Compton's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Compton, California, there are 8 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Native Plants

California encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping through MWELO. Compton cannot prohibit native plant gardens per CA Gov Code 65595. Water-efficient landscape requirements apply to new/renovated landscapes over 500 sq ft.

Key details: State Encouragement: MWELO and AB 1881. Local Bans: Prohibited by state law. New Landscapes: MWELO applies over 500 sq ft. Water District: May offer rebates.

Varies by jurisdiction. HOA fines for non-compliance may be unenforceable if state law protects xeriscaping rights.

Compton is more permissive than most cities when it comes to native plants. That said, there are still limits.

Water Restrictions

Water use in Compton is governed by the local water district and state conservation mandates. Watering day and time restrictions may apply during drought conditions. AB 1572 bans irrigating non-functional turf with potable water for commercial properties.

Key details: Watering Days: Set by water district. Runoff: Prohibited (no waste). AB 1572: Commercial turf irrigation banned. Drought Orders: State may impose emergency cuts.

MWELO violations are subject to code enforcement. Excessive water waste may result in penalties from the water supplier and fines from the city.

Weed Ordinances

Compton requires all property owners to keep lots free of weeds and overgrown vegetation under nuisance provisions (Chapter 7). Code enforcement officers identify weed violations during systematic block-by-block inspections. Failure to abate is a misdemeanor.

Key details: Maintenance: Weeds must be removed. Enforcement: Systematic and complaint-based. Penalty: Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine. Abatement: City may abate and charge owner.

Non-compliance within the time limit is a misdemeanor, punishable by fine up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to six months. Abatement costs are recovered through a special assessment lien on the property.

Artificial Turf

Artificial turf is permitted in Compton as an alternative to natural grass. CA Gov Code 65595 prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant landscaping. MWELO encourages water-efficient landscapes. Artificial turf counts toward water conservation compliance.

Key details: Permitted: Yes, in all residential zones. State Law: Cannot ban drought-tolerant landscaping. Water Savings: Counts toward MWELO compliance. HOA: Cannot prohibit per CA law.

Generally no penalties for installation. Non-compliant drainage may require correction. HOA fines may be unenforceable where state law protects turf rights.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Compton gives residents more flexibility on artificial turf.

Tree Trimming

Compton does not have a specific tree trimming ordinance or heritage tree program. Property owners may trim trees on their property. California law (Civil Code 3346) addresses damage to trees. Street trees along public rights-of-way are managed by city public works.

Key details: Private Trees: Owner may trim freely. Heritage Trees: No local ordinance. Street Trees: Managed by city public works. Neighbor Trees: May trim branches over property line.

Unauthorized removal of protected tree: $1,000 to $25,000+ per tree. Replacement planting required. Criminal charges possible.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Compton gives residents more flexibility on tree trimming.

Grass Height Limits

Compton's property maintenance code and nuisance regulations require property owners to maintain grass, weeds, and vegetation. Overgrown vegetation is considered a nuisance under Chapter 7 (Police Regulations). Code enforcement conducts block-by-block systematic inspections.

Key details: Maintenance: Required, no overgrown vegetation. Enforcement: Systematic block-by-block inspections. Violation: Public nuisance citation. Penalty: Up to $1,000 misdemeanor fine.

Failure to abate within the specified time limit is a misdemeanor, punishable by fine up to $1,000 or imprisonment up to six months. Abatement costs become a special assessment and lien on the property.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Compton and throughout California. Rain barrels and cisterns do not require permits. LADWP offers rebates for rain barrels. Captured rainwater can be used for irrigation and non-potable uses.

Key details: Legal Status: Legal, no permit required. Rebates: LADWP offers rain barrel rebates. Uses: Irrigation, non-potable purposes. Capacity: No limit on residential collection.

No penalties for standard residential collection. Large cistern installations without building permit: standard building code violation $100 to $500.

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

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Compton Municipal Code Chapter 24 (Property Maintenance) requires property owners to maintain landscaping. Street trees are city property. Private tree removal may be subject to zoning and property maintenance requirements.

Key details: Code Section: CMC Chapter 24 (Property Maintenance). Street Trees: City-managed, no unauthorized removal. Private Trees: Generally removable by owner. Maintenance: Required for all landscaping. Code Enforcement: (310) 605-5525.

Property maintenance violations result in code enforcement notices. Continued non-compliance may result in citations, fines, and potential city-performed abatement at the owner's expense.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Compton 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.

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