Downey's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Downey, 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.

Water Restrictions

Downey follows MWELO requirements for water-efficient landscaping. New/renovated landscapes over 500 sq ft must meet Maximum Applied Water Allowance. Water district restrictions on watering days and times apply.

Key details: MWELO: Applies to landscapes >500 sq ft. New Landscapes: MAWA calculations required. Turf Ban: AB 1572 for commercial (2024). Drought-Tolerant: Cannot be prohibited (Gov Code 65595).

Water suppliers can fine up to $500/day for violations. The City enforces through a 20% voluntary reduction program during drought emergencies.

Grass Height Limits

Downey requires property owners to maintain vegetation and prevent weed overgrowth. Unmaintained vegetation is classified as a public nuisance subject to abatement. Properties must conform with neighborhood maintenance standards.

Key details: Standard: Must match neighborhood standards. Weeds: Overgrowth is a nuisance. Enforcement: Code Enforcement. Abatement: City may abate and bill owner.

Code Enforcement investigates property maintenance complaints. Progressive enforcement from warnings to citations applies.

Tree Trimming

Downey's Urban Forest Management Plan governs street and median tree maintenance. The Director oversees all parkway tree planting, pruning, and removal. Property owners may not trim or remove street trees without authorization.

Key details: Street Trees: City-managed per UFMP. Private Trees: Owner responsibility. Authorization: Required for parkway trees. Master Plan: Street Tree Master Plan (STMP).

Tree maintenance affecting public right-of-way requires coordination with Public Works. Overgrown trees causing safety hazards are subject to code enforcement.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Downey requires front setback areas to be landscaped with drought-tolerant plants. Street trees are managed by the city and may not be removed without authorization. Landscaping screening between dwellings must meet specific planting requirements.

Key details: Front Setback: Must be landscaped (drought-tolerant). Screening Plants: 1 per 5 linear ft (15-gal) or 1 per 10 ft (24-in box). Street Trees: City-managed, no unauthorized removal. Code Enforcement: (562) 904-7153.

Damaging or removing city street trees without authorization may result in fines and required replacement planting. Failure to maintain required landscaping is subject to code enforcement.

Weed Ordinances

Dead, decayed, or hazardous weeds and vegetation are classified as public nuisances in Downey (DMC Art. V, Ch. 9). Property owners must maintain premises to neighborhood standards or face abatement.

Key details: Code: DMC Art. V, Ch. 9 Nuisances. Standard: Conformity with neighborhood. Penalty: Nuisance abatement + costs. Fire Hazard: Dry vegetation must be cleared.

Code Enforcement at (562) 904-2392 investigates complaints. Downey City Hall is located at 11111 Brookshire Avenue, 90241.

Artificial Turf

Artificial turf is allowed in Downey as a water-efficient landscaping alternative. California law prohibits cities from requiring natural turf where drought-tolerant alternatives are proposed.

Key details: Allowed: Yes, as turf alternative. State Law: Cannot require natural turf. HOA: Cannot prohibit (AB 1535). Installation: No special permit needed.

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 Downey gives residents more flexibility on artificial turf.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in California. No permit required for residential rain barrels. AB 1750 (2012) protects the right to collect rainwater for landscaping and non-potable uses.

Key details: State Law: AB 1750 - legal to collect. Permit: Not required for rain barrels. Use: Landscaping and non-potable. Rebates: Often available from water district.

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

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Downey gives residents more flexibility on rainwater harvesting.

Native Plants

California law prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant and native plant landscaping (Gov Code 65595). Downey's MWELO compliance encourages water-efficient and native plant installations.

Key details: State Law: Gov Code 65595 protects native plants. MWELO: Encourages low-water landscaping. Turf Replacement: Rebates often available. HOA: Cannot prohibit drought-tolerant plants.

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

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

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Downey 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.

All of the above reflects Downey's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.