Landscaping Rules in Fresno, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Fresno, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Fresno Municipal Code §10-605 requires property owners to maintain vegetation under 6 inches in height on developed parcels. Unmaintained grass, weeds, and rank growth over 6 inches becomes a fire and nuisance hazard subject to a weed abatement notice and administrative cleanup by the city at owner expense plus a lien.
Grass Height Rules in Fresno
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Street trees in the Fresno public right-of-way are jointly the responsibility of the property owner and the city Urban Forestry division. Property owners must maintain 14-foot clearance over streets and 8 feet over sidewalks under FMC §13-605. Removal or major pruning of street trees and protected trees requires a permit from Urban Forestry.
Tree Trimming Rules in Fresno
Some RestrictionsCal. Pub. Resources Code § 4291
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
FMC §13-305 requires a Tree Removal Permit for protected/heritage trees. Permits evaluated by licensed arborists. Licensed contractor required. Fruit trees exempt. Violators must pay double fee plus replacement costs.
Fresno Tree Removal Regulations
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
FMC §10-605 is the primary weed control ordinance in Fresno, requiring vegetation under 6 inches on all parcels. Noxious and invasive weeds listed by the Fresno County Agricultural Commissioner including yellow starthistle, puncturevine, and tamarisk require active control. Non-compliance triggers a mailed notice, city abatement, and a lien.
Weed Ordinances in Fresno
Some RestrictionsCal. Food & Agric. 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
The Fresno Water Division enforces year-round watering rules: no watering between 9 AM and 6 PM, no runoff onto streets or sidewalks, and watering on assigned odd/even days based on address. Mandatory schedules tighten in drought stages declared by Fresno and the State Water Board under Water Code §10608 and SB 606/AB 1668 long-term conservation rules.
Water Restrictions in Fresno
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting from rooftops is legal in Fresno under California Water Code §10574 and AB 1750 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012). No permit is required for simple rain barrels or cisterns used to irrigate landscaping. Storage tanks over 5,000 gallons or integrated with potable plumbing require Plumbing Code permits and backflow prevention.
Rainwater Harvesting Rules in Fresno
Few RestrictionsCal. 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.)
Native Plants
Fresno encourages native and drought-tolerant plantings under its Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) adopted from state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. New landscaping over 500 square feet must meet water budget targets favoring native and low-water plants. HOAs cannot prohibit drought-tolerant landscaping under Civil Code §§4735 and 4739.
Native Plant Rules in Fresno
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), DWR
New development and retrofitted landscape water efficiency standards are governed by the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). The MWELO is also referenced by Title 24, Part 11, Chapters 4 and 5 CalGreen Building Code. All local agencies must adopt, implement, and enforce the MWELO or a local Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) that is at least as effective as the MWELO. Usu...
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is legal in Fresno front and back yards. California Civil Code §4735 prohibits HOAs from banning artificial turf, and AB 349 (2015) further protects the right to install. Installations over 500 square feet need WELO documentation. Permeable base and proper drainage are required to prevent stormwater issues.
Artificial Turf Rules in Fresno
Few RestrictionsCal. 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 Fresno County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fresno city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Fresno County →