Landscaping Rules in Bakersfield, CA (2026)
6 verified landscaping rules for Bakersfield, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree 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
Bakersfield requires developers who voluntarily remove a tree from an approved commercial or multi-family landscape plan to replace it within 120 days at the same average size, up to a 48-inch box container, per Municipal Code § 17.61.050.
Bakersfield Tree Replacement on Landscaped Sites
Some RestrictionsBakersfield Municipal Code § 17.61.050(B)
Trees voluntarily removed from an existing project, except when necessary for the protection of public safety, property damage, or liability, or damage or loss by acts of nature, the willful unlawful acts of persons other than the property owner, or by complying with other federal or state laws or actions, shall be replaced at the average size of what is or was existing not to exceed a forty-ei...
Weed 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 ties outdoor watering to state drought rules rather than a fixed local schedule: irrigation of lawns and landscaping with potable water must follow State Water Resources Control Board regulations, runoff onto sidewalks or neighboring yards is strictly prohibited, and watering is advised between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. for efficiency under Municipal Code § 14.02.010.
Bakersfield Outdoor Irrigation Restrictions
Some RestrictionsBakersfield Municipal Code § 14.02.010
A. Outside irrigation of ornamental landscapes or turf with potable water is allowed in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by the State Water Resources Control Board relative to water usage. B. Outside irrigation in a manner that causes water to flow onto adjacent property, nonirrigated areas, sidewalks, and/or gutters is strictly prohibited. C. Outside irrigation is advised ...
Native 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
Significant 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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