Pomona's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

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

Weed Ordinances

Weed and vegetation control is enforced under Pomona's nuisance and property maintenance codes. Overgrown weeds constitute a fire hazard and nuisance violation. Code Compliance handles complaints and enforcement.

Key details: Standard: Weeds must be controlled year-round. Fire Hazard: Overgrown weeds = violation. Enforcement: Code Compliance / abatement. Contact: 909-620-2374.

Progressive enforcement: warnings first, then citations with fines. Contact Code Compliance at 909-620-2374 to report weed violations.

Water Restrictions

Pomona is served by multiple water providers following MWELO requirements. New landscapes over 500 sq ft must meet Maximum Applied Water Allowance calculations. CA Gov Code Section 65595 prohibits banning drought-tolerant landscaping.

Key details: MWELO: Applies to new landscapes over 500 sq ft. Drought-Tolerant: Cannot be prohibited (Gov Code 65595). State Law: AB 1881 Water Conservation Act. Commercial Turf: AB 1572 bans potable irrigation.

Non-compliant landscape installations delay project approval. Water waste violations are enforced by the local water provider with potential fines.

Native Plants

Pomona encourages water-efficient landscaping under MWELO. Native and drought-tolerant plants are promoted. CA law prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant landscaping.

Key details: State Law: Gov Code Section 65595 protects drought-tolerant. MWELO: Water-efficient landscaping required. Local Policy: Encouraged in new development. Turf Restrictions: AB 1572 limits commercial turf irrigation.

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

The rules around native plants in Pomona lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in California. No Pomona-specific restrictions exist. CA law allows residential rainwater collection without a permit for non-potable uses.

Key details: State Law: Legal for non-potable uses. Permit: Not required for residential collection. Local Restrictions: None specific to Pomona. Encouraged: Part of water conservation efforts.

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 Pomona gives residents more flexibility on rainwater harvesting.

Tree Trimming

Pomona regulates tree trimming under its Tree Preservation Program and Street Tree Policy Manual. Trees in historic districts require a Certificate of Appropriateness before trimming. Street trees follow ISA pruning standards.

Key details: Historic Districts: Certificate of Appropriateness required. Street Trees: City-managed per Street Tree Policy. Standards: ISA pruning standards. Code: Ch. 46, Art. X / Ch. 18, Art. V.

Improper trimming of street trees or heritage trees may require administrative review under the Historic Preservation Ordinance. Unauthorized removal of significant trees may result in penalties.

Grass Height Limits

Pomona Code Compliance enforces vegetation maintenance. Tall, dead, diseased, or overgrown vegetation is prohibited year-round. Failure to maintain property may result in abatement and Code Enforcement citations.

Key details: Standard: No tall/dead/overgrown vegetation. Enforcement: Code Compliance 909-620-2374. Year-Round: Maintenance required at all times. Penalties: Citations and abatement.

Code Compliance uses progressive enforcement starting with education. Violations result in warnings, then citations and penalties. Contact Code Compliance at 909-620-2374.

Artificial Turf

Artificial turf is permitted in Pomona as a water-saving alternative. CA law prohibits cities from requiring natural grass. MWELO encourages low-water landscaping options including synthetic turf.

Key details: Allowed: Yes, as water-efficient alternative. State Law: Cities cannot mandate natural grass. MWELO: Supports low-water alternatives. HOA: CA law limits HOA turf mandates.

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 Pomona gives residents more flexibility on artificial turf.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Pomona has a Tree Preservation Program protecting significant trees including oak trees. Removal of protected trees requires an Oak Tree Permit or Minor Certificate of Appropriateness from the Planning Division.

Key details: Program: Tree Preservation Program. Protected Trees: Oak trees, historic district trees. Permit: Oak Tree Permit required for removal. Street Trees: Public Works Dept. manages. Planning Div.: (909) 620-2191.

Unauthorized removal of a protected tree may result in code enforcement action, fines, and requirements to plant replacement trees. Oak tree violations may carry significant penalties.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Pomona 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 Pomona'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.