Landscaping Rules in Antioch, CA (2026)
6 verified landscaping rules for Antioch, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Antioch Municipal Code Chapter 6-3 declares weeds and grass over 6 inches on private property a public nuisance. Contra Costa County FPD conducts annual weed-abatement inspections in spring; non-compliant lots receive notice to abate within 30 days or face city abatement at the owner's expense plus a tax-roll lien.
Landscaping: Grass Height
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Property owners in Antioch must maintain trees on their property, ensuring clearance over sidewalks and streets. Dead or hazardous trees must be addressed to prevent safety hazards.
Antioch Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. Public Resources Code Sec. 4291 (Vegetation Clearance Around Structures)
4291. (a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in the state responsibility area shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary sha...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Antioch Municipal Code Chapter 9-5.3813 requires a permit to remove any protected tree, including heritage oaks 10+ inches DBH, street trees, and trees on undeveloped parcels. Removal without a permit is a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 per tree plus replacement requirements at 3:1 ratio.
Landscaping: Tree Removal
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Noxious weeds on the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) A/B/C rating lists must be controlled under Food & Ag Code Section 5004. In Antioch, yellow starthistle, artichoke thistle, and perennial pepperweed are the most common regulated species, enforced by the Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner and city code enforcement.
Landscaping: Weeds Noxious
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Antioch's water is supplied by the City of Antioch Water Department from the Contra Costa Canal (CCWD wholesale) and local sources. State Water Resources Control Board permanent restrictions apply year-round: no runoff, no hosing hardscape, no watering within 48 hours of rain. Odd/even outdoor watering schedules may be activated during drought.
Landscaping: Water Restrictions
Some RestrictionsCA DWR Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) — Local Adoption Required
Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). The MWELO is also referenced by Title 24, Part 11, Chapters 4 and 5 CalGreen Building Code. All local agencies must adopt, implement, and enforce the MWELO or a local Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) that is at least as effective as the MWELO. Usually, local agencies that adopt WELOs create a more stringent ordinance than MWELO. The p...
Native Plants
Antioch encourages xeriscape and drought-tolerant landscaping under MWELO (CCR Title 23, Chapter 2.7) and state law AB 1572, which bans watering non-functional turf at commercial/institutional sites by 2027. Residents are free to replace lawns with drought-tolerant plants; CCWD offers turf-replacement rebates.
Landscaping: Xeriscape Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO)
About 40% of the water Californians use at home is used outdoors. Large water savings can be gained by efficient landscape design, installation, management, and maintenance. This is accomplished by choosing climate adapted plants, improving soil conditions, using, and maintaining high efficiency irrigation equipment and managing the irrigation schedule to fit the plants water needs as they are ...
Looking for Contra Costa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Antioch city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Contra Costa County →