Earlier editions: 2026-09
Municipal code
Santa Cruz Municipal Code
The enacted municipal code of Santa Cruz, California, as published — every title, chapter, and section, verbatim and citable.
- Last updated
- 2026-10-05
- Contents
- 21 titles · 4,299 sections
- Jurisdiction
- Santa Cruz
Contents
▸Charter
Overview- Article I — NAME OF CITY
- Article II — BOUNDARIES
- Article III — SUCCESSION
- Article IV — POWERS OF CITY
- Article V — FORM OF GOVERNMENT
- Article VI — ELECTIVE OFFICERS
- Article VII — ELECTIONS
- Article VIII — APPOINTIVE OFFICERS
- Article IX — TRANSFER OF CITY FUNCTIONS
- Article X — APPOINTIVE BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
- Article XI — CIVIL SERVICE
- Article XII — RETIREMENT
- Article XIII — GENERAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
- Article XIV — FISCAL ADMINISTRATION. BUDGET. TAXES
- Article XV — FRANCHISES
- Article XVII — MISCELLANEOUS
▸Title 1 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
Overview- Chapter 1.01 — CODE ADOPTION
- Chapter 1.04 — CITY SEAL
- Chapter 1.08 — REPEALED BY Ord. 2000-17 § 1
- Chapter 1.12 — REPEALED BY Ord. 2000-17 § 1
- Chapter 1.14 — CLAIMS – TIME LIMITATIONS
- Chapter 1.16 — APPEALS
- Chapter 1.18 — COMPENSATION OF MAYOR AND COUNCILMEMBERS
- Chapter 1.20 — JUDICIAL REVIEW OF ADMINISTRATIVE DECISIONS
- Chapter 1.30 — ACCESS FOR PERMIT ENFORCEMENT
▸Title 2 — ADMINISTRATION AND PERSONNEL
Overview- Chapter 2.10 — VOLUNTARY CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURE LIMITATIONS AND MANDATORY CONTRIBUTION LIMITATIO…
- Chapter 2.11 — ELECTRONIC FILING
- Chapter 2.12 — DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
- Chapter 2.13 — DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT
- Chapter 2.20 — EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
- Chapter 2.24 — LOST AND UNCLAIMED PROPERTY
- Chapter 2.28 — PARKING AUTHORITY
- Chapter 2.32 — DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
- Chapter 2.34 — ELECTIONS
- Chapter 2.38 — CABLE TELEVISION – LOBBYING
- Chapter 2.40 — BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
▸Title 3 — REVENUE AND FINANCE
Overview- Chapter 3.04 — WARRANTS
- Chapter 3.08 — PURCHASING
- Chapter 3.09 — RESPONSIBLE CONTRACTORS – CITY CONTRACTS SECTION
- Chapter 3.10 — LOCAL HIRING – PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACTORS
- Chapter 3.11 — LOCAL BUSINESS PREFERENCE ORDINANCE
- Chapter 3.12 — PROPERTY TAX
- Chapter 3.14 — CLEAN RIVER, BEACHES AND OCEAN TAX ORDINANCE
- Chapter 3.16 — SALES TAX
- Chapter 3.18 — TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX
- Chapter 3.20 — USE TAX
- Chapter 3.24 — UNIFORM LOCAL SALES AND USE TAX
- Chapter 3.26 — FRANCHISE TAX
- Chapter 3.28 — TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX
- Chapter 3.29 — UTILITY USERS’ TAX
- Chapter 3.30 — PARKING LOT TAX
- Chapter 3.32 — REAL PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX
- Chapter 3.34 — WORKFORCE HOUSING AFFORDABILITY ACT OF 2025
- Chapter 3.36 — ADMISSION TAX
- Chapter 3.38 — SUGAR-SWEETENED BEVERAGE DISTRIBUTION TAX
▸Title 4 — GENERAL MUNICIPAL CODE ENFORCEMENT
Overview- Chapter 4.01 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 4.02 — CODE ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY AND POWERS
- Chapter 4.03 — NOTICE
- Chapter 4.04 — JUDICIAL REMEDIES
- Chapter 4.06 — ADMINISTRATIVE REMEDIES
