As an incorporated city, we enjoy the benefit of regulations and their enforcement designed for our specific needs – not those of the county, which would otherwise apply. Our citizens have a very local voice via neighbors whom we elect to represent us on City Council. Berkeley Lake governs itself!

The City of Berkeley Lake Ordinances are the laws that govern our city. Our ordinances affect: zoning; property maintenance; buffers, landscapes and trees; noise control; air quality control; solid waste management; stormwater management; soil erosion and sedimentation control; piers, docks, boathouses and swimming pools; animals, signage; streets, curbs and sidewalks; nuisances; and more.

It is each resident’s responsibility to comply with city ordinances. Often times, a permit must be obtained from the City of Berkeley Lake prior to any changes or improvements being made to property and dwellings. Failure to obtain required permits and/or failure to comply with city ordinances can unfortunately result in stop-work orders, revocation of existing permits/licenses, doubled fees, citations, municipal court summons, fines, imprisonment, and other remedies prescribed by law. For information on ordinances related to specific projects, you are encouraged to contact the City’s Ordinance Enforcement Officer (OEO). Our OEO provides a valuable service, is very responsive, and costs nothing to consult.

A number of selected city ordinances are summarized below in alphabetical order. This overview provides neither complete nor authoritative information on the subject matter covered. You should not rely on this summary and the City is not liable for any such reliance. The full version of each ordinance is listed under the 'Quick Links' section of this web site. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.