 22 — PUBLIC ART
- Chapter 23 — RESTRICTIONS ON USE OF SPECIFIED ITEMS DURING PUBLIC ASSEMBLY
- Chapter 24 — SMOKE SHOPS
▸Title 5 — SANITATION AND HEALTH
Overview▸Chapter 2 — MASSAGE/MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS
- Chapter 3 — FOOD AND DAIRY PRODUCTS
▸Chapter 5 — SOLID WASTE
▸Chapter 6 — WASTEWATER COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL
Overview- Article 1 — Title, Purpose, and General Provisions
- Article 2 — Regulations
- Article 3 — Sewerage Construction and Sewer Use
- Article 4 — Discharge Permits
- Article 5 — Facilities Requirements
- Article 6 — Monitoring, Reporting, Notification, and Inspection Requirements
- Article 7 — Enforcement
- Article 8 — Costs and Funding
- Article 9 — Wastewater Treatment Capacity Allocations, Permitting and Transferability
- Article 10 — Discharges of Fats, Oils and Grease from Food Service Establishments
- Article 11 — Dental Amalgam
- Chapter 7 — SQUATTER CAMPS
▸Chapter 8 — SMOKING POLLUTION CONTROL
Overview- Article 1 — Findings, Purposes and Definitions
- Article 2 — Prohibition of Smoking in City Vehicles and Facilities
- Article 3 — Prohibition of Smoking in Public Places
- Article 4 — Prohibition of Smoking in Places of Employment
- Article 5 — Exempted Areas
- Article 6 — Signs
- Article 7 — Exemption Procedures
- Article 8 — General Provisions
- Article 9 — Severability
▸Chapter 9 — ADULT-ORIENTED BUSINESSES
▸Chapter 10 — STORM WATER MANAGEMENT AND DISCHARGE CONTROLS
▸Title 6 — BUSINESS, PROFESSIONS AND TRADES
Overview- Chapter 2 — BEVERAGE COMPANIES
- Chapter 3 — BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA A
- Chapter 5 — SECONDHAND JEWELRY DEALERS
- Chapter 6 — TRANSIENT PHOTOGRAPHERS
▸Chapter 7 — MOTOR VEHICLES
▸Chapter 8 — PRIVATE POLICE PATROL SERVICE AND DETECTIVE AGENCIES
- Chapter 9 — AUTOMOBILE BUSINESSES
▸Title 7 — PUBLIC WORKS
Overview▸Chapter 1 — STREET IMPROVEMENTS
Overview- Article 1 — General
- Article 2 — Curbs and Gutters
- Article 3 — Sidewalk Regulations
- Article 4 — Driveway Regulations
- Article 5 — Curbs, Gutters, Sidewalks, Driveway Approaches and Alleys with Building Permits
- Article 6 — Construction of Canal Crossings
- Article 7 — Street Dedication and Improvement
- Article 8 — Procedural Ordinance for Financing of Public Facilities in the City of Modesto
- Chapter 2 — STREET CUTS
▸Chapter 3 — MODESTO CITY-COUNTY AIRPORT
- Chapter 5 — STREET TREES
▸Title 8 — FINANCE, REVENUE AND TAXATION
Overview▸Chapter 1 — SPECIAL FUNDS
Overview- Article 1 — Capital Outlays
- Article 2 — School Site and Facilities Fees
- Article 3 — Street Improvement Fund
- Article 4 — State Housing Rehabilitation Loan Fund
- Article 5 — Park Fund
- Article 6 — McHenry Mansion Restoration Fund
- Article 7 — Methane Gas Generation Fund
- Article 8 — Deferred Compensation Fund
- Article 9 — Capital Facilities Fee
- Article 10 — Traffic Offender Fund
▸Chapter 2 — TAXATION
Overview- Article 1 — Sales and Use Tax
- Article 3 — Property Taxes
- Article 4 — Sales and Use Tax
- Article 5 — Disposition of Sales and Use Tax Funds
- Article 6 — Transient Occupancy Tax
- Article 7 — Park and Recreation Facilities Tax
- Article 8 — Real Property Transfer Law
- Article 9 — Utility Users' Tax
- Article 11 — Cannabis Business Tax
- Article 12 — Transaction and Use Tax
▸Chapter 3 — CITY CONTRACTS
Overview- Article 1 — Authority
- Article 2 — Central Purchasing
- Article 3 — General Provisions
- Article 4 — Provisions Applicable Only to Public Works Projects
- Article 5 — Sale of Surplus Property
- Article 6 — Prevailing Wages
- Article 7 — Local Hiring Preferences in Public Works Contracts
- Article 8 — Utilizing Skilled and Trained Workforce in Public Works Contracts
