San Mateo's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In San Mateo, California, there are 5 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.
Tree Trimming
Private tree trimming in San Mateo does not require a city permit. Street trees (public right-of-way) require permission from the Parks Division. Trees must not encroach on adjacent properties or utilities without proper trimming.
Key details: Private Trees: No permit needed for trimming. Street Trees: Parks Division approval required. Utility Lines: Coordinate with PG&E. Contact: Public Works (650) 522-7300.
Water Restrictions
San Mateo's water is provided by Cal Water (San Mateo District). Water conservation ordinances (SMMC Ch. 23.72) apply to landscaping. Year-round prohibitions include runoff, watering during/after rain, and midday irrigation.
Key details: Water Provider: Cal Water (San Mateo District). No Watering Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM (summer). Rain Rule: No watering within 48 hours of rain. Runoff: Prohibited. Code: SMMC Ch. 23.72.
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in San Mateo under California AB 1750. Rain barrels under 5,000 gallons are exempt from building permits. Cal Water may offer rebates. Collected rainwater can be used for irrigation and non-potable purposes.
Key details: Legal Status: Legal. AB 1750. Permit Exempt: Under 5,000 gallons. Approved Uses: Irrigation, non-potable. Water Provider: Cal Water Service. Vector Control: SM County.
No permit violations for systems under 5,000 gallons. Standing water breeding mosquitoes may be cited. Large systems without permits may be cited.
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is permitted in San Mateo. California Government Code 65595 prohibits cities from requiring natural grass. HOAs cannot prohibit water-efficient landscaping under Civil Code 4735. Cal Water may offer rebates for turf replacement.
Key details: Permit: Generally not required. State Protection: CA Gov Code §65595. HOA Protection: CA Civil Code §4735. Water District: Cal Water: check rebates. Drainage: Must maintain proper drainage.
No violations for installing artificial turf. Poor drainage causing runoff issues may be cited. HOA restrictions violating state law are void.
Native Plants
San Mateo encourages drought-tolerant and native landscaping consistent with California's MWELO. New landscapes over 500 square feet must comply with water-efficiency calculations. California law prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant plants.
Key details: MWELO: New landscapes 500+ sq ft. State Protection: Cannot ban drought-tolerant plants. Water Provider: Cal Water Service. Climate Zone: USDA 10a-10b. Mediterranean. Tree Protection: Ch. 13.40. Protected Trees.
Non-compliance with MWELO on applicable projects may delay permits. No penalties for existing native landscaping. Failure to maintain required landscaping on commercial properties may be cited.
The Bottom Line
San Mateo'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 San Mateo is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that San Mateo 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.