- Chapter 4.08 — MEDIATION AND FACILITATION
- Chapter 4.10 — ISSUANCE AND RECORDATION OF NOTICES OF VIOLATION
- Chapter 4.12 — ADMINISTRATIVE CIVIL PENALTIES
- Chapter 4.14 — ADMINISTRATIVE CITATIONS
- Chapter 4.16 — SUMMARY ABATEMENT
- Chapter 4.18 — ADMINISTRATIVE ABATEMENT
- Chapter 4.20 — ADMINISTRATIVE ENFORCEMENT APPEALS
- Chapter 4.22 — ADMINISTRATIVE ENFORCEMENT HEARING PROCEDURES
- Chapter 4.24 — RECOVERY OF CIVIL PENALTIES, ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS AND ABATEMENT COSTS
- Chapter 4.25 — ATTORNEYS’ FEES AND COSTS
- Chapter 4.26 — CODE COMPLIANCE COST RECOVERY
- Chapter 4.28 — CODE ENFORCEMENT CIVIL PENALTIES AND COST RECOVERY FUND
- Chapter 4.30 — PRIVATE NUISANCE ABATEMENT
▸Title 5 — BUSINESS LICENSES AND REGULATIONS
Overview- Chapter 5.04 — BUSINESS LICENSES AND FEES
- Chapter 5.05 — PARKING AND BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA ZONES AND RATE OF BUSINESS PROMOTION CHARGE
- Chapter 5.06 — COOPERATIVE RETAIL MANAGEMENT BUSINESS REAL PROPERTY IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
- Chapter 5.07 — CANNABIS BUSINESS TAX
- Chapter 5.10 — LIVING WAGE ORDINANCE
- Chapter 5.11 — DELIVERY DRIVER TIPPING
- Chapter 5.12 — HOTELS AND MOTELS
- Chapter 5.13 — RATE SIGNS FOR OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS
- Chapter 5.14 — RATE SIGNS FOR GASOLINE AND OTHER MOTOR VEHICLE FUEL PRICES
- Chapter 5.16 — TAXICABS
- Chapter 5.18 — FOR-HIRE VEHICLES
- Chapter 5.22 — MOBILE VENDORS
- Chapter 5.24 — CLOSING OUT SALES
- Chapter 5.28 — AUCTIONS
- Chapter 5.32 — SECONDHAND GOODS
- Chapter 5.36 — HANDBILLS, CIRCULARS, DODGERS
- Chapter 5.40 — PEDDLING, SOLICITING AND CANVASSING
- Chapter 5.41 — NEWSRACKS
- Chapter 5.44 — ENTERTAINMENT
- Chapter 5.48 — CARDROOMS AND TABLES
- Chapter 5.52 — POOL, BILLIARDS, BAGATELLE
- Chapter 5.54 — HOOKAH PARLORS
- Chapter 5.56 — METAPHYSICAL SCIENCES AND FORTUNETELLING
- Chapter 5.60 — CIRCUSES
- Chapter 5.70 — VIDEO PEG FEES
- Chapter 5.72 — PARK AND RECREATION FACILITIES TAX
- Chapter 5.76 — BINGO
- Chapter 5.78 — MASSAGE
- Chapter 5.80 — NURSING HOMES ADMISSION POLICY
- Chapter 5.82 — SIDEWALK VENDING
- Chapter 5.83 — PARKLETS
- Chapter 5.84 — VIBRANCY ORDINANCE
▸Title 6 — HEALTH AND SANITATION
Overview- Chapter 6.02 — HEALTH IN ALL POLICIES
- Chapter 6.04 — SMOKING POLLUTION CONTROL
- Chapter 6.05 — CIGARETTE AND/OR TOBACCO VENDING MACHINES
- Chapter 6.06 — TOBACCO MERCHANDISING REGULATION
- Chapter 6.07 — TOBACCO RETAILER LICENSES
- Chapter 6.10 — GENETICALLY ENGINEERED CROP MORATORIUM
- Chapter 6.12 — SOLID WASTE
- Chapter 6.13 — CITY OF SANTA CRUZ REFUSE ENTERPRISE REVENUE BOND LAW
- Chapter 6.20 — PRIVIES AND CESSPOOLS
- Chapter 6.28 — ABANDONED OR INOPERATIVE VEHICLES
- Chapter 6.36 — CAMPING SERVICES AND STANDARDS
- Chapter 6.48 — ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE FOOD PACKAGING
- Chapter 6.49 — CITY OF SANTA CRUZ BAG REDUCTION ORDINANCE
- Chapter 6.50 — HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
- Chapter 6.52 — ELECTRONIC WASTE RECYCLING
- Chapter 6.60 — IRRADIATED FOOD PRODUCTS
- Chapter 6.70 — PROHIBITION OF DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF AIDS
- Chapter 6.75 — GRAFFITI
- Chapter 6.80 — ENFORCEMENT OF STATUTES, RULES AND ORDERS RELATING TO PUBLIC HEALTH
- Chapter 6.85 — PROHIBITION OF THE USE OF THE CITY’S PUBLIC WATER SYSTEM TO MASS MEDICATE OR FL…
