Hayward's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Hayward, 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
Hayward supports native and drought-tolerant landscaping. New projects must comply with the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
Key details: MWELO trigger: 500 sq ft or larger. Turf cap: Limited by MWELO. Rebate: Up to 2 dollars/sq ft. Good species: Ceanothus, toyon, oak. Irrigation: Smart controller required.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The rules around native plants in Hayward lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is encouraged. Rain barrels up to 5,000 gallons are permit-exempt under California Rainwater Capture Act.
Key details: No permit: Under 5,000 gal, outdoor use. Over 5,000 gal: Plumbing permit. Screen: 1/16 inch required. Rebates: EBMUD WaterSmart. Overflow: To pervious area.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Hayward gives residents more flexibility on rainwater harvesting.
Grass Height Limits
Hayward requires weeds and grass under 6 inches citywide and under 4 inches in VHFHSZ hillside areas during fire season.
Key details: Citywide max: 6 inches. VHFHSZ max: 4 inches fire season. Notice month: April. Deadline: Early May. Non-compliance: Abatement lien.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Tree Trimming
Hayward requires 14 feet of vertical clearance over streets and 8 feet over sidewalks. Hillside homes must clear branches 10 feet from chimneys.
Key details: Over street: 14 ft clearance. Over sidewalk: 8 ft clearance. From chimney: 10 ft (VHFHSZ). Ladder fuel: Remove to 6 ft. Permit: Not required, private.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Weed Ordinances
Hayward inspects properties annually for overgrown weeds and abates non-compliant parcels at owner expense with a lien.
Key details: Notice month: March or April. Deadline: Early May. Admin fee: Approximately 45 percent. Lien: On property tax roll. Opt-out: Self-abate by deadline.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is one of the stricter rules in Hayward's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is allowed at Hayward single-family homes. California AB 1572 and Civil Code 4735 protect turf choices in HOAs.
Key details: Allowed: Yes, single-family. Permeable base: Required. HOA limits: Restricted by Civ Code 4735. Permit: Usually not required. AB 1572: Non-functional turf ban.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Hayward is more permissive than most cities when it comes to artificial turf. That said, there are still limits.
Water Restrictions
Hayward customers are served by EBMUD or SFPUC. Both impose outdoor watering limits and enforce permanent waste prohibitions year-round.
Key details: Primary provider: EBMUD. No-water hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Shutoff nozzle: Required on hoses. Leak repair: Within 72 hours. AB 1572: Non-functional turf ban.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Hayward actively enforces its water restrictions requirements.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Hayward requires a permit to remove protected heritage trees and street trees. Most private non-heritage trees can be removed without a permit.
Key details: Permit needed: Heritage and street trees. Not required: Private non-heritage. Review: Planning Division. Replacement: Often required. Hazard trees: Expedited process.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, Hayward 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.
These rules come from Hayward's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.