Landscaping Rules in Bellflower, CA (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for Bellflower, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
The City of Bellflower sets an explicit limit: under Bellflower Municipal Code Chapter 8.36 (Public Nuisances), lawns with grass in excess of six inches are a public nuisance. Dead, decayed, or overgrown vegetation that harbors vermin, creates a fire hazard, or diminishes neighboring property values is likewise prohibited. Enforcement is by the City, not Los Angeles County.
Bellflower Grass and Overgrown Vegetation Height
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
In Bellflower, parkway (street) trees sit in the public right-of-way, and Municipal Code Section 12.08.090 makes it unlawful to remove, alter, damage, repair, or replace any tree or landscape feature in the public right-of-way without a permit from the Director of Public Works. Any parkway landscaping work must conform to the City Council-adopted Parkway Landscape Design Guidelines.
Bellflower Street and Parkway Tree Trimming Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Removing a parkway or other public-right-of-way tree in Bellflower requires a permit from the Director of Public Works under Municipal Code 12.08.090. The City has no dedicated heritage- or protected-tree ordinance for private yards, but dead, decayed, diseased, or hazardous trees on private property are a public nuisance under Section 8.36.030(A)(12) and can be ordered abated.
Bellflower Tree Removal Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Bellflower controls weeds and overgrowth through its Public Nuisances ordinance, Municipal Code Chapter 8.36, rather than a separate weed-abatement title. Section 8.36.030 declares overgrown vegetation (including lawns over six inches) and dead, decayed, diseased, or hazardous trees, weeds, and ground cover to be public nuisances. The City abates uncorrected conditions and recovers costs.
Bellflower Weed and Nuisance Vegetation Abatement
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Bellflower's Municipal Code Chapter 13.16 (Water Conservation Measures) bans watering lawns or landscaping between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., limits irrigation to no more than two days per week, prohibits hosing down paved surfaces, and bars excessive runoff into streets. Water is delivered by private/mutual companies (Bellflower-Somerset Mutual, California American Water, Liberty Utilities, Bellflower Home Garden).
Bellflower Outdoor Watering and Drought Restrictions
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Bellflower's municipal code does not prohibit residential rainwater harvesting, and no City rain-barrel permit requirement was found for simple rooftop barrels. California's Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 lets property owners collect rooftop rainwater for landscape use without a state water-rights permit. The City's water-conservation policy and chapter 13.16 actively encourage cutting outdoor water use.
Bellflower Rainwater Harvesting and Rain Barrels
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Bellflower does not mandate native plants by species, but its zoning code requires water-efficient landscaping. Section 17.16.200 (Single-Family Zone) directs that water-efficient landscape designs consist of low-water-use plants, limits decorative hardscape to an accent, and requires permanent irrigation. The City also requires compliance with California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO).
Bellflower Native and Water-Efficient Landscaping
Some RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Bellflower allows artificial turf, but through a City Council-authorized pilot program. Municipal Code Section 17.16.200(C) lets the Director of Planning approve artificial-turf landscaping under criteria and installation/maintenance standards the Director sets. Turf may also be installed in the immediately adjacent parkway. If the City later disallows it, pilot-program turf must be removed and replaced with natural plants within 10 years.
Bellflower Artificial Turf Rules
Some RestrictionsComposting
Under California SB 1383, the City of Bellflower requires residents and businesses to separate organic waste - food scraps and yard/green waste - into organics collection. The City's hauler, CR&R Environmental Services, runs a Food Scrap and Landscaping Recycling Program; organics go in the green cart for composting. Backyard composting is an accepted alternative.
Bellflower Composting and Organic Waste Recycling
Some RestrictionsLooking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Bellflower city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Los Angeles County →