- Chapter 6.91 — CANNABIS RETAILER LICENSES
- Chapter 6.92 — MEDICAL MARIJUANA – OFFICE OF COMPASSIONATE USE
- Chapter 6.93 — CITY OF SANTA CRUZ SAFE DRUG AND SHARPS DISPOSAL
- Chapter 6.94 — ENFORCEMENT OF LAWFUL ORDERS RELATED TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
- Chapter 6.100 — PROHIBITION OF NATURAL GAS INFRASTRUCTURE IN NEW BUILDINGS
- Chapter 6.110 — PROHIBITION OF GAS-POWERED LEAF BLOWERS
▸Title 8 — ANIMALS
Overview- Chapter 8.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 8.08 — ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT
- Chapter 8.10 — ADMINISTRATIVE ENFORCEMENT – ANIMAL CONTROL REGULATIONS
- Chapter 8.12 — IMPOUNDMENT
- Chapter 8.14 — DOGS AND OTHER DOMESTICATED ANIMALS
- Chapter 8.16 — BREEDING, SALE AND ADOPTION OF ANIMALS
- Chapter 8.18 — CARE AND KEEPING OF ANIMALS
▸Title 9 — PEACE, SAFETY AND MORALS
Overview- Chapter 9.02 — SAFETY ENHANCEMENT ZONES
- Chapter 9.04 — CHILD PROTECTION CURFEW
- Chapter 9.10 — AGGRESSIVE SOLICITATION
- Chapter 9.12 — INTOXICATION
- Chapter 9.16 — GAMBLING
- Chapter 9.20 — DEFACING SIDEWALKS
- Chapter 9.26 — FIREARMS DEALERS
- Chapter 9.28 — FIREARMS
- Chapter 9.29 — SAFE FIREARM STORAGE
- Chapter 9.30 — REPORTING LOST OR STOLEN FIREARMS
- Chapter 9.32 — POSSESSION OF FIREARMS ON CITY PROPERTY
- Chapter 9.36 — NOISE
- Chapter 9.37 — CHARGES FOR SPECIAL SECURITY SERVICES AT LOUD OR UNRULY GATHERINGS
- Chapter 9.40 — SOUND AMPLIFYING EQUIPMENT
- Chapter 9.46 — AUTOMATIC CALLING DEVICES
- Chapter 9.49 — NONCOMMERCIAL SIGNS ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
- Chapter 9.50 — CONDUCT ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
- Chapter 9.51 — FISHING FROM BRIDGES
- Chapter 9.52 — UNLAWFUL DIVING
- Chapter 9.54 — UNLAWFUL RESTRICTIONS ON POLITICAL SIGNS
- Chapter 9.56 — PRESERVATION OF HERITAGE TREES AND HERITAGE SHRUBS
- Chapter 9.58 — SECURITY ALARM SYSTEMS
- Chapter 9.60 — TRESPASSING
- Chapter 9.62 — TRESPASS FOR ENTRY UPON PUBLIC TRANSIT FACILITIES
- Chapter 9.64 — USE OF AND TRESPASSING UPON DOWNTOWN CITY PARKING LOTS AND GARAGES
- Chapter 9.66 — REGULATION OF OCEAN WATER SPORTS
- Chapter 9.68 — VOLUNTEER MARINE RESCUE UNIT
- Chapter 9.70 — WITHDRAWAL OF ACCESS
- Chapter 9.80 — ESTABLISHMENT OF A REDEMPTION VALUE FOR WINE COOLER AND SPIRIT COOLER CONTAINERS
- Chapter 9.82 — PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHERS
- Chapter 9.83 — PROHIBITION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION
- Chapter 9.85 — SURVEILLANCE TECHNOLOGY ORDINANCE
- Chapter 9.86 — DISCRIMINATORY REPORTS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT ORDINANCE
- Chapter 9.90 — AB 481 MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE
- Chapter 9.91 — PROHIBITION OF GOVERNMENT-SPONSORED UNSANCTIONED TRANSPORT OF HOMELESS PERSONS …
▸Title 10 — VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC
Overview- Chapter 10.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 10.08 — ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 10.12 — ENFORCEMENT AND OBEDIENCE
- Chapter 10.16 — CONTROL DEVICES
- Chapter 10.20 — TURNING MOVEMENTS
- Chapter 10.24 — ONE-WAY STREETS AND ALLEYS
- Chapter 10.28 — SPECIAL STOPS
- Chapter 10.32 — MISCELLANEOUS DRIVING RULES
- Chapter 10.36 — PEDESTRIANS
- Chapter 10.40 — STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING
- Chapter 10.41 — CITYWIDE PERMIT PARKING
