Landscaping Rules in Compton, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Compton, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Compton's property maintenance code and nuisance regulations require property owners to maintain grass, weeds, and vegetation. Overgrown vegetation is considered a nuisance under Chapter 7 (Police Regulations). Code enforcement conducts block-by-block systematic inspections.
Compton Grass Height and Vegetation Maintenance Ordinance
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Compton does not have a specific tree trimming ordinance or heritage tree program. Property owners may trim trees on their property. California law (Civil Code 3346) addresses damage to trees. Street trees along public rights-of-way are managed by city public works.
Compton Tree Trimming Rules
Few RestrictionsCal. Public Resources Code § 4291 (Defensible Space - Tree Maintenance)
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 shall consider the flammability of the structure as affected by building material, building standards, location, and type of vegetation. Fuels shall be maintained and spaced in a con...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Compton Municipal Code Chapter 24 (Property Maintenance) requires property owners to maintain landscaping. Street trees are city property. Private tree removal may be subject to zoning and property maintenance requirements.
Compton Tree Removal & Landscaping Rules
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Compton requires all property owners to keep lots free of weeds and overgrown vegetation under nuisance provisions (Chapter 7). Code enforcement officers identify weed violations during systematic block-by-block inspections. Failure to abate is a misdemeanor.
Compton Weed Abatement Ordinance
Some RestrictionsCal. Food & Agricultural Code § 5004 (Noxious Weeds)
“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 purposes of p...
Water Restrictions
Water use in Compton is governed by the local water district and state conservation mandates. Watering day and time restrictions may apply during drought conditions. AB 1572 bans irrigating non-functional turf with potable water for commercial properties.
Compton Water Conservation and Landscape Ordinance
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Compton and throughout California. Rain barrels and cisterns do not require permits. LADWP offers rebates for rain barrels. Captured rainwater can be used for irrigation and non-potable uses.
Compton Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Rainwater Capture Act
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-Cologne Water Quality Control Act. Under existing l...
Native Plants
California encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping through MWELO. Compton cannot prohibit native plant gardens per CA Gov Code 65595. Water-efficient landscape requirements apply to new/renovated landscapes over 500 sq ft.
Compton Native Plant & Xeriscape Rules
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Artificial turf is permitted in Compton as an alternative to natural grass. CA Gov Code 65595 prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant landscaping. MWELO encourages water-efficient landscapes. Artificial turf counts toward water conservation compliance.
Compton Artificial Turf Regulations
Few RestrictionsCal. Civil Code § 4735 (Artificial Turf)
artificial turf or any other synthetic surface that resembles grass. (3) Has the effect of prohibiting or restricting compliance with either of the following: (A) A water-efficient landscape ordinance adopted or in effect pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 65595 of the Government Code. (B) Any regulation or restriction on the use of water adopted pursuant to Section 353 or 375 of the Water ...
Looking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Compton city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Los Angeles County →