Landscaping Rules in Concord, CA (2026)
4 verified landscaping rules for Concord, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Concord requires a permit to remove a protected tree, native oaks 12 inches or larger and most other trees 24 inches or larger in diameter, while non-protected trees may be removed without one. Hazardous trees may be removed in emergencies by order of city officials.
Concord Protected Tree Removal Permits
Significant RestrictionsConcord Municipal Code sec. 8.40.140
It shall be unlawful for any person to remove, or cause to be removed, any protected tree from any parcel of property in the city without first obtaining a permit to do so; provided, however, that in cases of emergency when a tree is hazardous or dangerous to life or property, it may be removed by order of the Chief of Police, by the Chief of the Contra Costa County Consolidated Fire District, ...
Weed Ordinances
Property owners must control noxious weeds identified by the Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner under California Food and Agriculture Code §5004. High-priority weeds in Concord include yellow starthistle, artichoke thistle, and medusahead. Non-compliance can trigger state abatement action.
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
Concord water customers served by Contra Costa Water District must follow permanent statewide conservation rules: no runoff, no watering during or 48 hours after rain, no hosing hard surfaces. Outdoor watering is limited to assigned days and early morning or evening hours during drought declarations.
Landscaping: Water Restrictions
Some RestrictionsCal. Code Regs. tit. 23, § 490 et seq. (Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance)
About 40% of the water Californians use at home is used outdoors. 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 ...
Native Plants
Xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscaping are encouraged in Concord. State law prohibits HOAs from banning low-water landscaping, and MWELO mandates water-efficient designs for new and renovated landscapes over 500 square feet. CCWD offers turf replacement rebates.
Landscaping: Xeriscape Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. Code Regs. tit. 23, § 490 et seq. (Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance)
About 40% of the water Californians use at home is used outdoors. 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 ...
Looking for Contra Costa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Concord city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Contra Costa County →