Landscaping Rules in Fremont, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Fremont, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Fremont requires lawns and weeds kept below 6 inches citywide, and 4 inches in east foothill VHFHSZ defensible space zones. Overgrown lots are tagged for abatement each spring.
Fremont Grass Height Limits
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Fremont protects heritage, native oaks, and street trees. Homeowners can trim private trees but must not harm the tree or encroach on neighbor property without consent.
Fremont Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. Pub. Resources Code Sec. 4291 (Defensible Space - Vegetation and Tree Maintenance Around Structures)
(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 shall con...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Fremont requires a permit to remove Heritage Trees and native oaks on private property. Replacement planting or in-lieu fees apply. Street tree removal needs Public Works approval.
Fremont Tree Removal Permits
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Fremont requires noxious weeds, dry grass, and rank vegetation abated annually. Hillside and vacant parcels receive priority inspection each spring through fall.
Fremont Weed Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Alameda County Water District serves Fremont and prohibits daytime outdoor watering, runoff, and watering within 48 hours of rain. AB 1572 phases out non-functional turf.
Fremont Water Restrictions (ACWD)
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Fremont allows rainwater barrels and cisterns for landscape irrigation. Barrels up to 5,000 gallons do not need a permit. ACWD offers rebates for qualifying systems.
Fremont Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Water Code Sections 10570-10574 (AB 1750)
AB-1750 Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (Chapter 537) SEC. 2. Part 2.4 (commencing with Section 10570) is added to Division 6 of the Water Code, to read: 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. 10572. Nothing in this part shall be construed to do any of the following: (a) Alter or impair any existing right...
Native Plants
Fremont encourages California native and Bay-Friendly landscaping through rebates and simplified permits. Native oak preservation applies. ACWD Bay Save lawn conversion programs available.
Fremont Native Plant Landscaping
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Section 4735
Civil Code - CIV, Section 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) Prohibit...
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is allowed in Fremont backyards and increasingly in front yards. AB 1572 incentivizes replacement of non-functional grass. HOA bans on turf are void under CA law.
Fremont Artificial Turf Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Section 4735
Civil Code - CIV, Section 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) Prohibit...
Looking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fremont city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Alameda County →