Landscaping Rules in Dublin, CA (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for Dublin, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Dublin, California requires eight feet of clearance above sidewalks and sixteen feet above streets on the street side of any tree, and a Public Works encroachment permit before trimming an approved street tree, with small exceptions for sucker growth and minor low branches.
Dublin CA Street Tree Clearance and Pruning Permit
Some RestrictionsDublin Municipal Code §§ 7.56.030(A), 7.56.060
A. Any residential trees located on privately owned property or adjacent planter strip areas within the public right-of-way are the responsibility of the private property owner. Right-of-way clearance of eight (8) feet above sidewalks or sixteen (16) feet above streets on the street side of the tree must be maintained at all times. No tree or other planting is allowed to obstruct the clear p...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Removing a heritage tree anywhere in Dublin, California requires a permit from the Community Development Director, with narrow exceptions for immediate hazards, approved development plans, and arborist-approved pruning under Municipal Code Section 5.60.050.
Dublin, CA Heritage Tree Removal Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsDublin Municipal Code § 5.60.050
A. No person may remove, cause to be removed, or effectively remove any heritage tree from any property within the city of Dublin without obtaining a permit from the Director. B. Exceptions. A permit is not required for the following: 1. Removal of a heritage tree that presents an immediate hazard to life or property, with the approval of the Director, City Engineer, Police Chief, Fire Chief or...
Weed Ordinances
Dublin, California bars residential property owners from letting weeds, dead trees, and overgrown vegetation accumulate visibly from the street under the Property Maintenance chapter, enforced through a notice, hearing, and abatement process run by the City Manager.
Dublin, CA Weed and Overgrown Vegetation Rules
Some RestrictionsDublin Municipal Code § 5.64.040(F)-(G)
It is unlawful for any person owning, leasing, renting, occupying or having charge or possession of any residential property in the city to maintain or to allow to be maintained such property in such manner that any of the following conditions are found to exist thereon for an unreasonable period of time and which are visible from a public street... F. Overgrown vegetation likely to harbor rats...
Water Restrictions
Dublin, California restricts overhead sprinkler irrigation on landscapes covered by its Water-Efficient Landscape Ordinance to the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. Municipal Code Section 8.88.110.A.2 applies the stricter of the city's or the Dublin San Ramon Services District's watering-hours rule.
Dublin CA Overhead Irrigation Watering Hours
Some RestrictionsDublin Municipal Code § 8.88.110.A.2
2. Overhead irrigation shall be scheduled between 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. unless weather conditions prevent it. If allowable hours of irrigation differ from the Water District, the stricter of the two shall apply. Operation of the irrigation system outside the normal watering window is allowed for auditing and system maintenance.
Rainwater Harvesting
Dublin, California encourages, but does not mandate, rain gardens, rain barrels, and catchment systems in landscape design under Chapter 8.88, while barring any catchment system from connecting to the domestic water supply. Municipal Code Section 8.88.170 folds in the city's separate stormwater ordinance.
Dublin CA Rainwater Harvesting Landscape Rules
Light RestrictionsDublin Municipal Code § 8.88.170.B, D.5, D.7-8
B. Project Applicants shall refer to City of Dublin's Stormwater Management and Discharge Control Ordinance (Chapter 7.74) and the San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board Municipal Regional Stormwater NPDES Permit for information on any applicable stormwater regulatory requirements. ... 5. Incorporate rain gardens, rain barrels, and other rain harvesting or catchment system...
Native Plants
Dublin, California requires new and rehabilitated landscapes to use water-conserving, locally native plant species under the city's Water-Efficient Landscape Ordinance. Municipal Code Section 8.88.070 directs designers to protect existing native vegetation and choose native and climate-adapted plants before any Landscape Documentation Package can be approved.
Dublin CA Native Plant Landscaping Standard
Some RestrictionsDublin Municipal Code § 8.88.070.A.1.a
1. Plant Material. a. The Estimated Total Water Use of selected plants in the landscape area shall not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. Methods to achieve water efficiency shall include one or more of the following: 1. Protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation. 2. Selection of water-conserving plant and turf species, especially local native p...
Composting
Dublin, California exempts residents from its exclusive trash-hauling franchise when they compost their own organic waste on-site, including standard backyard composting and on-site anaerobic digestion, under Dublin Municipal Code Section 5.32.130(B)(13). A larger 'community composting' operation is capped at 100 cubic yards and 750 square feet of feedstock and compost on site at any time under Section 5.32.040.
Backyard Composting Rules in Dublin, CA
Light RestrictionsDublin Municipal Code § 5.32.130(B)(13)
Source-separated organic waste composted or otherwise legally managed at the site where it is generated (e.g., backyard composting, on-site anaerobic digestion) or at a community composting site.
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