Landscaping Rules in Fullerton, CA (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for Fullerton, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Fullerton's Weed and Rubbish Abatement chapter (FMC Chapter 13.18) treats weeds or grass exceeding twelve (12) inches in height, and any vegetation that is overgrown, dead, decayed, or diseased, as a public nuisance subject to abatement. If a property owner fails to cut and remove the vegetation, the City can do so via its Weed Abatement Program and bill the cost back to the owner as a lien on the property.
12-inch grass/weed limit (FMC Ch. 13.18)
Some RestrictionsCity of Fullerton - Code Enforcement Residential Code page (citing FMC Ch. 13.18)
The Municipal Code requires residents to keep their property free of accumulations of trash, debris and weeds which can attract rats, insects and other vermin, and can pose a health and safety hazard for the neighborhood. Specifically, weeds or grass in excess of twelve (12) inches in height are considered overgrown, and vegetation that is overgrown, dead, decayed, or diseased or which is likel...
Tree Trimming
Under Fullerton Municipal Code Chapter 9.06, property owners are NOT responsible for trimming street trees in the parkway - the City prunes, removes, and plants them through its contractor (West Coast Arborists). It is unlawful for any person to alter, prune, or remove a street tree in the public right-of-way without a permit from the Public Works / Maintenance Services Department, and violators may be fined and required to pay the replacement value of the tree.
City street trees - permit required (FMC 9.06)
Heavy RestrictionsFMC 9.06.070 - Responsibilities of property owners
It shall be the duty and responsibility of all property owners to maintain shrubs, ground cover, concrete, rocks, bricks, etc. (landscape material) in the parkway strips immediately abutting the owner's property regardless of whether such property is developed.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Fullerton protects its urban tree canopy through tree preservation policies that may require permits for removing significant trees on private property. Removing or damaging city-owned street and parkway trees without authorization is strictly prohibited. Heritage-sized trees — generally those with trunk diameters exceeding certain thresholds — receive heightened protection and may require a tree removal permit with replacement planting conditions.
Fullerton Tree Removal and Heritage Trees
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Fullerton runs a Weed and Rubbish Abatement Program under FMC Chapter 13.18 administered by the Fire Chief as Weed Abatement Official. Owners receive a notice to abate weeds, dry vegetation, and rubbish; failure to comply results in contractor abatement at the owner's expense, with the cost recorded as a lien against the property under California Government Code sections 39560-39588.
Weed & Rubbish Abatement Program (FMC 13.18)
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Fullerton Fire Department - Brush Clearance Standard (Fire Hazard Mitigation)
All ground cover & vegetation/weeds that is either dead and/or dying shall be cut to a maximum of 3" and immediately removed and properly disposed, unless approved by the Fire Code Official. New and existing trees shall be pruned to maintain a minimum clearance of 10 feet to any portion of a building, shed, patio cover, trellis, or similar structure, and trees shall be pruned to remove branches...
Water Restrictions
Fullerton's Drought Ordinance 3299 and Fullerton Municipal Code (FMC) Chapter 15.50 (Landscaping and Irrigation Requirements) prohibit watering between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., ban watering within 48 hours of measurable rain (1/4 inch), and limit non-attended overhead watering to 15 minutes per valve per day. At the City's current Conservation Level 2, landscape irrigation is restricted to two assigned days per week by address (odd / even) and must occur outside 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Drought Ordinance 3299 + FMC Ch. 15.50
Heavy RestrictionsCity of Fullerton, Conservation Level 1 restrictions (Drought Ordinance 3299)
Watering of landscape or other vegetated areas shall not be allowed between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., except for watering by hand held device, hose equipped with an automatic shutoff device, or to adjust or repair irrigation systems for short periods of time.
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Fullerton under California state law. The Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (AB 1750) allows residential property owners to collect rainwater from rooftop surfaces without a permit. Rain barrels and small cisterns are permitted in side and rear yards. Fullerton and regional water agencies periodically offer rain barrel rebates or distribution events to encourage stormwater capture.
Fullerton Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Fullerton encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping through the city's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO), turf removal rebate programs, and California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. New development and major landscape renovations exceeding 500 square feet must comply with WELO requirements that favor low-water-use plant palettes. Residential turf replacement with native or drought-tolerant plants is eligible for rebates.
Fullerton Native and Drought-Tolerant Plant Incentives
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Fullerton permits artificial turf installation on residential properties as an alternative to natural grass. Synthetic turf must be professionally installed with proper drainage, maintain a realistic appearance, and comply with any applicable HOA CC&Rs. California Civil Code Section 4735 prohibits HOAs from banning artificial turf. Turf removal rebates generally apply when converting to drought-tolerant landscaping rather than artificial turf, though some programs include synthetic turf as a qualifying replacement.
Fullerton Artificial Turf Regulations
Few RestrictionsCalifornia 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...
Composting
Under California SB 1383, Fullerton residents must separate organic waste from regular trash. Backyard composting is encouraged as an alternative to curbside organic waste collection. The city provides resources through its waste hauler for organic recycling compliance.
Fullerton Composting & Organic Waste Rules
Few RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fullerton city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Orange County →