Landscaping Rules in Burbank, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Burbank, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Burbank enforces weed and vegetation height standards through Code Enforcement. Overgrown vegetation is treated as a nuisance and fire hazard. Properties must be maintained in a neat, safe condition.
Burbank Grass & Ground Cover Maintenance
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Public tree maintenance requires a written permit from the Parks and Recreation Department under BMC Chapter 7-4. Root pruning of public trees by non-authorized persons is unlawful. Construction near public trees must protect the Tree Protection Zone.
Burbank Tree Trimming & Forestry Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Public Resources Code Sec. 4291 (Defensible Space — Tree and Vegetation Maintenance in State Responsibility Areas)
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 ... (2) Remove that portion of a tree that extends within 10 feet of the outlet of a ch...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Significant tree removal may require a city permit under Burbank zoning. Protected trees (oaks and others) have special protections. Contact Community Development at (818) 238-5250 before removing large or heritage trees.
Burbank Tree Removal Regulations
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Burbank requires property owners to maintain lots free of weeds and overgrown vegetation. Violations are handled through Code Enforcement as nuisance complaints. Hillside areas have stricter vegetation management due to fire hazard zones.
Burbank Weed Control & Organic Practices
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Food and Agricultural Code Sec. 5004 (Definition of 'Noxious Weed')
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
Burbank Water and Power enforces water conservation measures including watering day/time restrictions. MWELO applies to new landscapes over 500 sq ft. The city participates in regional water conservation programs and enforces drought restrictions when declared.
Burbank Water Conservation Requirements
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Department of Water Resources — Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) Local Adoption Mandate
About 40% of the water Californians use at home is used outdoors. ... New development and retrofitted landscape water efficiency standards are governed by the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). The MWELO is also referenced by Title 24, Part 11, Chapters 4 and 5 CalGreen Building Code. All local agencies must adopt, implement, and enforce the MWELO or a local Water Efficient Land...
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in California. No state or local permit required for residential rain barrels. Burbank Water and Power may offer rebates for rain barrel installation.
Burbank Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia AB 1750 (2012) — Rainwater Capture Act (Water Code Part 2.4, Sec. 10570 et seq.)
This bill would enact the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, which would provide that use of rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water right permit from the state board. ... This bill would additionally authorize a landscape contractor working within the classification of his or her license to enter into a prime contract for the construction of a rainwater capture system, as define...
Native Plants
CA Gov Code 65595 prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant landscaping. Burbank encourages native and drought-resistant plants through BWP rebate programs. MWELO supports water-efficient plant choices.
Burbank Native Plant & Xeriscape Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Department of Water Resources — Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (Climate-Adapted Plants and Habitat Value)
Large water savings can be gained by efficient landscape design, installation, management, and maintenance. This is accomplished by choosing climate adapted plants, improving soil conditions, using, and maintaining high efficiency irrigation equipment and managing the irrigation schedule to fit the plants water needs as they are influenced by local climate. ... The purpose of water efficient la...
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is permitted as a water-efficient landscape option in Burbank. AB 1572 (2024) bans irrigating non-functional turf with potable water for commercial properties. MWELO standards support turf alternatives.
Burbank Artificial Turf Regulations
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Sec. 4735 (HOA Landscaping — Artificial Turf and Low-Water Plant Protections)
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 Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Burbank city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Los Angeles County →