Landscaping Rules in Bakersfield, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Bakersfield, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Bakersfield Municipal Code Chapter 8.27 declares overgrown vegetation, weeds, and dry grass a public nuisance. The city's annual weed abatement program, run by Fire and Code Enforcement, requires property owners to mow or clear grass and weeds before fire season. Typical compliance threshold is under 6 inches on improved lots.
Landscaping: Grass Height
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Bakersfield regulates street tree trimming and maintenance under BMC Chapter 12.40 (Trees). A permit from the Recreation and Parks Department is required to trim, prune, or remove trees in the public right-of-way. Adjacent property owners are typically responsible for maintaining parkway trees but cannot prune them without city approval.
Landscaping: Tree Trimming
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Public Resources Code Sec. 4291(a)(2)-(3) (Tree Trimming - 10 ft from Chimney; Dead Wood Removal)
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 ... Fuels shall be maintained and spaced in a condition so that a wildfire would be un...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Removal of any tree in the Bakersfield public right-of-way requires a permit from the Recreation and Parks Department under BMC Chapter 12.40. Replacement planting is typically required, and removal of healthy street trees is restricted. Private tree removal is generally allowed unless the tree is within an approved landscape plan or protected under a development condition.
Landscaping: Tree Removal
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Bakersfield's weed abatement program under BMC Chapter 8.27 declares dry grass, weeds, and combustible vegetation a fire hazard and public nuisance. Annual notices are issued in spring. Vacant lots and improved properties must be cleared or disced to create firebreaks. Non-compliant properties are abated by city contractors at owner expense.
Landscaping: Weed Ordinances
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Food and Agricultural Code Sec. 5004 (Noxious Weed Designation Standard)
5004. "Noxious weed" means any species of plant that is, or is liable to be, troublesome, aggressive, intrusive, detrimental, or destructive to agriculture, silviculture, or important native species, and difficult to control or eradicate, which the director, by regulation, designates to be a noxious weed. In determining whether or not a species shall be designated a noxious weed for the purpose...
Water Restrictions
Bakersfield water customers are served by multiple providers including California Water Service (Cal Water) Bakersfield District and the City of Bakersfield Water Resources Department. Permanent state-wide conservation rules under Water Code §10608 and regulations from the State Water Resources Control Board prohibit watering during/after rain, runoff onto pavement, and daytime irrigation. Cal Water's current schedule limits outdoor watering to three assigned days per week.
Landscaping: Water Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Bakersfield under the California Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (Water Code §10573). Rooftop catchment to barrels and tanks does not require a water right permit. Larger systems, use of graywater-style distribution, and potable indoor use trigger California Plumbing Code Chapter 17 and building permit requirements.
Landscaping: Rainwater Harvesting
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Bakersfield encourages drought-tolerant and native landscaping for the San Joaquin Valley climate. California Civil Code §4735 bars HOAs from prohibiting drought-tolerant or native plants, and Civil Code §4735(f) requires HOAs to allow dead lawns during declared droughts. The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) applies to new and rehabilitated landscapes.
Landscaping: Native Plants
Few RestrictionsCalifornia DWR Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) - Low Water-Using and Native Plant Standards
Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. Low water using plants, mulch, and efficient irrigation save water while making habitat for pollinators. 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. ... New development and retrofitted landscape water efficiency standards ar...
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is legal and expressly protected in Bakersfield. California Civil Code §4735 and §714.1 prohibit HOAs from banning synthetic grass. The city allows artificial turf in residential front and rear yards subject to the zoning code's general landscape coverage and drainage standards. Installations must maintain permeability and comply with stormwater rules.
Landscaping: Artificial Turf
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Sec. 4735(a)(1)-(2) (HOA Restrictions on Low Water-Using Plants and Artificial Turf)
4735. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, a provision of the governing documents or architectural or landscaping guidelines or policies shall be void and unenforceable if it does any of the following: (1) Prohibits, or includes conditions that have the effect of prohibiting, the use of low water-using plants as a group or as a replacement of existing turf. (2) Prohibits, or includes conditions t...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bakersfield city rules.
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