▸Chapter 4 — HEALTH FACILITIES FINANCING LAW
▸Chapter 5 — ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REVENUE BOND LAW
▸Chapter 6 — CITY OF MODESTO WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITIES REVENUE BOND LAW
- Chapter 7 — RESERVED
▸Chapter 8 — CITY OF MODESTO WATER FACILITIES REVENUE BOND LAW
▸Title 9 — BUILDING REGULATIONS
Overview▸Chapter 1 — BUILDING CODE
Overview- Article 1 — Adoption by Reference of the 2022 California Building Code
- Article 2 — General Code Provisions
- Article 3 — Building Safety Division
- Article 4 — Duties and Powers of the Building Official
- Article 5 — Permits
- Article 6 — Construction Documents
- Article 7 — Fees and Plan Checking
- Article 8 — Inspections
- Article 9 — Certificate of Occupancy
- Article 10 — Service Utilities
- Article 11 — Board of Appeals
- Article 12 — Disabled Access Appeals Board
- Article 13 — Violations
- Article 14 — Stop Work Order
- Article 15 — Unsafe Structures and Equipment
- Article 16 — Technical Amendments to the 2022 California Building Code
- Article 17 — Technical Amendments to the 2013 California Residential Code
- Article 18 — Small Residential Rooftop Solar Energy Systems
- Article 19 — Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
▸Chapter 2 — PLUMBING CODE
Overview- Article 1 — Adoption by Reference of the 2022 California Plumbing Code
- Article 2 — General Code Provisions
- Article 3 — Building Safety Division
- Article 4 — Duties and Powers of the Building Official
- Article 5 — Permits
- Article 6 — Construction Documents
- Article 8 — Inspections
- Article 9 — Service Utilities
- Article 10 — Board of Appeals
- Article 11 — Violations
- Article 12 — Stop Work Order
- Article 13 — Unsafe Structures and Equipment
- Article 14 — Technical Amendments
▸Chapter 3 — ELECTRICAL CODE
Overview- Article 1 — Adoption by Reference of the 2022 California Electrical Code
- Article 2 — General Code Provisions
- Article 3 — Building Safety Division
- Article 4 — Duties and Powers of the Building Official
- Article 5 — Permits
- Article 6 — Construction Documents
- Article 7 — Fees and Plan Review
- Article 8 — Inspections
- Article 9 — Service Utilities
- Article 10 — Board of Appeals
- Article 11 — Violations
- Article 12 — Stop Work Order
- Article 13 — Unsafe Structures and Equipment
- Article 14 — Technical Amendments
- Chapter 5 — NUMBERING PROPERTIES
▸Chapter 7 — MECHANICAL CODE
Overview- Article 1 — Adoption by Reference of the 2022 California Mechanical Code
- Article 2 — General Code Provisions
- Article 3 — Building Safety Division
- Article 4 — Duties and Powers of the Building Official
- Article 5 — Permits
- Article 6 — Construction Documents
- Article 7 — Fees and Plan Checking
- Article 8 — Inspections
- Article 9 — Service Utilities
- Article 10 — Board of Appeals
- Article 11 — Violations
- Article 12 — Stop Work Order
- Article 13 — Unsafe Structures and Equipment
- Article 14 — Technical Amendments
▸Chapter 8 — BUILDING MAINTENANCE CODE
Overview- Article 1 — Designation, Title and Scope
- Article 2 — Applicability
- Article 3 — Definitions
- Article 4 — General Requirements
- Article 5 — Duties and Powers of Building Official
- Article 6 — Violations
- Article 7 — Appeals
- Article 8 — Enforcement of a Notice and Order
- Article 9 — Unsafe Structures and Equipment
- Article 10 — Emergency Measures
- Article 11 — Demolition
- Article 12 — Abatement of Public Nuisances in Buildings and Structures
- Article 13 — Exterior Property Areas
- Article 14 — Exterior Structure
- Article 15 — Interior Structure
- Article 16 — Handguards and Guardrails
- Article 17 — Component Serviceability
