How Brentwood Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide
Brentwood maintains 85 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Brentwood falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Brentwood regulates removal of protected and heritage trees, including most native oaks and trees over a threshold trunk diameter on developed residential parcels. A tree removal permit from Community Development is required unless the tree is dead, diseased, or poses imminent hazard, in which case photographic documentation is still required.
Key details: Tree Permit: Native oaks and large trees require removal permits. Replacement Fee: Replacement or in-lieu fee required (2:1 typical). Dead or hazardous: Dead or hazardous trees exempt with documentation. Maintenance: Street/parkway trees are city-maintained. Penalties: Fines up to $1,000 per unpermitted removal.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Weed Ordinances
Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner maintains the noxious weed list under California Food and Agricultural Code Section 5004. Brentwood property owners must control listed species including yellow starthistle, artichoke thistle, and puncturevine, and the county may enter and abate infestations at the owner's expense.
Key details: Noxious Weeds: FAC 5004 regulation. Priority Species: Yellow starthistle and puncturevine. Authority: County Ag Commissioner can enter, abate. Right to Farm: Supports ag-adjacent weed control. Herbicides: Restricted types need licensed applicator.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Water Restrictions
Brentwood residents are served by the city's water utility and the East Contra Costa Irrigation District for agricultural users. Permanent statewide water waste rules from the State Water Resources Control Board prohibit runoff, hosing hard surfaces, and watering within 48 hours of rain. Assigned outdoor watering days typically limit irrigation to two or three days per week.
Key details: No Runoff, Hosing: No runoff, hosing hardscape, or watering within 48 hrs of rain. Assigned Outdoor Watering: Assigned outdoor watering days (2-3 per week typical). No Watering 9: No watering 9 AM to 6 PM. Mwelo Applies New: MWELO applies to new landscapes over 500 sq ft. Fines Start At: Fines start at $100 and escalate for repeat violations.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Brentwood actively enforces its water restrictions requirements.
Native Plants
California law strongly encourages drought-tolerant landscaping in Brentwood. HOAs cannot prohibit low-water landscaping under Civil Code Section 4735, and the state's MWELO requires water-efficient design for new and retrofit landscapes exceeding 500 square feet. Rebates are available through Contra Costa Water District partners for turf removal.
Key details: Hoas: HOAs cannot ban drought-tolerant landscaping (CC 4735). Mwelo: MWELO applies to landscapes over 500 sq ft with permit. Drip Irrigation: Drip irrigation and smart controllers required. Replacement: Turf replacement rebates available from CCWD partners. Protection: Native and edible plants protected.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Brentwood gives residents more flexibility on native plants.
Grass Height Limits
Brentwood Municipal Code declares vegetation over 6 inches a public nuisance when it creates a fire hazard or harbors vermin. Weed abatement notices are issued each spring, and uncured violations allow the city or ECCFPD to mow at the owner's expense with lien authority under California Government Code Sections 39560-39588.
Key details: Grass Height: Grass/weeds over 6 inches can trigger nuisance. Abatement Timeline: Annual abatement starts April each year. Cure Period: 30-day cure period before city abatement. Enforcement: Abatement costs become a property lien. Vacant Lots: Vacant lots >10,000 sq ft need disked firebreak.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Brentwood's landscaping rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Brentwood is broadly strict or permissive.
All of the above reflects Brentwood's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.