Landscaping Rules in Elk Grove, CA (2026)
6 verified landscaping rules for Elk Grove, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Elk Grove requires tree limbs to stay clear of the public right-of-way: at least 10 feet above sidewalks and 13 feet above streets, under Municipal Code Section 23.54.070(D). Property owners maintain their own landscaping under subsection (A), and if maintenance lapses the City can step in and lien the property after a 30-day notice period runs under subsection (B).
Elk Grove Tree Clearance Over Sidewalks
Some RestrictionsElk Grove, CA, Municipal Code § 23.54.070(A), (B) and (D) (Maintenance: Tree Pruning and Shrub Maintenance)
The owners of all landscaped property shall be responsible for the proper maintenance of the landscaping and irrigation systems. ... If landscaping is not being properly maintained, the property owner shall be notified by the City. If after thirty (30) days from the City's notification the landscaping is still not being maintained, then the City may perform any type of maintenance necessary to ...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Cutting down, topping, relocating, or working in the critical root zone of a landmark tree, secured tree, protected species, or City/right-of-way tree in Elk Grove requires a tree permit under EGMC § 19.12.070, unless one of four exemptions in § 19.12.080 applies, such as an emergency hazard.
Elk Grove Tree Removal Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsElk Grove, CA, Municipal Code §§ 19.12.070, 19.12.080 (Tree permit; exemptions)
No person shall conduct work within the critical root zone, cut down, remove, top, or relocate any landmark tree, tree of local importance, secured tree, or tree in the right-of-way or on City property unless a valid tree permit has been approved pursuant to the procedures contained in EGMC Sections 19.12.090 through 19.12.130. Exemptions to this requirement are provided in EGMC Section 19.12.0...
Weed 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
Light 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
New and rehabilitated Elk Grove landscapes must irrigate efficiently under Municipal Code Section 14.10.060: narrow planting strips need subsurface drip, overhead spray is banned within 24 inches of pavement, and citywide automatic controllers must run only between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. under Section 23.54.060(B) to cut evaporation loss.
Elk Grove Landscape Irrigation Restrictions
Some RestrictionsElk Grove, CA, Municipal Code § 14.10.060(A) (Irrigation design); § 23.54.060(B) (Irrigation controller timing)
A. Irrigation Design. Irrigation of all landscaped areas of any size shall comply with the following irrigation requirements and be conducted in a manner conforming to the rules and requirements of the State WELO and this chapter and shall be subject to penalties and incentives for water conservation and waste prevention, as determined and implemented by the City: 1. Areas less than ten (10) fe...
Rainwater 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
Some 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].
Artificial 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
Some 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...
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