Santa Maria's Landscaping Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles landscaping rules a little differently. In Santa Maria, 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.

Water Restrictions

Santa Maria Municipal Code Section 8-10.33 prohibits runoff irrigation, hosing of driveways and sidewalks, washing vehicles with an un-nozzled hose, and operating non-recirculating decorative fountains. In June 2022 the City Council enacted Stage 2 of the Water Shortage Contingency Plan, banning landscape irrigation from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. and irrigation during or within 48 hours of rainfall.

Key details: Code section: SMMC 8-10.33. Stage 2 noon-to-4pm ban: Yes — irrigation prohibited. Post-rain irrigation: Banned within 48 hours. Water waste hotline: (805) 925-0951 x2802.

Willful or negligent water waste through misuse of sprinklers or outdoor watering can result in the Utilities Department shutting off and sealing water service; service is not restored until the consumer pays the turn-on fee in the City's Schedule of Fees and Charges. Violations of the SWRCB non-functional turf rule carry civil liability of up to $500 per day under Water Code § 1058.5.

Weed Ordinances

Chapter 5-8 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code authorizes the City to declare overgrown weeds, vines, shrubs, brush, and hazardous debris on private property to be a public nuisance, post a 10-day notice to abate, hold a public hearing on objections, and — if not abated — perform the work itself and assess the cost against the parcel.

Key details: Code chapter: SMMC Chapter 5-8. Notice period before abatement: 10 days. Hearing: Public hearing on protests. Cost recovery method: Lien / special assessment.

Property owners who ignore the abatement notice face City-conducted removal at their expense, plus an administrative fee, with the entire cost recorded as a special assessment / lien on the property tax bill. The conduct may also be cited under the Municipal Code's general penalty as a misdemeanor or infraction.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Santa Maria regulates tree removal through its municipal code. Significant trees and street trees may require permits before removal. Replacement planting may be required.

Key details: Permit: May be required for significant trees. Street Trees: City approval required. Replacement: Often required. Exemptions: Dead, hazardous, diseased trees.

Unauthorized tree removal results in fines and mandatory replacement planting.

Grass Height Limits

Santa Maria's Municipal Code does not set a numeric grass-height limit; instead Chapter 5-8 (Weeds and Rubbish on Private Property) and the property-nuisance article (5-6.202) treat overgrown grass and weeds that become a fire menace when dry, or otherwise dangerous to health and safety, as a public nuisance subject to abatement. Annual weed abatement inspections begin June 1 each year.

Key details: Code sections: SMMC §§ 5-8.02, 5-8.03, 5-6.202. Numeric height limit: None — fire-hazard test. Annual inspection start: June 1. Cost recovery: Special assessment on tax bill.

If grass or weeds are not cut after notice, the City may abate them through a contractor; abatement cost plus an administrative fee becomes a special assessment recorded against the parcel and collected on the property tax bill. The same conduct may also be charged as a misdemeanor or infraction under the Municipal Code's general penalty (Chapter 1-2).

Tree Trimming

Under Santa Maria Municipal Code Chapter 8-8 (Urban Forestry), a permit from the Director of Recreation and Parks is required before anyone may spray, prune, trim, fertilize, plant, transplant, or remove any street tree, vine, shrub, or flower, or trench within the foliage drip line. Street trees are City-managed assets and include trees in parkways from the curb to ten feet toward the home.

Key details: Code chapter: SMMC Chapter 8-8 (Urban Forestry). Permitting authority: Director of Recreation and Parks. Healthy-tree replacement: Two 24" box trees per tree. City tree request line: (805) 925-0951 ext. 260.

Trimming, removing, or otherwise altering a street tree without the required permit is a Municipal Code violation enforceable through the City's administrative citation process under Title 1, Chapter 1-3. Unauthorized removal triggers replacement-tree obligations (two 24-inch box trees per healthy tree) and the property owner bears all costs.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Santa Maria actively enforces its tree trimming requirements.

The Bottom Line

Santa Maria'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 Santa Maria is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Santa Maria'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.