Your best resource for planning, zoning, and land use questions in Manteca is the friendly Development Services Department Planning Division staff! 
Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:30 am through 5:00 pm
Office Location: 1215 W. Center Street, Suite 201, Manteca CA 95337
Phone: (209) 456-8500
Email: Planning@manteca.gov

FAQs

What is Zoning?  What is my property zoned, and where can I find zoning information?The primary purpose of zoning is to separate land uses that are thought to be incompatible near each other, and to prevent new development from harming existing residents or businesses. You can look up the zoning designation of any property located in the City limits on the GIS map located here.

Where is my property line?
Homeowners should know where their property lines are. You may want to add on to your home, put a pool in the back yard, build a gazebo, shed or pool house, add or extend the patio cover or build a fence. Your property line is not necessarily where the sidewalk ends and the grass begins nor does the fence necessarily define the legal boundary of your property. The City has access to County maps that show your lot dimensions; however, you cannot determine the precise location of your property line without having a survey of your property performed by a licensed surveyor or civil engineer to determine the accurate location of your property lines. Unfortunately, City staff cannot recommend any specific surveyor, engineer or company.

What are lot setbacks?  What are the setbacks for my property?
Setbacks are the minimum distance required between a structure and a property line. Property setbacks provide for a visually pleasing streetscape, help keep light and space between homes and provide green spaces for people to enjoy their backyards. Setbacks vary throughout the City depending on the zoning and lot size. Please contact the Planning Department at (209) 456-8500 or by email at Planning@manteca.gov, provide us with the property address, and we can provide you with setback information.

I’m in a dispute with my neighbor about the property line between our homes.  Can the City help?
No, this is a civil issue between the two property owners and the City will not get involved. The public can access resources at the City such as Parcel Maps and Subdivision Maps, which show property lines, but obtaining a property survey by a licensed property surveyor or engineer is the only accurate way to determine actual property lines and boundaries.

How tall can my fence be?
The Manteca Municipal Code regulates the height and location of fences. Generally speaking, fences or walls located in the front yard or side yard of a corner lot cannot be taller than 3-feet and fences in your backyard cannot be taller than 7-feet. Always confirm the requirements for your property before installing or replace a fence. 

The fence between my house and my neighbor’s needs to be repaired or replaced.  Who is responsible for this?
The Good Neighbor Fence Act of 2013 (California Civil Code 841), requires that “adjoining landowners shall share equally in the responsibility of maintaining the boundaries and monuments between them.”  In the case of residential neighbors, “monuments” means the fence. Therefore, the neighbors on both sides are equally responsible for the reasonable costs of repairing or replacing the fence between them. The Good Neighbor Fence Act does not regulate how the fence will look or what materials will be used, but the Manteca Municipal Code, Section 17.46.060 identifies standards for fence materials and maintenance. Further, disputes between neighbors are a civil matter, and the City does not get involved.

I would like to build a shed/gazebo/other accessory structure in my backyard.  Do I need a permit?
A building permit is required by law for most construction and/or repair projects. If the accessory structure is not larger than 120 square feet, and does not have electricity or plumbing, a building permit may not be required. All accessory structures must maintain a minimum setback, or distance, from property lines and other structures.  A structure such as a patio cover or sunroom that is built onto your house is considered part of the house and is not considered as an accessory structure. Please contact the Planning Division at (209) 456-8500 or Planning@manteca.gov, or the Building Safety Division at (209) 456-8550 or MantecaBuilding@manteca.gov with any questions you might have.

Who is responsible for sidewalk repairs in front of my house?
The City of Manteca Public Works Department Streets Division is responsible for repairs on sidewalks, curbs, and gutters along the public roads in Manteca.  If you have a problem or question, please call (209) 456-8449

Who is responsible for maintaining the landscape strip between the sidewalk and curb in front of my house?
Homeowners are responsible for irrigating, mowing, and maintaining the landscape strip located between curbs and sidewalks along the street frontage of their house.

Who is responsible for the tree in front of my house?
Contact the City of Manteca Public Works Department Parks Division at (209) 456-8636 to find out whether the tree in question is a City-owned and maintained tree, or if it is the responsibility of the landowner.  If it’s located on private property, it is the landowner’s responsibility.

Where can I find a list of approved street tree varieties for Manteca?
Here you can find a copy of Manteca’s Approved Street Tree List.

Can I park an RV at my house?
To make a determination on this, Planning staff would need to know when the house was originally built, as the City of Manteca has a different set of rules and requirements, as set forth in the Manteca Municipal Code, Sections 17.52.120 and 17.52.130.  Contact us at (209) 456-8500 or Planning@manteca.gov, and our Planning staff will assist you in understanding Manteca’s rules and requirements of this.

Can I build a second driveway to park an RV at my house?
Perhaps. The construction of a second driveway would be subject to an Encroachment Permit from the City of Manteca Engineering Department, and would be subject to requirements, such as conformance to City Standards.  Its construction should also not take away from a reasonable amount of on-street parking that the house would need, creating a new issue for the homeowner or neighbors.  

Can I have a shade structure in my driveway?
Maybe.  Manteca Municipal Code, Chapter 17.40 covers requirements and standards for accessory structures such as carports, sheds, and decks.  Your best course is to contact Planning to ask specific questions at (209) 456-8500 or Planning@manteca.gov, to discuss the issues surrounding this before you build or buy a shade structure for your driveway.

Can I build a second dwelling or in-law house on my property?
Please refer to our Accessory Dwelling Unit Guidebook for more information on constructing an ADU, or contact Planning to ask specific questions at (209) 456-8500 or Planning@manteca.gov.

Can I build a prefab tiny home on my property?
Please refer to our Accessory Dwelling Unit Guidebook for more information on constructing an ADU, or contact Planning to ask specific questions at (209) 456-8500 or Planning@manteca.gov.

Can I convert my garage into an apartment, office, or recreation room?
Please refer to our Accessory Dwelling Unit Guidebook for more information on constructing an ADU, or contact Planning to ask specific questions at (209) 456-8500 or Planning@manteca.gov.

Can I operate a business out of my house?
Some limited types of businesses might be allowable to operate with a Business License and a Home Occupation Permit out of a house in Manteca.  Consult the Manteca Municipal Code, Chapter 17.78 for requirements and standards for Home Occupation businesses, or contact Planning to ask specific questions at (209) 456-8500 or Planning@manteca.gov.

I want a sign for my business, what can I have?
It depends.  Please consult the Manteca Municipal Code, Chapter 17.54 for requirements and standards for signs on private property, or contact Planning to ask specific questions at (209) 456-8500 or Planning@manteca.gov.  Also please be aware that many shopping centers in Manteca have adopted Sign Master Programs (see MMC Section 17.10.090) in place, which give further specifics for allowable signage within the shopping center.  Check with the property owner or manager to see if one has been adopted for the site.

 Other Planning Documents and Information

 City of Manteca GIS Map, including zoning