Landscaping Rules in Garden Grove, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Garden Grove, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Garden Grove requires property owners to maintain landscaping including regular mowing, pruning, and removal of overgrown vegetation. Dead, diseased, or hazardous growth constituting an unsightly appearance or danger to public safety must be removed.
Garden Grove Landscaping Maintenance Standards
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Garden Grove has a tree ordinance protecting city-owned street trees. Residents may not trim, damage, or remove city street trees without prior approval. Private trees on residential property are the owner's responsibility to maintain.
Garden Grove Tree Ordinance & Trimming
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Garden Grove protects certain trees. Removing significant or heritage trees may require a permit. Replacement planting may be required.
Garden Grove Tree Removal Rules
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Garden Grove requires property owners to remove weeds, debris, and vegetation that constitutes a nuisance, fire hazard, or detriment to neighboring properties. The fire code also requires removal of vegetation capable of being ignited.
Garden Grove Weed & Nuisance Vegetation
Some RestrictionsCal. Food & Agric. Code § 5004 (Noxious Weeds)
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
Garden Grove enforces Landscape Water Efficiency Provisions for new development and major renovations. Irrigation systems must comply with the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. Drought restrictions from the Municipal Water District of Orange County also apply.
Garden Grove Water Efficiency Standards
Some RestrictionsCal. Code Regs. tit. 23, § 490 et seq. (Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance)
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
Garden Grove permits residential rainwater harvesting consistent with California law (Water Code Section 10574). Homeowners may collect rainwater from rooftops using rain barrels and cisterns without a permit for containers under 5,000 gallons. The Metropolitan Water District and city offer rebates for rain barrel installation as part of water conservation programs.
Garden Grove Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Water Code Section 10574 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012)
Water Code - WAT DIVISION 6. CONSERVATION, DEVELOPMENT, AND UTILIZATION OF STATE WATER RESOURCES [10000 - 12999] ( Heading of Division 6 amended by Stats. 1957, Ch. 1932. ) PART 2.4. Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 [10570 - 10574] ( Part 2.4 added by Stats. 2012, Ch. 537, Sec. 2. ) 10574. Use of rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water right permit pursuant to Section 1201. (Add...
Native Plants
Garden Grove encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping consistent with California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). The city enforces MWELO requirements for new landscaping projects over 500 square feet. HOAs cannot prohibit drought-tolerant landscaping under California Government Code Section 65595. Turf removal rebates are available through regional water agencies.
Garden Grove Native & Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) - 23 CCR Div. 2, Ch. 2.7
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. Us...
Artificial Turf
Garden Grove permits artificial turf installation on residential properties as a water-saving alternative to natural grass. Synthetic turf must meet city appearance standards and be properly maintained to avoid code enforcement issues. HOAs cannot prohibit artificial turf under California Civil Code Section 4735. Turf removal rebates may apply when replacing natural grass with artificial turf.
Garden Grove Artificial Turf Regulations
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Section 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...
Looking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Garden Grove city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Orange County →