How Santa Monica Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide

Santa Monica maintains 115 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Santa Monica falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

No one may remove, cut, trim, prune, or otherwise disturb any tree on public property, including streets, sidewalks, parkways, and alleys, without first obtaining a City permit, and violations carry fines up to $1,000 or jail time.

Key details: Permit required for: Removal, cutting, trimming, pruning, planting, injuring, or interfering with any public tree, shrub, or plant. Covered locations: Streets, sidewalks, parkways, alleys, and other public property. Permit validity: 30 calendar days from issuance; extensions available on showing of no hazard/impact. Replanting condition: Director may require owner to bear cost of replanting as a permit condition. Infraction fine: Up to $250.

Violations are punishable as an infraction (fine up to $250) or misdemeanor (fine up to $1,000 or up to 6 months in County Jail, or both). Courts may also order restitution to cover the City's costs to replant or restore the damaged area.

This is one of the stricter rules in Santa Monica's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Weed Ordinances

Santa Monica requires property owners to maintain landscaping and prevent weed growth under SMMC Ch. 13.02. Overgrown vegetation, dying or dead plants, and inadequate ground cover are property maintenance violations.

Key details: Code: SMMC Ch. 13.02. Standard: No overgrown, dying, or dead vegetation. Ground Cover: Required to prevent erosion. Enforcement: Code Enforcement.

Each day a violation continues is a separate offense. Administrative citations under Chapter 1.09 apply. The City may abate nuisances under Chapter 13.06.

Water Restrictions

Santa Monica bans spray irrigation of lawns and landscapes between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. every day, limits sprinkler run times, and can activate tiered outdoor watering day-of-week restrictions from 3 days per week down to a complete ban during declared water shortage phases.

Key details: Prohibited hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: no spray irrigation any day. Spray heads / bubblers: Max 10 minutes per station per watering day. Rotors / multi-stream heads: Max 15 min per cycle, up to 2 cycles per watering day. Phase I restriction: 3 days per week (alternating odd/even addresses). Phase II restriction: 2 days per week.

Any failure to comply with a Phase I through IV outdoor watering restriction is an infraction punishable by a fine of $250–$500 or a misdemeanor punishable by a $300–$500 fine. Each day of violation is a separate offense.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Santa Monica actively enforces its water restrictions requirements.

Rainwater Harvesting

Santa Monica strongly encourages rainwater harvesting as part of its water self-sufficiency goal. The city promotes stormwater harvesting through BMPs and infrastructure. Landscape rebates are available for rainwater capture systems.

Key details: Encouraged: Strongly promoted. Rebates: Available for capture systems. Water Neutrality: SMMC §7.16.050. State Law: AB 1750 protects collection.

Artificial Turf

Santa Monica heavily restricts new turf. New residential properties may use high-water plants (including turf) in no more than 20% of total landscaped area. New commercial properties are prohibited from using turf. Ground cover must be live plant material.

Key details: Residential New: Max 20% turf/high-water plants. Commercial New: Turf prohibited. Ground Cover: Must be live plant material. Mulch: Only around shrubs and trees.

The Bottom Line

Santa Monica is tougher than many cities when it comes to landscaping rules. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Santa Monica, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

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