How Concord Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide
Concord maintains 35 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 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.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Concord requires a permit to remove a protected tree, native oaks 12 inches or larger and most other trees 24 inches or larger in diameter, while non-protected trees may be removed without one. Hazardous trees may be removed in emergencies by order of city officials.
Key details: Permit for: Protected tree removal. Native trees: 12+ in. protected. Other trees: 24+ in. protected. Code section: CMC 8.40.140.
Removing a protected tree without a permit violates CMC 8.40.140 and exposes the responsible party to civil penalties based on the tree's value and the damage done.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Concord actively enforces its tree removal & heritage trees requirements.
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.
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.
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.
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.