Landscaping Rules in West Covina, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in West Covina or are thinking about moving there, landscaping rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. West Covina has 7 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of landscaping rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Native Plants

West Covina's Development Code requires new landscaping to emphasize climate-appropriate, drought-tolerant, and native plant species, bans any species on the California Invasive Plant Council's inventory outright, and, inside Fire Hazard Severity Zones, lets the Fire Department reject any plant palette that includes fire-prone species.

Key details: Plant standard: Must emphasize native/drought-tolerant/non-invasive plants. Invasive species: Cal-IPC-listed species prohibited outright. Fire zones: Fire Department must approve plant palette. MWELO trigger: 500 sq ft new / 2,500 sq ft rehab. Landscape architect required: For plans of 5,000+ sq ft.

Installing a landscape plan that ignores the drought-tolerant, native, or invasive-species standards is enforced at the plan-check stage: Sec. 26-85(i)(7) lets the Community Development Director disapprove any landscaping plan that does not meet the division's minimum requirements before a permit issues. Once installed, Sec. 26-87 makes it the property owner's ongoing duty to keep landscaping weed-free, irrigated, and free of dead or invasive growth, and violations of the residential landscape-maintenance standard are enforced as a public nuisance under Sec. 1-37.2 of the Municipal Code.

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

West Covina requires a Community Development Director permit before anyone removes, relocates, or destroys a "significant tree" on private or public land, per Municipal Code Sec. 26-259(a). Significant trees include any tree with a one-foot caliper in a front or street-side yard, and oaks or sycamores with a six-inch caliper anywhere on the lot. Public-property significant trees need Public Services Department approval instead.

Key details: Permit required: Removal, relocation, or destruction of any significant tree. Significant tree threshold: 1-ft caliper front/corner yard; 6-in oak or sycamore anywhere. Issuing authority: Community Development Director (private); Public Services Dept (public). Permit term: 90 days after appeal period, extendable. Application fee: Set by City Council, filed with planning division.

Removing, relocating, or destroying a significant tree without a permit is a misdemeanor under Sec. 26-264: up to a $1,000 fine, up to six months in jail, or both, with each tree removed a separate offense. Violators must replace the tree with one of comparable size and condition. If removal occurred where a permit had been, or would have been, denied, the City may also seek a civil penalty equal to the tree's full restitution value, and any related building permit is voided until the violation is remedied.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. West Covina actively enforces its tree removal & heritage trees requirements.

Water Restrictions

West Covina water restrictions follow MWELO and local water district rules. New landscapes over 500 sq ft must meet Maximum Applied Water Allowance. CA Gov Code Section 65595 protects drought-tolerant landscaping.

Key details: MWELO: Applies to new landscapes over 500 sq ft. Drought-Tolerant: Cannot be prohibited (Gov Code 65595). State Law: AB 1881 Water Conservation Act. Water District: Local provider restrictions apply.

Water suppliers enforce restrictions with fines up to $500/day. Contact your water provider for specific schedule.

Weed Ordinances

West Covina requires weed control as part of property maintenance standards. Overgrown vegetation on public or private property can be reported through the city's GOGov portal for enforcement.

Key details: Standard: Weeds must be controlled. Reporting: GOGov portal or Code Enforcement. Abatement: City may abate if owner fails. Purpose: Fire prevention / community appearance.

Public nuisance declarations lead to abatement proceedings. Progressive enforcement from education to citations applies.

The rules around weed ordinances in West Covina lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in California. No West Covina-specific restrictions. Residential collection for non-potable uses does not require a permit.

Key details: State Law: Legal for non-potable uses. Permit: Not required for residential collection. Local Restrictions: None specific to West Covina. Encouraged: Part of water conservation efforts.

West Covina is more permissive than most cities when it comes to rainwater harvesting. That said, there are still limits.

Tree Trimming

West Covina regulates tree trimming on public property and street trees. Private tree trimming near power lines should be coordinated with SCE. The city maintains street trees through Public Works.

Key details: Street Trees: City-maintained through Public Works. Power Lines: Coordinate with SCE. Private Trees: Owner responsibility. Contact: Public Works Department.

Property owners are responsible for tree maintenance on private property. Overgrown trees creating hazards are subject to code enforcement.

Artificial Turf

California Civil Code Section 4735 voids any HOA governing document, architectural guideline, or landscaping policy that bans artificial turf or synthetic turf resembling grass in West Covina yards. Homeowners in common interest developments have a state-protected right to install turf, and associations cannot fine owners for reduced watering during a declared drought emergency.

Key details: Governing law: California Civil Code Section 4735. HOA turf bans: Void and unenforceable statewide. Drought fines: Barred during declared state or local emergency. Local overlay: West Covina Sec. 26-85(j) also permits synthetic turf. Recycled water exception: Fine protection doesn't cover unused recycled water.

There is no city fine tied to this statute; it simply strips HOA boards of enforcement power. An association that continues to cite a void turf ban, issues a violation notice, or withholds architectural approval over synthetic turf or drought-reduced watering during a declared emergency is acting outside its authority under Civil Code Section 4735, and an affected owner can challenge the decision through the association's internal dispute process or in court.

West Covina is more permissive than most cities when it comes to artificial turf. That said, there are still limits.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, West Covina gives residents more room on landscaping rules. 3 of the 7 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

All of the above reflects West Covina'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.