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
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 requires a tree removal permit before cutting down any native oak, heritage, landmark, or regulated tree, per Municipal Code Section 12.16.050. The city arborist must make a specific finding, such as disease, structural danger, utility interference, or a blocked permitted use, before approving removal, and nine narrow exemptions cover dead or hazardous trees.
Folsom Tree Removal Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsFolsom, CA, Municipal Code § 12.16.050(B), (C)(7)-(8)
B. Tree Removal Permit Required. A tree removal permit is required before removal of any protected tree, except where specifically exempted by subsection C of this section. C. Exemptions. ... 7. Removal of a protected tree that is dead or dying as determined by an arborist and/or verified by the city arborist; provided, that the tree replacement requirements are met. 8. Removal of...
Weed Ordinances
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...
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
Light 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
Some 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's hillside development standards direct that native plants be used for street trees, parks and common landscaping whenever practical. Municipal Code Section 14.33.190(B)(4) applies to subdivisions and grading permits inside hillside area developments and requires the community development department to keep an official list of species considered native to those hillside zones.
Folsom Hillside Native Plant Landscaping Rule
Light RestrictionsFolsom, CA, Municipal Code § 14.33.190(B)(4)
4. Use of Native Plants. Whenever practical, native landscaping materials shall be used for street trees, parks and other areas within hillside area developments. The community development department will maintain a list of plants considered native to the hillside areas.
Artificial 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...
Composting
Folsom Municipal Code 8.32.030 bans burning, burying or otherwise disposing of solid waste on-site, but carves out one exception for composting organic waste following the city's Regional Recycling Backyard Composting Guide or its Commercial Composting and Mulching Operations Site Evaluation Criteria. Residents can also manage organic waste on-site instead of using the green cart under Section 8.32.191.
Folsom Backyard Composting Exception
Light RestrictionsFolsom, CA, Municipal Code § 8.32.030
No person shall burn, bury, or otherwise dispose of or process solid waste on any premises in the city except for composting of organic wastes in a compost process as specified in the division's Regional Recycling Backyard Composting Guide or Commercial Composting and Mulching Operations Site Evaluation Criteria and Conditions for Approval.
Looking for Sacramento County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Folsom city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Sacramento County →