Where or What is an Unincorporated Area in California?
Within each county of California are “incorporated” cities, which means they have their own local government (usually city council). But there are also areas within the county that are NOT part of any official city. These locations are known as unincorporated areas and are governed by the county board of supervisors, which is equivalent to a city council. The local laws for these areas are found in the county municipal code.
(FYI there is no such thing as an “unincorporated city,” but you could call it an “unincorporated town” or “unincorporated territory.”)
How do I know if I am in an unincorporated area?
We created a “Find My City and County” feature to find your jurisdiction for any location in the country, and it will also help you find your local laws.
Or see unincorporated communities of the Los Angeles County area or the San Francisco Bay area.
