How Tracy Handles Landscaping Rules: A Practical Guide

Tracy maintains 38 local ordinances across all categories, and 4 of those deal specifically with landscaping rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Tracy falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Removing street trees or trees in Tracy's public right-of-way requires Public Works approval. Private property tree removal generally does not require a city permit unless specified by zoning overlay. CA Civil Code §833 governs neighbor tree disputes.

Key details: Street Tree Removal: Public Works approval required. Private Property Trees: Generally no permit required. Contact: Planning Division (209) 831-6400. Neighbor Disputes: CA Civil Code §833 governs.

Unauthorized removal of street tree: fine and required replacement. Violation of development condition tree protection: stop-work order.

Tree Trimming

Tracy regulates tree trimming in public rights-of-way through its Public Works Department. Private property tree trimming does not require a city permit unless the tree is in a protected species category or within a special overlay district.

Key details: Street Trees: City permission required. Private Trees: Generally no permit required. Utility Lines: Contact PG&E before trimming near wires. Neighbor Overhang: May trim to property line at own expense.

Unauthorized removal or trimming of street trees: fine and required replacement at owner's expense.

Water Restrictions

Tracy is in Stage 3 water restrictions under TMC Chapter 11.28. Residential landscape irrigation is limited to 3 days per week. Odd addresses water Monday, Wednesday, Saturday; even addresses water Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday. Watering must occur before 9 AM or after 7 PM.

Key details: Watering Days (Odd Addresses): Mon, Wed, Sat — before 9 AM or after 7 PM. Watering Days (Even Addresses): Tue, Thu, Sun — before 9 AM or after 7 PM. Drip/Micro-Spray: Any day, any time. Hardscape Washing: Prohibited. Code: TMC Chapter 11.28, Art. 6.

First violation: written warning. Subsequent violations: $100–$500 per citation. Report waste to Utilities at (209) 831-6333.

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

Grass Height Limits

Tracy Code Enforcement addresses unmaintained yards with overgrown vegetation as nuisances. There is no separate specific grass height ordinance, but properties must be maintained to prevent blight and fire hazards. Contact Code Enforcement at (209) 831-6410.

Key details: Enforcement: Code Enforcement (209) 831-6410. Standard: No blight or fire hazard from vegetation. Reporting: GoRequest app or (209) 831-6410. Governing Code: TMC nuisance provisions.

Nuisance vegetation: code enforcement notice and abatement order. Failure to comply may result in the City performing the work and billing the owner.

The Bottom Line

Tracy'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 Tracy is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Tracy 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.