Landscaping Rules in Clovis, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Clovis or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Clovis has 8 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Removing street trees or trees in public rights-of-way requires city permit. Private property tree removal generally does not require permit unless designated heritage tree or part of development review.

Key details: Street Trees: Permit required. Private Trees: Generally no permit. Heritage Trees: Protected (if designated). Replacement: May be required. Contact: Planning/Public Utilities.

Unpermitted street tree removal: fine plus replacement cost (mature tree value can exceed $1,000-$5,000+). Removing protected trees under CEQA: mitigation required.

Native Plants

Native and drought-tolerant plants encouraged in Clovis. CA Gov Code §65595 prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant landscaping. MWELO compliance required for new/renovated landscapes over 500 sq ft.

Key details: State Mandate: MWELO compliance. HOA Ban: Prohibited (§65595). Threshold: >500 sq ft new/reno. Recommended: CA natives, Mediterranean. Guidance: UC Coop Ext.

Non-compliant MWELO design at permit review: revisions required before approval. HOA attempting to ban natives: unenforceable per CA law.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Clovis gives residents more flexibility on native plants.

Water Restrictions

Clovis enforces permanent water conservation rules plus drought-stage restrictions. Outdoor watering limited to assigned days/times. AB 1572 bans irrigating non-functional turf with potable water for commercial properties by 2027-2031.

Key details: Watering Days: Assigned by address. Watering Times: Before 9 AM / after 7 PM. Runoff: Prohibited (permanent). AB 1572: Non-functional turf ban. Fine Range: $100-$500.

First violation: warning/education. Subsequent: $100-$500 per occurrence. Water service restrictions possible for repeat violators.

This is one of the stricter rules in Clovis's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting legal in California and Clovis. AB 1750 (2012) legalized rainfall capture. Rain barrels under 100 gallons generally permit-exempt; larger cisterns may require building/plumbing permits.

Key details: State Law: AB 1750 (2012). Small Barrels: No permit typical. Large Cisterns: Permit required. Landscape Use: Unrestricted. Indoor Use: Permit + filtration.

Unpermitted large cistern: stop-work order, retroactive permit or removal. Cross-connection with potable supply: plumbing code violation.

Clovis is more permissive than most cities when it comes to rainwater harvesting. That said, there are still limits.

Grass Height Limits

Weeds and grass exceeding 6-12 inches constitute a nuisance in Clovis. Property owners receive notice and must abate or city abates at owner cost. Fire hazard weed abatement enforced especially in summer.

Key details: Threshold: ~6-12 inches. Authority: CA Gov Code §39561+. Enforcement: Notice then abate. Cost Recovery: Tax lien. Fire Season: Stricter May-Oct.

Failure to abate after notice: city performs work, bills owner + admin fees (typically $200-$500 minimum), unpaid charges become property tax lien.

Artificial Turf

Artificial turf allowed in Clovis as water-saving landscaping. CA Civil Code §4735 prohibits HOAs from banning artificial turf and drought-tolerant landscaping. Building permit may be required for large installations.

Key details: City Allows: Yes, no ban. HOA Ban: Prohibited by CA §4735. Design Standards: May require mix. Tenants: Protected by §1940.10. Permit: Large jobs may need.

HOA ban of artificial turf: unenforceable under CA Civil §4735. Landscape standards violations at design review: correction required before approval.

The rules around artificial turf in Clovis lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Tree Trimming

Street trees trimmed by city; property owner trims private trees. Trees overhanging sidewalks/streets must clear 8 ft pedestrian, 14 ft vehicle. Neighbor may trim encroaching branches to property line.

Key details: Sidewalk Clearance: 8 ft minimum. Street Clearance: 14 ft minimum. Street Trees: City-maintained. Neighbor Branches: Trim to line only. Damage Risk: Treble per §3346.

Failure to trim after notice: city abates, bills owner. Trimming neighbor's tree across property line without permission: civil liability for damages, possibly treble damages under CA Civil Code §3346.

Weed Ordinances

Clovis enforces weed and rubbish abatement under CA Gov Code §39561+. Annual fire-season weed abatement program notifies owners; failure to clear triggers city abatement with costs assessed as tax lien.

Key details: Authority: CA Gov Code §39561+. Season: Annual (spring-summer). Notice Period: ~30 days typical. Abatement Cost: $300-$700+. Lien: Property tax roll.

Administrative abatement: $300-$700+ minimum in contractor + admin fees, recorded as tax lien. Repeat offenders may face citation fines in addition.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Clovis actively enforces its weed ordinances requirements.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Clovis gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 3 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.

These rules come from Clovis's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.