Landscaping Rules in Folsom, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Folsom, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Folsom Municipal Code allows Code Enforcement to declare overgrown vegetation a public nuisance under CA Health & Safety Code §14875. Grass and weeds generally must be maintained under 6 inches in residential areas and under 4 inches in VHFHSZ defensible space zones. Non-compliance triggers abatement and lien recovery.
Landscaping: Grass Height
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Health & Safety Code §14875
14875. "Weeds," as used in this part, means vegetation growing upon streets, sidewalks, or private property in any county, including any fire protection district and may include any of the following: (a) Vegetation that bears seeds of a downy or wingy nature. (b) Vegetation that is not pruned or is otherwise neglected so as to attain such large growth as to become, when dry, a fire menace to ad...
Tree Trimming
Folsom has a strong tree preservation ordinance protecting native and heritage trees. Routine maintenance pruning (under 25% of canopy) is generally allowed without permit, but major trimming, topping, or pruning of protected trees requires an arborist report and Community Development permit. SMUD governs utility-line clearance trimming.
Landscaping: Tree Trimming
Some RestrictionsCal. Pub. Resources Code Sec. 4291 (Defensible Space - 100-Foot Clearance Requirement)
4291. (a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in the state responsibility area shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary sha...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Folsom has one of the stronger tree ordinances in the Sacramento region, requiring a permit to remove any native oak (6 inch+ diameter), heritage tree, or tree in a required landscape area. Removal of a protected tree without permit can trigger fines plus replacement tree mitigation at 3:1 ratio.
Landscaping: Tree Removal
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Folsom Code Enforcement abates noxious weeds and overgrown vegetation under CA Health & Safety Code §14875 and Gov Code §§39560-39588. Common targets: yellow starthistle, puncturevine (goatheads), medusahead, and any dry grass over 4 inches in VHFHSZ. Abatement lien applied to non-compliant parcels.
Landscaping: Weed Ordinances
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Food & Agricultural Code §5004
5004. "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 purpose...
Water Restrictions
City of Folsom Utilities enforces permanent and stage-based water conservation rules under the State Water Resources Control Board and local drought response. Permanent: no runoff, no hosing hard surfaces, no watering during/48 hours after rain. Outdoor watering schedule assigned by address; violations carry escalating fines.
Landscaping: Water Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsCal. DWR - Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO, Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 23, Div. 2, Ch. 2.7)
Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance Skip to Main Content × Saving your location allows us to provide you with more relevant information. Set Location .cls-1{fill:#fff;stroke-width:0} Share: About Contact Current Conditions Settings × Default High Contrast Reset Increase Font Size Font Decrease Font Size Font Save links on hover --> Menu Contact Search Search this site: Search ...
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Folsom under the California Rainwater Capture Act (AB 1750). Rain barrels and cisterns collecting roof runoff for landscape irrigation are permit-exempt up to 5,000 gallons. Folsom Utilities periodically offers rain barrel rebate programs through Regional Water Authority partnerships.
Landscaping: Rainwater Harvesting
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Water Code §§10570-10574 (AB 1750, Rainwater Capture Act of 2012)
PART 2.4. Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 10570. This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. 10573. Solely for the purposes of this part, and unless the context otherwise requires, the following definitions govern the construction of this part: (a) "Developed or developing lands" means lands that have one or more of the characteristics described in subparagra...
Native Plants
Folsom encourages California native and climate-appropriate plantings through its Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) implementation. New construction landscape plans over 500 sq ft must meet water budget requirements favoring natives and drought-tolerant species. Replacement of non-functional turf with natives is incentivized.
Landscaping: Native Plants
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Artificial turf is allowed in Folsom residential front and back yards with design standards. Civil Code §4735 prohibits HOAs from banning synthetic grass used for water conservation. Folsom Utilities periodically offers rebates as part of turf replacement programs. Product must meet lead-free and permeability standards.
Landscaping: Artificial Turf
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code §4735
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 t...
Looking for Sacramento County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Folsom city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Sacramento County →