Landscaping Rules in Fresno, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Fresno or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Fresno has 8 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.
Weed Ordinances
FMC §10-605 is the primary weed control ordinance in Fresno, requiring vegetation under 6 inches on all parcels. Noxious and invasive weeds listed by the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner including yellow starthistle, puncturevine, and tamarisk require active control. Non-compliance triggers a mailed notice, city abatement, and a lien.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Fresno code enforcement](https://library.municode.com/ca/fresno/codes/code_of_ordinances) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Grass Height Limits
Fresno Municipal Code §10-605 requires property owners to maintain vegetation under 6 inches in height on developed parcels. Unmaintained grass, weeds, and rank growth over 6 inches becomes a fire and nuisance hazard subject to a weed abatement notice and administrative cleanup by the city at owner expense plus a lien.
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City contractor abatement cost plus administrative fee; recorded lien; fines up to $1,000.
Water Restrictions
The Fresno Water Division enforces year-round watering rules: no watering between 9 AM and 6 PM, no runoff onto streets or sidewalks, and watering on assigned odd/even days based on address. Mandatory schedules tighten in drought stages declared by Fresno and the State Water Board under Water Code §10608 and SB 606/AB 1668 long-term conservation rules.
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Infraction warning, $50 first citation, escalating fines up to $500+ for repeat irrigation violations.
Compared to other cities, Fresno takes a harder line on water restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Native Plants
Fresno encourages native and drought-tolerant plantings under its Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) adopted from state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. New landscaping over 500 square feet must meet water budget targets favoring native and low-water plants. HOAs cannot prohibit drought-tolerant landscaping under Civil Code §§4735 and 4739.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Fresno code enforcement](https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Water-Use-And-Efficiency/Urban-Water-Use-Efficiency/Model-Water-Efficient-Landscape-Ordinance) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting from rooftops is legal in Fresno under California Water Code §10574 and AB 1750 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012). No permit is required for simple rain barrels or cisterns used to irrigate landscaping. Storage tanks over 5,000 gallons or integrated with potable plumbing require Plumbing Code permits and backflow prevention.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Fresno code enforcement](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=10574.&lawCode=WAT) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Fresno gives residents more flexibility on rainwater harvesting.
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is legal in Fresno front and back yards. California Civil Code §4735 prohibits HOAs from banning artificial turf, and AB 349 (2015) further protects the right to install. Installations over 500 square feet need WELO documentation. Permeable base and proper drainage are required to prevent stormwater issues.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Fresno code enforcement](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=4735.&lawCode=CIV) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Fresno gives residents more flexibility on artificial turf.
Tree Trimming
Street trees in the Fresno public right-of-way are jointly the responsibility of the property owner and the city Urban Forestry division. Property owners must maintain 14-foot clearance over streets and 8 feet over sidewalks under FMC §13-605. Removal or major pruning of street trees and protected trees requires a permit from Urban Forestry.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Fresno code enforcement](https://www.fresno.gov/publicworks/urban-forestry/) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
FMC §13-305 requires a Tree Removal Permit for protected/heritage trees. Permits evaluated by licensed arborists. Licensed contractor required. Fruit trees exempt. Violators must pay double fee plus replacement costs.
Key details: Protected Trees: Heritage oaks, sycamores, Special List. Code: FMC §13-305. Permit Fee: Doubled if removed without permit. Exempt: Fruit trees, hazard trees, emergencies.
Removing protected tree without permit: double application fee + replacement costs at owner expense + penalty fee set by City Council.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, Fresno gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 2 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.
This guide is based on Fresno's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.