How Lancaster Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide

Lancaster maintains 139 local ordinances across all categories, and 6 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Lancaster falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Water Restrictions

Lancaster's water waste ordinance bans irrigating lawns or landscaping between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. from March through October under Section 8.48.030(E). Sprinkler runoff onto streets or gutters can't run more than two minutes, hoses must be shut off, and any waste of water is a public nuisance the city can abate under Chapter 8.28 with misdemeanor penalties.

Key details: Watering-hours ban: No irrigation 10 a.m.-10 p.m., March-October. Exempt season: Restriction lifts entirely Oct. 31-March 1. Runoff limit: Sprinkler runoff capped at 2 minutes. Vehicle washing: Hose needs shutoff nozzle, or use a bucket. Penalty: Misdemeanor or infraction, separate offense per day.

Wasting water, including watering outside the permitted overnight hours, is a public nuisance abated under Chapter 8.28 and punishable as a misdemeanor unless charged as an infraction, per Sections 8.48.040 and 8.28.040. Each day the violation continues is a separate offense. Proof that waste originated at a property creates a legal presumption the owner or occupant is responsible under Section 8.48.050.

Artificial Turf

Lancaster generally permits artificial turf installation with some requirements for drainage, appearance, and base preparation.

Native Plants

Lancaster may encourage or require native and drought-tolerant landscaping. Some areas restrict traditional grass lawns in favor of water-efficient alternatives.

Tree Trimming

Lancaster requires property owners to keep street trees trimmed to a minimum clearance of 10 feet over sidewalks and 13.5 feet over streets under Municipal Code Section 12.20.030. Owners must also prevent trees from blocking streetlights, traffic signs, or intersection sightlines. No permit is needed to trim for clearance, and failure to comply lets the city step in and bill the owner for removal.

Key details: Sidewalk clearance: 10 feet minimum overhang clearance. Street clearance: 13.5 feet minimum overhang clearance. Permit required to trim: None, per Section 12.20.030. Nuisance abatement notice: 10 days to correct after written notice. Enforcement: Chapters 1.12 and 1.16 penalties.

Section 12.20.040 declares any tree kept in violation of Chapter 12.20 a public nuisance subject to abatement, and makes the violation subject to the general penalty in Chapter 1.12 as well as an administrative citation under Chapter 1.16. The city can also recover its abatement costs from the owner as a personal obligation or property lien under Chapter 8.28, in addition to any citation fine.

Rainwater Harvesting

Lancaster allows residential rainwater harvesting. California has no significant state-level restrictions on rainwater collection for personal use.

Weed Ordinances

Lancaster prints two height figures in two chapters. Section 15.24.150 requires all premises and exterior property to be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of six (6) inches and prohibits noxious weeds. Section 8.30.060 names lawn grasses more than eight inches in height as a lack of maintenance on developed residential lots outside the rural residential zones.

Key details: Section 15.24.150 limit: Weeds or plant growth in excess of six (6) inches. Section 8.30.060 lawn grass: Lawn grasses more than eight inches in height. Chapter 8.30 does not apply to: Rural residential zones RR-2.5, RR-1, and SRR. Chapter 15.24 enforcement: Building Official, assisted by code enforcement officers and other deputies. Chapter 15.24 appeals: Limited to those enumerated in Chapter 15.04.

Section 15.24.090 makes it unlawful to violate or fail to comply with any requirement of Chapter 15.24, and a violator is subject to the penalty, administrative and abatement provisions of Chapters 1.12, 1.16, and 8.28 of the Lancaster Municipal Code. Violations of Chapter 8.30 are not prosecuted as infractions or misdemeanors. They are punished by an administrative citation, with the penalty amount assessed at the rate in the fee schedule in Section 1.12.020. A cited person can instead enroll in community service under Section 1.16.095.

The Bottom Line

Lancaster'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 Lancaster is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Lancaster can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, which shows when its source was last checked.