How Concord Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide
Concord 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 Concord falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Grass Height Limits
Concord requires grass and weeds to be maintained at 4 inches or less as part of annual weed abatement enforced by ConFire. Overgrown vegetation is declared a public nuisance under California Health and Safety Code §14875 and Concord Municipal Code chapter 8.35.
Key details: 4-inch Maximum Grass: 4-inch maximum grass height. Annual ConFire weed: Annual ConFire weed abatement inspection. First Citation $100,: First citation $100, escalating to $500. Non-compliance Results in: Non-compliance results in abatement lien. Enforcement runs Spring: Enforcement runs spring through October 31.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Native Plants
Xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscaping are encouraged in Concord. State law prohibits HOAs from banning low-water landscaping, and MWELO mandates water-efficient designs for new and renovated landscapes over 500 square feet. CCWD offers turf replacement rebates.
Key details: Hoas: HOAs cannot ban drought-tolerant landscaping (Civ §4735). Mwelo Limits: MWELO limits turf to 25% in new projects. Ccwd Turf: CCWD turf rebate available. Smart Controller: Smart controller and drip rebates offered. Native And: Native and Mediterranean plants encouraged.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Concord gives residents more flexibility on native plants.
Weed Ordinances
Property owners must control noxious weeds identified by the Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner under California Food and Agriculture Code §5004. High-priority weeds in Concord include yellow starthistle, artichoke thistle, and medusahead. Non-compliance can trigger state abatement action.
Key details: Requirement: CA Food and Ag Code §5004 authorizes control. Requirement: Contra Costa County Ag Commissioner enforces. Requirement: Priority weeds: yellow starthistle, artichoke thistle, medusahead. Requirement: Notice required before county abatement. Requirement: Owner billed for abatement costs.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Water Restrictions
Concord water customers served by Contra Costa Water District must follow permanent statewide conservation rules: no runoff, no watering during or 48 hours after rain, no hosing hard surfaces. Outdoor watering is limited to assigned days and early morning or evening hours during drought declarations.
Key details: Hosing Ban: Permanent runoff and hard-surface. Watering After Rain: No 48 hours after. Drought Schedule: Assigned days only. Drought Hours: Morning/evening only. MWELO: Applies landscapes 500+ sq ft.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in Concord's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Concord regulates removal of protected trees under Concord Municipal Code chapter 8.50 (Tree Preservation). Protected trees over 10 inches DBH require a permit before removal. Heritage oaks and street trees have additional protection. Permit fees and replacement planting are required.
Key details: Permit: Permit required for trees 10+ inches DBH. Vegetation: Native oaks protected at any size. Vegetation: Street trees require city consent. Vegetation: Replacement planting typically 1:1 or 2:1. Permit: Unpermitted removal fines $1,000+ per tree.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Concord'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 Concord is broadly strict or permissive.
These rules come from Concord's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.