Stanislaus County · Central Valley, CA

Modesto,
California

Where the Central Valley Begins

Your complete local guide to permits, events, schools, utilities, and real estate in Ceres.

~220KResidents
44.3 mi²City Area
$458KMedian Home Price
95350-95358Zip Code(s)
Permits & Codes Contact Robert →

Know Your City

Key facts and figures about Ceres — a community in the heart of Stanislaus County, Central Valley, California.

🏛
County
Stanislaus
Stanislaus County, Central Valley CA
👤
Mayor (2026)
Javier Lopez
Elected City Council of 5 members
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Homeownership Rate
~55%
~16,000 total housing units in the city
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Median Household Income
$68,500
Per capita income approx. $25,000
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Location
SR-99 Corridor
South of Modesto, 80 min from Bay Area
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Higher Education
MJC Nearby
Modesto Junior College 10 min north in Modesto
📰
Local Newspaper
Modesto Bee
Primary news source for Stanislaus County
🗳
Congressional District
CA-13
Central Valley representation

Thinking About Buying or Selling in Modesto?

Modesto is the heart of Stanislaus County real estate - affordable, established, and consistently in demand. With a median sale price around $458K and only 31 days average on market, well-priced homes move fast. Whether you are buying your first home, upgrading, or ready to sell, having a local expert matters.

$458KMedian Sale Price
57.6%Homeownership Rate
$1,382Median Gross Rent
🏡
Robert Gonzales
Realtor® · PMZ Real Estate
CA DRE #02425173
(209) 679-6231 Contact Robert →

Permits, Codes & Construction

Everything you need to know before you build, remodel, or improve a property in Modesto. The city follows California State Building Codes.

🏗 When You Need a Permit

Almost any structural work beyond cosmetic improvements requires a building permit. Common projects include:

  • New construction or additions
  • Remodeling or structural changes
  • Detached structures over 120 sq ft
  • Re-roof, HVAC, electrical upgrades
  • Swimming pools and patio covers
  • ADU (Accessory Dwelling Units)
  • Demolitions

📋 Residential Permit Requirements

  • Building Permit Application (PDF)
  • Architectural and structural drawings (3 sets)
  • Structural calculations , 2 sets, wet signed
  • Title 24 Energy Calculations , 2 sets
  • Truss calculations , 2 sets, wet signed
  • Plot plan and electrical/plumbing plans
  • Plan check fees due at submittal

📞 Key Contacts & Process

  • Permits issued every working day during business hours
  • Building Division: (209) 577-5232
  • Planning submittals: planning@modestogov.com
  • Inspection request: (209) 577-5232
  • City Hall: 1010 10th St, Modesto, CA 95354
  • Online permits via City of Modesto portal
  • City website: modestogov.com

📚 Codes Adopted

Modesto follows the current versions of all California state codes:

  • California Building Code (CBC)
  • California Electrical Code (CEC)
  • California Plumbing Code (CPC)
  • California Mechanical Code (CMC)
  • Title 24 Energy Standards
  • Modesto Municipal Code (via Municode)

🏢 Planning & Zoning

Land development requires planning permits to ensure conformance with the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. Additional permits may be required for:

  • Encroachments and storm water prevention
  • Street closures and special events
  • Variance and conditional use permits
  • New business license applications
  • Sign permits and landscaping compliance
  • General Plan and Zoning Ordinance conformance

💡 Good to Know

  • Fire Dept. coordinates on all permit reviews
  • Certificates of occupancy issued by Building Division
  • Fee schedule available, fees subject to change
  • Hazardous materials disclosure required on application
  • ADU pre-approved building plans available from city
  • Business license required to operate within city limits

What’s Happening in Modesto

From annual festivals to community gatherings, Modesto has a vibrant local calendar. Check the official city website for up-to-date listings.

Jun
Jun
Annual · Summer

Ceres Street Faire

Annual summer community event in downtown Ceres with vendors, food, and live entertainment.

Jul
4th
Annual · Summer

4th of July Fireworks

Annual Independence Day celebration at Ceres Community Park with fireworks and family activities.

Oct
Fall
Annual · Fall

Harvest Festival

Community harvest celebration with local vendors, seasonal produce, and live music at city parks.

Dec
Dec
Annual · Winter

Holiday Parade

Annual holiday parade through downtown Ceres with community floats and festive activities.

Schools, Utilities & Services

Everything a resident — or future resident — needs to get connected, enrolled, and plugged in to the Modesto community.

🎓 Schools & Education

  • Modesto City Schoolsmodcity.k12.ca.us
  • Largest district in Stanislaus County - multiple high schools
  • Sylvan Union School Districtsylvan.k12.ca.us
  • Highly rated K-8 district in northwest Modesto
  • Modesto Junior Collegemjc.edu
  • Community college - 2-year programs, transfer pathways
  • CSU Stanislaus (Turlock)csustan.edu
  • 4-year university, 12 miles south in Turlock

💡 Utilities & Services

🔌 Public Safety

🌐 Useful Links

Reach the Right Department

Key city and county contacts for Modesto residents. Always verify hours and current contact info at modestogov.com.

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City Hall

1010 10th St
Modesto, CA 95354

(209) 577-5200modestogov.com
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Building Division

Permits, plan checks, inspections

(209) 577-5232modestogov.com
📐

Planning Dept.

Zoning, land use, planning permits

planning@modestogov.com
🔍

Inspections

Building Inspection Request Line

(209) 577-5232
🔌

Police Dept.

Non-Emergency Line

(209) 552-2470
📋

Municipal Code

Full Modesto code library online

Municode Library