- Article 18 — Light, Ventilation and Occupancy Limitations
- Article 19 — Plumbing Facilities and Fixture Requirements
- Article 20 — Plumbing Systems and Fixtures
- Article 21 — Water System
- Article 22 — Sanitary Drainage System
- Article 24 — Mechanical and Electrical Requirements
- Article 25 — Elevators, Escalators and Dumbwaiters
- Article 27 — Fire Safety Requirements
- Chapter 10 — MODESTO LANDMARK PRESERVATION
▸Chapter 11 — EXISTING BUILDING CODE
Overview- Article 1 — Adoption by Reference of the 2022 California Existing Building Code
- Article 2 — General Code Provisions
- Article 3 — Building Safety Division
- Article 4 — Duties and Powers of the Building Official
- Article 5 — Permits
- Article 6 — Construction Documents
- Article 7 — Fees and Plan Checking
- Article 8 — Inspections
- Article 9 — Certificate of Occupancy
- Article 10 — Service Utilities
- Article 13 — Violations
- Article 14 — Stop Work Order
- Article 15 — Unsafe Structures and Equipment
- Chapter 12 — Post Disaster Assessment
▸Chapter 13 — RENTAL HOUSING SAFETY PROGRAM
Overview- Article 1 — Purpose and Scope
- Article 2 — Definitions
- Article 3 — Inspections; Compliance with Applicable Codes and Standards
- Article 4 — Registration and Payment of Fees
- Article 5 — Exemptions
- Article 6 — Self-Certification Program
- Article 7 — Notices and Compliance
- Article 8 — Enforcement, Penalties and Appeals
- Article 9 — Miscellaneous
▸Title 10 — ZONING REGULATIONS
Overview▸Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS
▸Chapter 3 — LAND USE REGULATIONS
Overview- Article 1 — Permitted and Conditional Land Uses
- Article 2 — Specific Land Use Regulations
- Article 3 — Adult-Oriented Businesses
- Article 4 — Wireless Telecommunication Facilities
- Article 5 — Nonconforming Uses, Structures and Sites, And Lots
- Article 6 — Personal Cannabis Cultivation
- Article 7 — Commercial Cannabis Uses
- Article 8 — Smoke Shops
▸Chapter 5 — PARKING REQUIREMENTS
▸Chapter 6 — SIGNS
▸Chapter 7 — OTHER ZONES
▸Chapter 8 — AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Overview- Article 1 — Density Bonus: General Provisions
- Article 2 — Density Bonus: Definitions
- Article 3 — Density Bonus: Projects Ineligible for a Density Bonus
- Article 4 — Density Bonus: Incentives or Concessions
- Article 5 — Density Bonus: Reduced Parking Ratios
- Article 6 — Density Bonus: Donation of Land
- Article 7 — Density Bonus: Inclusion of a Childcare Facility
- Article 8 — Density Bonus: Calculations
▸Chapter 9 — ADMINISTRATION
Overview- Article 1 — General Administration
- Article 2 — Notice and Hearing
- Article 3 — Appeals
- Article 4 — Administrative Decision for Outdoor Use
- Article 5 — Administrative Exceptions
- Article 6 — Variances
- Article 7 — Conditional Use Permits
- Article 8 — Zoning Boundary Amendments
- Article 9 — Zoning Regulation Amendments
- Article 10 — Development Plan Review
- Article 11 — Specific Plan Reimbursement Fees
▸Title 11 — PUBLIC UTILITIES
Overview- Chapter 1 — WATER RATES AND REGULATIONS
- Chapter 2 — PROCEDURE FOR GRANTING PUBLIC UTILITY FRANCHISES
- Chapter 3 — SPUR TRACK PERMITS
- Chapter 4 — VIDEO SERVICE PROVIDED BY STATE FRANCHISE HOLDERS
- Chapter 5 — REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES FOR THE REMOVAL OF OVERHEAD UTILITY FACILITIES
- Chapter 6 — COLLECTIONS OF PUBLIC UTILITIES CHARGES
▸Title 12 — PARKS, RECREATION AND NEIGHBORHOODS
Overview- Chapter 1 — LANDSCAPING AND IRRIGATION STANDARDS
- Chapter 2 — MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSES
- Chapter 3 — JOHN THURMAN FIELD
▸Chapter 4 — REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO THE USE OF PARK AND RECREATION AREAS AND
- Chapter 5 — STREET TREES