Landscaping Rules in Cupertino, CA (2026)
6 verified landscaping rules for Cupertino, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Cupertino declares any tree or landscape overhanging the right-of-way with the lowest limb under eight and one half feet a public nuisance, and requires owners to remove the obstruction within five business days of written notice from the City Engineer.
Cupertino Tree Clearance Over Streets, Sidewalks
Some RestrictionsCupertino Municipal Code § 14.08.220
A tree with limbs overhanging the right-of-way, the lowest part of which is less than eight and one half feet above the right-of-way; Landscape overhanging the street, gutter, sidewalk or obstructing any municipal utility facility or fire hydrant ... it is unlawful for the owner or legal occupant having charge or control of the premises to neglect or fail to remove therefrom the obstruction wit...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
No one may remove a protected tree in Cupertino without a tree removal permit from the Department of Community Development under Municipal Code § 14.18.110. Applications scale with trunk size, larger and heritage trees need an ISA-certified arborist report, and R1, A1, A, RHS and R2 lots are capped at six mature trees or 5% every 36 months.
Cupertino Tree Removal Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsCupertino Municipal Code § 14.18.110
No person shall directly or indirectly remove or cause to be removed any protected tree without first obtaining a tree removal permit, unless such tree removal is exempt per Section 14.18.150. ... Maximum tree removal cap. In the R1, A1, A, RHS, and R2 zones, an applicant may remove up to six mature specimen trees or five percent of mature specimen trees on the property (whichever is greater) w...
Weed Ordinances
Cupertino Municipal Code Sec. 9.08.010 bars any owner, agent or lessee from letting weeds stand on a building, lot or premises, or on the abutting half of any adjoining street or alley. It targets heavy-seeding weeds, grasses that grow large enough to threaten fire to adjacent improved property, noxious weeds, poison oak and ivy, and combustible garden refuse.
Cupertino Weeds as Public Nuisance Rule
Some RestrictionsCupertino Municipal Code Sec. 9.08.010
No owner, agent or lessee or other person occupying or having charge or control of any building, lot or premises within the City shall permit weeds to remain upon the premises or public sidewalks or streets or alleys between the premises and the center of the line of any public street or alley. “Weeds,” as used in this chapter, means all weeds growing upon streets, alleys, sidewalks, or private...
Water Restrictions
Cupertino bans wasting potable water on landscaping and outdoor uses, including runoff onto sidewalks or non-irrigated areas, and requires a shut-off nozzle on any hose used outdoors. Defective sprinkler and irrigation systems must be fixed promptly. The Council can adopt further mandatory water-use regulations during drought, and violators face misdemeanor or administrative citation.
Cupertino Water Waste and Irrigation Rules
Some RestrictionsCupertino Municipal Code §§ 15.32.030, 15.32.080
To prevent water waste, the unreasonable use of water, and to promote water conservation, each of the following actions are prohibited while using potable water: No person shall waste water, including, but not limited to flooding or creating runoff on sidewalks or gutters, adjacent property, non-irrigated areas, private and public walkways, roadways, parking lots, or structures. No person shall...
Rainwater Harvesting
Cupertino requires new and remodeled buildings to send roof runoff to rain barrels, cisterns, or a similar rainwater collection system, or to landscaped areas, instead of letting it wash into the street. Section 9.18.210 lets the Director of Public Works waive the requirement where it is infeasible, and hillside projects may be exempted with the Director's approval.
Cupertino Roof Runoff and Rain Barrel Rule
Some RestrictionsCupertino Municipal Code § 9.18.210
Roof runoff shall be directed to rain barrels, cisterns, or similar rainwater collection system, or to landscaped areas unless deemed infeasible by the Director of Public Works. Upon approval of the Director of Public Works, projects located in hillside areas may be exempt from these requirements.
Native Plants
Under Cupertino's Landscape Ordinance, at least 80% of the plants in non-turf areas of a covered landscape project must be native or low water-use, unless the applicant instead prepares a full water budget calculation.
Cupertino Native Plant Landscaping Requirement
Some RestrictionsCupertino Municipal Code § 14.15.060
Total turf area shall not exceed 25% of the landscape area, or 1,250 square feet, whichever is lesser in area and At least 80% of the plants within non-turf areas shall be native or low water-use OR b. Prepare a water budget calculation, per the provisions of Section 14.15.070.
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Cupertino city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Santa Clara County →