Landscaping Rules in Elk Grove, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Elk Grove, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Elk Grove limits weeds and grass on residential and vacant lots to 4 inches in height under EGMC Chapter 8.26 and CA Gov Code §39561. Overgrowth is declared a public nuisance, and Code Enforcement can abate uncut lots at the owner's expense.
Landscaping: Grass Height
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Elk Grove property owners are responsible for trimming trees on their property and along the adjacent public right-of-way. Street-tree work on designated public trees requires a no-cost permit from the Public Works Department, and vehicle/pedestrian clearances must be maintained.
Landscaping: Tree Trimming
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Elk Grove has a protected tree ordinance (EGMC Chapter 19.12) that regulates removal of native oaks and other heritage trees. Removing a protected tree without a permit can result in fines up to $10,000 plus replacement requirements, typically at a 3:1 ratio.
Landscaping: Tree Removal
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Elk Grove's weed ordinance (EGMC Chapter 8.26) declares uncut weeds, dry grass, and noxious plants a public nuisance. County Agricultural Commissioner noxious-weed lists under CA Food & Ag §5004 apply, and the city can perform forced abatement and lien the property.
Landscaping: Weed Ordinances
Some RestrictionsCal. Food & Agricultural Code § 5004 (Noxious weed definition)
“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
Most Elk Grove homes are served by California Water Service (Cal Water) Livingston/Elk Grove district, with some ranchos served by the Sacramento County Water Agency. Permanent statewide prohibitions ban runoff, hosing hardscapes, and watering within 48 hours of rain. Cal Water enforces day-of-week and time-of-day irrigation limits.
Landscaping: Water Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Elk Grove under California's Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (AB 1750). Rooftop rain barrels do not require a permit. Larger cisterns or systems connected to indoor plumbing require building and plumbing permits.
Landscaping: Rainwater Harvesting
Few RestrictionsCA Water Code §10574 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012)
Use of rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water right permit pursuant to Section 1201. (Added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 537, Sec. 2. (AB 1750) Effective January 1, 2013.) — Part 2.4. Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 [10570 - 10574].
Native Plants
New Elk Grove landscaping over 500 square feet must comply with the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), prioritizing low-water-use and native plants. AB 1572 bans the use of potable water to irrigate non-functional turf on commercial, industrial, and HOA properties starting in 2027-2031.
Landscaping: Native Plants
Some RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Artificial turf is allowed in Elk Grove residential yards. Under Civil Code §4735 (amended by AB 349), HOAs cannot prohibit synthetic turf on homeowner-maintained yards. Installation must meet drainage and MWELO-recognized efficient-landscape standards.
Landscaping: Artificial Turf
Few RestrictionsCA Civil Code §4735
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, a provision of the governing documents or architectural or landscaping guidelines or policies shall be void and unenforceable if it does any of the following: (1) Prohibits, or includes conditions that have the effect of prohibiting, the use of low water-using plants as a group or as a replacement of existing turf. (2) Prohibits, or includes conditions that ha...
Looking for Sacramento County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Elk Grove city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Sacramento County →