Landscaping Rules in Galt, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Galt, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Galt requires property owners to keep grass and weeds trimmed so vegetation does not become a fire or public health nuisance. The City's weed abatement program treats dry grass typically over 4 inches on vacant or residential lots as a declarable nuisance.
Landscaping: Grass Height
Some RestrictionsCal. Gov't Code § 39560
39560. (a) "Superintendent" means street superintendent, the superintendent's assistants and deputies, or other public officer designated by the legislative body to perform the duties imposed by this article upon the superintendent. (b) "Weeds" means weeds which when mature bear wingy or downy seeds, which will attain such a large growth as to become a fire menace when dry, or which are otherwi...
Tree Trimming
Property owners in Galt are responsible for trimming trees on their property so branches do not obstruct streets, sidewalks, or streetlights. Street trees in the public right-of-way are maintained under City direction, and utility line clearance is handled by SMUD and PG&E.
Landscaping: Tree Trimming
Few RestrictionsCal. Pub. Res. Code Sec. 4291 (Defensible Space)
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
Galt does not maintain an expansive heritage-tree ordinance, but trees in the public right-of-way and those planted as required landscaping for commercial or subdivision projects cannot be removed without City approval. Native oaks on undeveloped parcels may trigger Sacramento County oak policies.
Landscaping: Tree Removal
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Galt declares overgrown weeds, rank grass, and combustible vegetation a public nuisance each year. Owners receive written notice and a deadline to abate, and the City may enter and clear the property at the owner's expense if the deadline is missed.
Landscaping: Weed Ordinances
Some RestrictionsCal. Food & Agric. Code Sec. 5004 (Noxious Weeds — Definition and Designation)
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
Galt's water utility enforces permanent State Water Board conservation rules plus city-specific watering schedules. Outdoor irrigation cannot run during or within 48 hours of rain, must not cause runoff, and is restricted to designated days and early or late hours.
Landscaping: Water Restrictions
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (DWR)
Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance Low water using plants, mulch, and efficient irrigation save water while making habitat for pollinators. DWR/2015 About 40% of the water Californians use at home is used outdoors. Large water savings can be gained by efficient landscape design, installation, management, and maintenance. This is accomplished by c...
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater collection is encouraged in Galt. California law allows rooftop rainwater capture without a water right permit, and typical residential rain barrels do not require a building permit. Larger cisterns or potable reuse systems need plumbing review.
Landscaping: Rainwater Harvesting
Few RestrictionsCal. Water Code § 10574 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012)
10574. 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.) The Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, codified at Water Code Part 2.4 (Sections 10570 through 10574), authorizes residents and landowners to install, maintain, and operate rain barrels and rainwater capture sys...
Native Plants
Galt encourages drought-tolerant and California native plantings through the state MWELO landscape ordinance. New residential landscapes over 500 square feet must demonstrate a water budget favoring low-water species, and HOA restrictions against native plants are void under state law.
Landscaping: Native Plants
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (DWR)
climate adapted plants, improving soil conditions, using, and maintaining high efficiency irrigation equipment and managing the irrigation schedule to fit the plants water needs as they are influenced by local climate. To increase water efficiency and better use a valuable resource, rainwater and stormwater collection and graywater and recycled water can replace or augment potable water use in ...
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is permitted in Galt residential yards and is protected from HOA bans during drought declarations. AB 1572 restricts irrigation of non-functional grass at commercial and institutional sites, accelerating turf replacement across California.
Landscaping: Artificial Turf
Some RestrictionsLooking for Sacramento County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Galt city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Sacramento County →