Landscaping Rules in Davis, CA (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for Davis, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Davis does not set a numeric lawn-height limit, but overgrown grass, weeds, and rank vegetation that create a fire, health, or blight hazard are a public nuisance under Municipal Code Chapter 23 and must be abated by the property owner.
Davis Grass Height and Overgrown Vegetation Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
In this Tree City USA community, substantial pruning of City street trees, Landmark Trees, Trees of Significance, and Private/Protected trees requires a Tree Modification Permit from the Urban Forestry Division under Municipal Code Chapter 37.
Davis Tree Trimming and Pruning Permit Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Davis, a City of Trees, requires a permit to remove City street trees and protected private trees under Municipal Code Chapter 37, and removing a healthy protected tree requires mitigation by replacement planting or an in-lieu payment to the Tree Preservation Fund.
Davis Tree Removal Permit and Mitigation Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Davis treats overgrown weeds, dry vegetation, and rubbish as a public nuisance under Municipal Code Chapter 23, requiring property owners to abate them; the city can order abatement, do the work, and lien the cost against the property.
Davis Weed Abatement and Nuisance Ordinance
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Davis Municipal Code section 39.02.045 bans landscape watering with sprinklers between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., prohibits irrigation within 48 hours of measurable rain, and forbids water that runs off the landscape onto pavement or neighboring property.
Davis Landscape Watering Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Davis encourages residents to capture rain in barrels and cisterns and to redirect downspouts into the landscape; under California law, rain captured from a rooftop for on-site use does not require a state water right.
Davis Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Davis encourages California native and low-water landscaping and cannot prohibit drought-tolerant living-plant landscaping under state law; new and remodeled larger landscapes must meet the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
Davis Native and Water-Wise Plant Landscaping
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Davis has no ordinance banning residential artificial turf, but under SB 676 (Government Code 53087.7) synthetic grass is not protected drought-tolerant landscaping, so the city may regulate or restrict it, and MWELO turf limits still apply to permitted projects.
Davis Artificial Turf and Synthetic Lawn Rules
Some RestrictionsComposting
Davis provides curbside organics (yard trimmings and food scraps) collection required under California SB 1383 and AB 1826, and supports backyard composting through subsidized bins and free classes.
Davis Composting and Organics Requirements
Some RestrictionsLooking for Yolo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Davis city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Yolo County →