Landscaping Rules in Clovis, CA (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for Clovis, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Street trees trimmed by city; property owner trims private trees. Trees overhanging sidewalks/streets must clear 8 ft pedestrian, 14 ft vehicle. Neighbor may trim encroaching branches to property line.
landscaping/tree-trimming
Light RestrictionsCal. Pub. Resources Code Section 4291 (Defensible Space Around Buildings in SRA)
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, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary s...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Clovis requires a tree removal permit before any protected tree listed in Municipal Code Section 9.30.040 comes down on private property. Section 9.30.030 makes unpermitted removal unlawful, and Section 9.30.060 routes applications through the Public Utilities Department with photos, an arborist report, and a replanting plan.
Clovis Tree Removal Permit Requirement
Significant RestrictionsClovis, CA, Municipal Code § 9.30.030 (Prohibited actions)
It is unlawful to remove any protected tree specified in Section 9.30.040 (Protected trees) from private property without first obtaining a tree removal permit in compliance with Section 9.30.060 (Tree removal permit/application requirements).
Weed Ordinances
Clovis enforces weed and rubbish abatement under CA Gov Code §39561+. Annual fire-season weed abatement program notifies owners; failure to clear triggers city abatement with costs assessed as tax lien.
landscaping/weed-ordinances
Some RestrictionsCal. Food & Agric. Code Section 5004 (Noxious Weeds - Authority)
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 purpo...
Water Restrictions
Clovis limits overhead sprinkler irrigation to the hours between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. under Municipal Code § 6.5.505, and the City Council can impose stricter mandatory limits by resolution during a declared drought or water emergency under § 6.5.111. Wasting water triggers escalating fees under § 6.5.110.
Clovis Restricts Overhead Irrigation Hours
Some RestrictionsClovis, CA, Municipal Code § 6.5.505(a)(1)-(2) (Irrigation Scheduling)
For the efficient use of water, all irrigation schedules shall be developed, managed, and evaluated to utilize the minimum amount of water required to maintain plant health. Irrigation schedules shall meet the following criteria: (1) Irrigation scheduling shall be regulated by automatic irrigation controllers. (2) Overhead irrigation shall be scheduled between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. unless we...
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting legal in California and Clovis. AB 1750 (2012) legalized rainfall capture. Rain barrels under 100 gallons generally permit-exempt; larger cisterns may require building/plumbing permits.
landscaping/rainwater-harvesting
Some RestrictionsCal. AB 1750 (2012) - Rainwater Capture Act (Legislative Counsel Digest)
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 1750, Solorio. Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. (1) Under existing law, the State Water Resources Control Board (state board) and the California regional water quality control boards prescribe waste discharge requirements for the discharge of stormwater in accordance with the national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permit program and the Porter-Col...
Native Plants
Clovis requires new and rehabilitated landscape projects to select plants that protect and preserve native species and local natural vegetation. Municipal Code Section 6.5.503(b)(4)(ii) directs applicants to favor water-conserving, climate-appropriate species, especially local native plants, whenever a landscape documentation package goes to the City for review.
Clovis Native Plant Selection Rule
Some RestrictionsClovis, CA, Municipal Code § 6.5.503(b)(4)(ii) (Landscape documentation package submittal requirements, Plant selection)
Plant selection. Plants shall be selected and planted appropriately based upon their adaptability to the climatic, geologic, and topographical conditions of the project site and consideration of the following factors: protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation; selection of water conserving plant, tree and turf species, especially local native plants; selection of plan...
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf allowed in Clovis as water-saving landscaping. CA Civil Code §4735 prohibits HOAs from banning artificial turf and drought-tolerant landscaping. Building permit may be required for large installations.
landscaping/artificial-turf
Some RestrictionsCal. Civ. Code Section 4735 (Common Interest Developments - Landscaping Restrictions Void)
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...
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