Landscaping Rules in Apple Valley, CA (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for Apple Valley, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
The Town of Apple Valley has no general ornamental-lawn height cap; tall grass is regulated through fire-driven weed abatement. The Apple Valley Fire Protection District requires annual grasses to be mowed to no higher than 4 inches, and overgrown weeds posing a fire hazard must be cleared under the Town's weed-abatement authority (Gov. Code section 39501 et seq.).
Apple Valley Grass Height & Overgrown Vegetation
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Apple Valley has no routine permit for trimming ordinary private trees, but fire defensible-space rules require keeping tree branches a minimum of 10 feet from structures. Western Joshua trees are an exception: trimming them requires a permit through the California Department of Fish and Wildlife under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act.
Apple Valley Tree Trimming
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Removing an ordinary private tree in Apple Valley generally needs no Town permit, but desert native plants and western Joshua trees are heavily protected. Western Joshua tree removal requires a CDFW permit under the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act, and the Town's Development Code Chapter 9.76 governs removal/relocation of desert native plants.
Apple Valley Tree Removal
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Apple Valley runs an annual weed-abatement program, driven by High Desert wildfire risk. Owners must remove weeds, dry grasses, brush, and dead trees posing a fire hazard. Enforcement rests on Government Code section 39501 et seq.; the Fire District requires up to 100 feet of defensible space, with contractor abatement and liens for non-compliance.
Apple Valley Weed Abatement
Heavy RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Most Apple Valley homes are served by Liberty Utilities (Apple Valley Ranchos Water). Its Water Shortage Contingency Plan is in Stage 1 ("Water Alert"), where conservation is voluntary and outdoor irrigation is recommended at no more than three days a week on an even/odd address schedule. California's statewide permanent water-waste prohibitions (SWRCB) also apply.
Apple Valley Water Restrictions
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Apple Valley does not prohibit residential rainwater harvesting, and California broadly encourages it. Rain barrels and small rooftop catchment for landscape use need no state permit under the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. The Town's water-efficiency framework (Development Code Chapter 9.75, implementing MWELO) recognizes onsite stormwater capture as a conservation tool.
Apple Valley Rainwater Harvesting
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Apple Valley encourages desert-adapted, drought-tolerant landscaping and protects native Mojave vegetation. Development Code Chapter 9.76 (Plant Protection and Management) governs removal and relocation of desert native plants, while western Joshua trees and other desert natives are also protected under state law (Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act and the California Desert Native Plants Act).
Apple Valley Native & Desert Plants
Some RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Artificial turf is allowed in Apple Valley and cannot be banned. California Government Code section 53087.7 (from AB 1164) prohibits any city or county from forbidding synthetic grass or drought-tolerant landscaping on residential property. The Town may set only reasonable quality/installation standards, consistent with its desert water-conservation goals.
Apple Valley Artificial Turf
Few RestrictionsComposting
Apple Valley provides curbside organic-waste collection through Burrtec, using a green barrel for food scraps, grass clippings, and yard trimmings, as required by California's SB 1383. Home/backyard composting is encouraged but not mandatory, and the Town offers free compost or mulch to residents.
Apple Valley Composting & Organic Waste
Some RestrictionsLooking for San Bernardino County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Apple Valley city rules.
Landscaping Rules in San Bernardino County →