Landscaping Rules in Palm Springs, CA

If you live in Palm Springs or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Palm Springs has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Water Restrictions

Palm Springs bans irrigating lawns and landscaping between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., and caps above-ground spray irrigation at 15 minutes per station. Drip irrigation, hand-held buckets, and quick-release hose nozzles are exempt, but runoff onto sidewalks or streets and watering during rainfall are both separately banned as water waste.

Key details: No-watering hours: 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily. Spray irrigation limit: 15 minutes per station. Exempt: Drip irrigation, hand-held bucket or quick-release hose. Rain rule: No irrigation during rainfall. Adopted: Ordinance 1858, 2014.

Violating the watering-hours, over-watering, or rainfall-irrigation restrictions is water waste under Section 11.06.050 and a public nuisance under Section 11.06.080, punishable as a misdemeanor for each day the violation continues and enforceable through the administrative citation process in Chapter 1.06, in addition to any other civil or criminal remedy the City may pursue.

Weed Ordinances

Palm Springs treats overgrown weeds, shrubs, and plants as a public nuisance when they block a public right-of-way, harbor vermin, create a fire hazard, or hurt neighboring property values under Municipal Code Section 11.72.150 and Section 11.72.170. The code sets no numeric height, but requires vegetation on developed lots to stay trimmed and sight-clear.

Key details: Right-of-way overgrowth: Public nuisance under § 11.72.150. General vegetation standard: § 11.72.170(c)-(d). Numeric height limit: None specified in city code. Cure period: At least 10 days after notice. Maximum criminal penalty: $1,000 fine / 6 months jail.

A property owner who fails to correct a cited weed or vegetation nuisance after notice can have the city abate it directly and bill back all inspection, abatement, and legal costs (Sections 11.72.235, 11.72.250), and the responsible party is separately guilty of a misdemeanor under Section 11.72.275, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both.

Tree Trimming

Palm Springs requires every property, including vacant lots and the parkway strip to the street centerline, to keep its landscaping in a healthy condition. Shrubs and trees must be "trimmed and pruned to retain their health and adequate clearance over pedestrian and vehicular areas," the same maintenance duty that covers unmowed lawns and dead ground cover.

Key details: Governing section: Zoning Code Sec. 93.19.00(4). Applies to: All properties, including vacant land and parkway strips. Core duty: Trees/shrubs trimmed for health and clearance. Also covered: Lawns, ground cover, irrigation, bare-earth weeds. Adopted / amended: Ord. 1294 (1988), amended Ord. 2042 (2021).

The City treats an untrimmed tree or shrub blocking a sidewalk or street the same as any other Section 93.19.00 maintenance deficiency: an inspector documents the condition and the property owner is expected to correct it, with continued noncompliance handled through the City's standard code-enforcement process for zoning violations. Because tree clearance sits in the same subsection as trash removal, irrigation upkeep, and structural repair, a single complaint-driven inspection often turns up several maintenance items on one property at once.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation is legal and encouraged in Palm Springs, though rainfall is extremely limited (about 4-6 inches annually). Rain barrels under 5,000 gallons need no permit. Larger cisterns and any connection to potable plumbing require permits and backflow protection under the California Plumbing Code.

Key details: Rain Barrels: Under 5,000 gallons generally need no permit. Cisterns: Tied to indoor plumbing require permit and backflow prevention. Safety Features: Screened inlets and child-safe lids required. HOA Rights: Cannot unreasonably prohibit under Civil Code §4735. Climate: Palm Springs averages only 4–6 inches rain/year.

Native Plants

Palm Springs actively encourages Sonoran Desert natives and climate-appropriate plants under PSMC Chapter 8.70, with approved plant lists emphasizing low-water species like palo verde, ironwood, mesquite, ocotillo, desert willow, and native grasses. California Civil Code §4735 prevents HOAs from prohibiting drought-tolerant landscaping.

Key details: Limits: PSMC Ch. 8.70 requires low-WUCOLS plant selection for new landscapes. Preferred Natives: Preferred natives: palo verde, ironwood, mesquite, ocotillo, desert willow. Statutory Authority: HOAs cannot prohibit drought-tolerant plants (Civil Code §4735). Invasive Fountain: Invasive fountain grass discouraged due to fire risk. Turf Conversion: Turf-conversion rebates available from DWA and CVWD.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Palm Springs gives residents more flexibility on native plants.

The Bottom Line

Palm Springs'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 Palm Springs is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Palm Springs's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.