- Chapter 10.42 — LIGHTHOUSE FIELD STATE BEACH
- Chapter 10.43 — REGULATION OF PARKING ON BEACH STREET
- Chapter 10.44 — LOADING, UNLOADING
- Chapter 10.46 — CITYWIDE TRIP REDUCTION PROGRAM
- Chapter 10.48 — RESTRICTED USE OF STREETS
- Chapter 10.50 — ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES – SANTA CRUZ POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS
- Chapter 10.52 — PARKING METERS
- Chapter 10.53 — UNMETERED FREE PARKING LOTS
- Chapter 10.54 — PROHIBITED USE OF PARKING LOTS
- Chapter 10.56 — TRAINS
- Chapter 10.60 — SPEED ZONES
- Chapter 10.64 — MAJOR PUBLIC SPECIAL EVENTS
- Chapter 10.65 — PUBLIC GATHERING AND EXPRESSION EVENTS
- Chapter 10.68 — BICYCLES
- Chapter 10.69 — ABANDONED OR INOPERATIVE BICYCLES
- Chapter 10.70 — MOTORIZED SCOOTERS AND SHARED BIKES
- Chapter 10.75 — TOWING VEHICLES ON PUBLIC PROPERTY
- Chapter 10.80 — TOWING VEHICLES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY
- Chapter 10.85 — TRAFFIC IMPACT FEES FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS
▸Title 12 — LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS
Overview- Chapter 12.02 — APPLICATION AND EFFECT
- Chapter 12.04 — DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 12.06 — INCIDENTAL EXPENSES
- Chapter 12.08 — REFERENCES
- Chapter 12.10 — NOTICES
- Chapter 12.12 — PUBLIC AND UTILITY PROPERTY
- Chapter 12.14 — CONTRIBUTIONS AND ADVANCES
- Chapter 12.16 — FORCE ACCOUNT
- Chapter 12.18 — REVOLVING FUNDS
- Chapter 12.20 — ASSESSMENT AND DIAGRAM
- Chapter 12.22 — PROTESTS
- Chapter 12.24 — HEARINGS
- Chapter 12.26 — MODIFICATIONS
- Chapter 12.28 — SUPPLEMENTAL ASSESSMENT
- Chapter 12.30 — CURATION
- Chapter 12.32 — ACQUISITION AND IMPROVEMENT PROCEDURE
- Chapter 12.34 — ASSESSMENT BOND PROCEDURE
- Chapter 12.40 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 12.50 — DESIGNATION OF AREAS OF BENEFIT
- Division II — Other Improvements
▸Title 13 — PARKS AND RECREATION
▸Title 14 — HARBOR AND WHARF
▸Title 15 — STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
Overview- Chapter 15.04 — DATUM PLANE
- Chapter 15.08 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 15.12 — STANDARDS
- Chapter 15.15 — PUBLIC REALM DESIGN FOR MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS
- Chapter 15.20 — DRIVEWAYS, SIDEWALKS AND ON-STREET BICYCLE FACILITIES
- Chapter 15.24 — BUILDING PERMITS
- Chapter 15.28 — EXCAVATIONS
- Chapter 15.32 — OBSTRUCTIONS
- Chapter 15.34 — ENCROACHMENT PERMITS
- Chapter 15.36 — PAINTING OF STREETS
- Chapter 15.38 — SMALL CELL WIRELESS FACILITIES
- Chapter 15.48 — PLANTING STRIPS
▸Title 16 — WATER, SEWERS AND OTHER PUBLIC SERVICES
Overview- Chapter 16.00 — GENERAL WATER SERVICES DEFINITIONS
- Chapter 16.01 — UPDATED WATER SHORTAGE CONTINGENCY PLAN IMPLEMENTATION
- Chapter 16.02 — WATER WASTE PROHIBITION AND OTHER WATER USE REGULATIONS
- Chapter 16.04 — WATER SERVICES
- Chapter 16.05 — LOCH LOMOND RECREATION AREA, WATERSHED LANDS AND RIPARIAN CONSERVATION AREAS
- Chapter 16.06 — REGULATION OF WATER WELLS
- Chapter 16.08 — SEWER SYSTEM ORDINANCE 1
- Chapter 16.09 — WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS
- Chapter 16.10 — DESALINATION PLANT – VOTER APPROVAL
- Chapter 16.11 — WATER SERVICE ACCOUNTS
- Chapter 16.12 — SEWER RATES AND CHARGES
- Chapter 16.13 — UNIFIED UTILITIES BILLING SYSTEM
- Chapter 16.14 — SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT CHARGES
