Landscaping Rules in Gilroy, CA (2026)
6 verified landscaping rules for Gilroy, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
In the City of Gilroy, cutting, trimming, pruning or removing any tree in a public street is unlawful without a written permit from the director of parks and recreation under City Code Section 26.7. The director can also inspect trees overhanging a street for hazards and order a private property owner to correct or remove a hazardous or obstructing tree within ten days under Section 26.11, at the owner's cost if ignored.
Gilroy Street Tree Trimming Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsGilroy City Code §§ 26.7, 26.11, 26.17
It shall be unlawful and it is hereby prohibited for any person other than the director or his authorized agents or employees to cut, trim, prune, spray, brace, plant, move, remove or replace any tree in any public street within the city or to cause the same to be done, unless and until a written permit to do so shall have first been obtained from the director. Any such permit may be declared v...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
In the City of Gilroy, it is unlawful to cut down, remove, poison or otherwise destroy a protected tree, more than 25% of a community of protected trees, or a heritage tree on private property without a permit under Gilroy City Code § 30.38.270(c). Violators face a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation.
Gilroy Protected Tree Removal Permit Rule
Significant RestrictionsGilroy City Code § 30.38.270(c)
(c) Permit Required. It is unlawful for any person to cut down, remove, poison or otherwise damage, kill or destroy or cause to be removed any of the following on any private property without first securing a permit as provided in this section: (1) A protected tree. (2) Greater than twenty-five percent (25%) of the trees within the outermost dripline of a community of protected trees. (3) A her...
Weed Ordinances
In the City of Gilroy, Property Maintenance Code Section 302.4 bars weeds or vegetation over twelve inches on any lot, sidewalk, street or alley up to the centerline of the roadway. Overgrown shrubbery, vines or trees that create harborage must be trimmed or the canopy raised to seven feet, and noxious weeds are prohibited outright.
Gilroy Weed and Vegetation Height Limit
Some RestrictionsGilroy City Code § 6.7(i) (Property Maintenance Code § 302.4)
302.4 Weeds. No owner, agent, lessee or occupant or other person having charge or control of any building, lot or premises within the city shall permit excess weeds or vegetation over twelve (12) inches to remain or accumulate upon such premises or upon public sidewalks or streets or alleys between such premises and the centerline of any public street or alley. Where overgrown weeds, vegetation...
Water Restrictions
Gilroy City Code Section 27.98 sets year-round mandatory water conservation rules for landscape irrigation in the City of Gilroy, barring watering during or within 48 hours of measurable rainfall and banning irrigation of ornamental turf on street medians at all times. Once the City Council declares a Level 1 shortage, watering is capped at three days a week from April through October and one day a week from November through March.
Gilroy Watering Day and Hour Limits
Some RestrictionsGilroy City Code § 27.98
§ 27.98. Wasting of water and drought emergencies. ... Mandatory. ... The following mandatory (as indicated with an “M”) water conservation measures are in effect at all times. Following these measures will help save water, and water users are encouraged to save water year round. ... M-0.24 Irrigating within Forty-Eight (48) Hours of Rainfall. The applications of potable water to outdoor landsc...
Rainwater Harvesting
In the City of Gilroy, qualifying landscape and grading design plans must implement storm water best management practices that increase on-site rainwater retention and infiltration under Gilroy City Code § 30.38.220. Section 30.38.220(e)(5) lists incorporating rain gardens, cisterns, and other rain harvesting or catchment systems as one accepted way to meet that mandatory capture-and-reuse standard.
Gilroy Rainwater Harvesting Stormwater Standard
Some RestrictionsGilroy City Code § 30.38.220
(a) Storm water management practices minimize runoff and increase infiltration which recharges groundwater and improves water quality. Implementing storm water best management practices in the landscape and grading design plans to minimize runoff and to increase on-site rainwater retention and infiltration is required. ... (e) Storm water projects shall incorporate any of the following elements...
Native Plants
In the City of Gilroy, any landscape project adding 500 square feet of new planting or rehabilitating 2,500 square feet must submit a landscape design plan under Gilroy City Code § 30.38.120. The plan must show the project achieves efficient water use, and one accepted method is protecting existing native species and choosing water-conserving trees, turf and local native plants instead of high-water ornamentals city-wide.
Gilroy Landscape Design Native Plant Standards
Light RestrictionsGilroy City Code § 30.38.120
(1) Plant Material. a. Any plant may be selected for the landscape, providing the estimated total water use in the landscape area does not exceed the maximum applied water allowance. Methods to achieve water efficiency may include one (1) or more of the following: 1. Protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation; 2. Selection of water-conserving plant, tree and turf speci...
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Gilroy city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Santa Clara County →