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Landscaping Rules

How Castro Valley Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Castro Valley maintains 30 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Castro Valley falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Tree Trimming

Alameda County Public Works Tree Ordinance regulates street trees in the County right-of-way - residents may trim or remove only with a free permit from PWA. Private-property trees have no county tree-removal permit (only the Fairview view ordinance Ch. 6.66 applies).

Key details: Street Trees: PWA Tree Ordinance - permit required. Private Trees: No removal permit in standard CV. View Ordinance: Fairview only - Ch. 6.66. Permit Portal: permit.acgov.org/TreePermit.

Unpermitted street tree removal is a misdemeanor under the Tree Ordinance plus replacement cost (often $500-$2,000 per tree). Trimming damaging power lines is a separate PG&E civil liability.

Water Restrictions

Castro Valley is served by East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). EBMUD's Water Conservation Regulation 14 permanently bans irrigation runoff, hosing down hardscape, and using non-recirculating water features. Drought stages add stricter watering days.

Key details: Provider: East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD). Permanent Bans: Runoff, hardscape washing, non-recirc fountains. Drought Water Hours: Before 9 a.m. / after 6 p.m.. Fine Cap: $500/day per violation.

EBMUD issues warning letters first; repeat violators get fines up to $500/day plus flow restrictors installed. State Water Board PEN. for runoff: $500 first violation.

The Bottom Line

Castro Valley'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 Castro Valley is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Castro Valley'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.