How Sacramento Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide
Sacramento maintains 183 local ordinances across all categories, and 8 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Sacramento falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.
Grass Height Limits
Sacramento requires property owners to keep grass and weeds under 12 inches under SMC Chapter 8.116; the city may abate and lien for non-compliance.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Sacramento code enforcement](https://qcode.us/codes/sacramento/) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Removing any city or Heritage tree in Sacramento requires a Tree Permit under SMC 12.56 with arborist report and replacement mitigation.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Sacramento code enforcement](https://qcode.us/codes/sacramento/) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
This is one of the stricter rules in Sacramento's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.
Weed Ordinances
Sacramento's SMC Chapter 8.116 Weed Abatement ordinance treats overgrown vegetation, dry grass, and combustible debris as a public nuisance.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Sacramento code enforcement](https://qcode.us/codes/sacramento/) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Rainwater Harvesting
California Rainwater Capture Act allows residential rainwater collection without a water right; Sacramento requires permits only for systems over 5,000 gallons.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Sacramento code enforcement](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Sacramento is more permissive than most cities when it comes to rainwater harvesting. That said, there are still limits.
Native Plants
Sacramento encourages California native plants through the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) and SMUD turf-replacement rebates.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Sacramento code enforcement](https://water.ca.gov/programs/water-use-and-efficiency/) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Artificial Turf
California AB 1572 bans potable water use on ornamental turf at commercial and public sites; Sacramento allows residential artificial turf, but HOAs cannot forbid it under Civil Code 4735.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Sacramento code enforcement](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Sacramento is more permissive than most cities when it comes to artificial turf. That said, there are still limits.
Water Restrictions
Sacramento enforces watering limits under SMC Chapter 13.04: 2 days per week in summer, 1 day per week in winter, never between 10 AM and 7 PM.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Sacramento code enforcement](https://qcode.us/codes/sacramento/) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Compared to other cities, Sacramento takes a harder line on water restrictions. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
Tree Trimming
Sacramento's strict tree canopy is protected by SMC Chapter 12.56; permits are required to prune city trees and Heritage trees above light maintenance.
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Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Sacramento code enforcement](https://qcode.us/codes/sacramento/) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Compared to other cities, Sacramento takes a harder line on tree trimming. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.
The Bottom Line
Sacramento is tougher than many cities when it comes to landscaping rules. Out of the 8 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Sacramento, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.
Keep in mind that Sacramento can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.