Landscaping Rules in Citrus Heights, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Citrus Heights or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Citrus Heights has 8 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Citrus Heights protects designated trees through its tree preservation ordinance, requiring a permit to remove protected or oak trees on private property.
Key details: Protected Species: Native oaks and designated. Trigger Size: 6 inches DBH typical. Permit Required: Yes for protected. Replacement: Often required. Emergency: Allowed with documentation.
Illegal removal of a protected tree may carry fines based on the appraised value of the tree, often exceeding 1000 dollars plus replacement requirements.
Water Restrictions
Citrus Heights Water District and San Juan Water District enforce permanent conservation rules, with watering limited to assigned days and no runoff allowed.
Key details: Water Districts: CHWD and SJWD. Watering Days: Assigned by address. Daytime Ban: 10 AM to 7 PM typical. HOA Protection: Civil Code 4735. Non-Functional Turf: AB 1572 phase-out.
Water district staff issue warnings for first violations, escalating to fines of 50 to 500 dollars for repeat offenses.
This is one of the stricter rules in Citrus Heights's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is allowed in Citrus Heights yards, and California Civil Code 4735 and AB 1572 further protect homeowners who choose synthetic grass for water conservation.
Key details: HOA Protection: Civil Code 4735. Commercial Turf: AB 1572 phase-out. Permit: Not required residential. Drainage: Must be adequate. Trees: Avoid root zones.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Citrus Heights is more permissive than most cities when it comes to artificial turf. That said, there are still limits.
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal statewide under the California Rainwater Capture Act, and Citrus Heights allows rain barrels and cisterns without a permit under 5000 gallons.
Key details: State Law: Water Code 10574. Permit Threshold: Under 5000 gallons exempt. Uses: Non-potable only. Screening: Mosquito screens required. Rebates: Regional Water Authority.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Citrus Heights gives residents more flexibility on rainwater harvesting.
Weed Ordinances
Noxious weeds and overgrown vegetation on private lots in Citrus Heights are subject to nuisance abatement and county agricultural commissioner noxious weed rules.
Key details: Agency: Metro Fire District. Noxious List: CDFA Food and Ag 5004. Deadline: Before fire season. Vacant Lots: Disced or mowed. Lien: Placed for noncompliance.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Grass Height Limits
Citrus Heights considers grass or weeds over 6 inches a public nuisance subject to abatement under the city municipal code and state weed abatement law.
Key details: Height Trigger: Over 6 inches. Authority: Metro Fire and city. Notice Period: 30 days. State Law: Gov Code 39560. Noncompliance: Lien on property.
Administrative abatement typically costs 500 dollars or more including clearance, inspection, and processing fees, all placed as a tax lien.
Tree Trimming
Private tree trimming in Citrus Heights generally does not require a permit, but street trees and heritage trees require city approval before pruning.
Key details: Private Trees: No permit for routine work. Street Trees: City permit required. Utility Lines: Utility responsibility. Encroachment: Neighbor may trim to line. Recommended: ISA certified arborist.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Citrus Heights is more permissive than most cities when it comes to tree trimming. That said, there are still limits.
Native Plants
Citrus Heights encourages native and low-water landscaping, with MWELO governing new projects over 500 square feet of landscape area.
Key details: MWELO Trigger: Over 500 sq ft. State Regulation: CCR Title 23 Section 492. Water Budget: Required. Rebates: Cash for Grass. Examples: Salvia manzanita ceanothus.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Citrus Heights gives residents more flexibility on native plants.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, Citrus Heights gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 4 of the 8 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.
Keep in mind that Citrus Heights can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.