Landscaping Rules in Brentwood, CA (2026)
5 verified landscaping rules for Brentwood, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Brentwood Municipal Code declares vegetation over 6 inches a public nuisance when it creates a fire hazard or harbors vermin. Weed abatement notices are issued each spring, and uncured violations allow the city or ECCFPD to mow at the owner's expense with lien authority under California Government Code Sections 39560-39588.
Landscaping: Grass Height
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Brentwood regulates removal of protected and heritage trees, including most native oaks and trees over a threshold trunk diameter on developed residential parcels. A tree removal permit from Community Development is required unless the tree is dead, diseased, or poses imminent hazard, in which case photographic documentation is still required.
Landscaping: Tree Removal
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner maintains the noxious weed list under California Food and Agricultural Code Section 5004. Brentwood property owners must control listed species including yellow starthistle, artichoke thistle, and puncturevine, and the county may enter and abate infestations at the owner's expense.
Landscaping: Weeds Noxious
Some RestrictionsCal. Food & Agric. Code § 5004
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
Brentwood residents are served by the city's water utility and the East Contra Costa Irrigation District for agricultural users. Permanent statewide water waste rules from the State Water Resources Control Board prohibit runoff, hosing hard surfaces, and watering within 48 hours of rain. Assigned outdoor watering days typically limit irrigation to two or three days per week.
Landscaping: Water Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsNative Plants
California law strongly encourages drought-tolerant landscaping in Brentwood. HOAs cannot prohibit low-water landscaping under Civil Code Section 4735, and the state's MWELO requires water-efficient design for new and retrofit landscapes exceeding 500 square feet. Rebates are available through Contra Costa Water District partners for turf removal.
Landscaping: Xeriscape Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code § 4735 (Low water-using plants in HOAs)
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...
Looking for Contra Costa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Brentwood city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Contra Costa County →