- Chapter 16.15 — WATER USE
- Chapter 16.16 — WATER-EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING
- Chapter 16.18 — STORMWATER MANAGEMENT UTILITY
- Chapter 16.19 — STORM WATER AND URBAN RUNOFF POLLUTION CONTROL
- Chapter 16.20 — MUNICIPAL SOLAR UTILITY
- Chapter 16.22 — IMPACT MITIGATION – UNIVERSITY GROWTH
- Chapter 16.24 — UTILITY SERVICE AREA EXPANSION
- Chapter 16.26 — CITY OF SANTA CRUZ ENTERPRISE REVENUE BOND LAW
▸Title 18 — BUILDINGS AND CONSTRUCTION
Overview- Chapter 18.04 — BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 18.06 — SPECIAL BUILDING REGULATIONS
- Chapter 18.07 — ENERGY CONSERVATION – EXISTING MULTIFAMILY RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURES
- Chapter 18.08 — ELECTRICAL CODE
- Chapter 18.12 — PLUMBING CODE
- Chapter 18.14 — MECHANICAL CODE
- Chapter 18.15 — ENERGY CODE
- Chapter 18.20 — HOUSE MOVING
- Chapter 18.24 — HOUSE NUMBERING
- Chapter 18.28 — SIDEWALK MARQUEES
- Chapter 18.32 — SWIMMING POOLS
- Chapter 18.36 — APPLICABILITY OF BUILDING REGULATIONS
- Chapter 18.40 — HISTORICAL BUILDING CODE
- Chapter 18.41 — BOARD OF BUILDING APPEALS
- Chapter 18.44 — EARTHQUAKE HAZARD REDUCTION
- Chapter 18.45 — EXCAVATION AND GRADING REGULATIONS
- Chapter 18.46 — EXCAVATION SITES ON PACIFIC AVENUE
- Chapter 18.47 — SAFETY ASSESSMENT PLACARDS
- Chapter 18.48 — CHILDCARE IMPACT FEES
- Chapter 18.49 — PUBLIC SAFETY IMPACT FEE
▸Title 21 — HOUSING
Overview- Chapter 21.01 — DISCRIMINATION IN HOUSING
- Chapter 21.02 — SECURITY DEPOSITS FOR RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROPERTY
- Chapter 21.03 — RELOCATION ASSISTANCE FOR DISPLACED TENANTS
- Chapter 21.04 — TENANT NOTIFICATION OF SALE OF RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROPERTY
- Chapter 21.05 — PRESERVATION OF ASSISTED AFFORDABLE HOUSING
- Chapter 21.06 — RESIDENTIAL RENTAL DWELLING UNIT INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE PROGRAM
- Chapter 21.07 — TENANT PROTECTIONS ABOVE AB 1482 REQUIREMENTS
▸Title 22 — MOBILEHOMES AND PARKS
▸Title 23 — SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE
Overview- Chapter 23.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Chapter 23.08 — DEFINITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Chapter 23.12 — MAPS REQUIRED
- Chapter 23.16 — SUBDIVISION PROCEDURES – FIVE OR MORE PARCELS
- Chapter 23.20 — MINOR LAND DIVISIONS (FOUR OR FEWER PARCELS)
- Chapter 23.24 — SUBDIVISION IMPROVEMENTS
- Chapter 23.28 — DEDICATIONS – ACCESS TO PUBLIC RESOURCES – RESERVATIONS
- Chapter 23.32 — MODIFICATION AND APPEAL
- Chapter 23.34 — PARCEL MERGERS ON SUBSTANDARD LOTS
- Chapter 23.36 — ENFORCEMENT
- Chapter 23.37 — COMMUNITY HOUSING PROJECTS
- Chapter 23.40 — VESTING TENTATIVE MAP
- Chapter 23.44 — CORRECTIONS AND AMENDMENTS TO FINAL MAPS
▸Title 24 — ZONING
Overview- Chapter 24.02 — INTRODUCTION
- Chapter 24.04 — ADMINISTRATION
- Chapter 24.06 — ZONING MAP AND TEXT AMENDMENTS
- Chapter 24.08 — LAND USE PERMITS AND FINDINGS
- Chapter 24.10 — LAND USE DISTRICTS
- Chapter 24.12 — COMMUNITY DESIGN
- Chapter 24.14 — ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
- Chapter 24.15 — GREEN BUILDING REGULATIONS
- Chapter 24.16 — AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROVISIONS
- Chapter 24.18 — NONCONFORMING USES AND STRUCTURES
- Chapter 24.20 — ZONING MAP
- Chapter 24.22 — DEFINITIONS