Landscaping Rules in Hesperia, CA (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for Hesperia, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Hesperia contracts with San Bernardino County Fire Hazard Abatement to enforce defensible space. Weeds and grasses must be cut to no more than 4 inches in height within 30 feet of any structure. The High Desert/Mojave WUI environment makes overgrown vegetation a year-round fire hazard, especially tumbleweeds in the fall.
Grass and Weed Height Rules in Hesperia, CA
Heavy RestrictionsTree Trimming
Hesperia Municipal Code §16.24.110 incorporates San Bernardino County Code §88.01.060 for plant preservation, which protects Joshua trees as well as other native desert species. Statewide, the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (Fish & Game Code §1927) prohibits removal, trimming, damaging, moving, or killing a Western Joshua tree without a CDFW take permit — fines start at $1,000+ per tree.
Tree Trimming and Joshua Tree Preservation in Hesperia, CA
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Hesperia's Weed Abatement Program is administered under contract by San Bernardino County Fire Hazard Abatement. Each parcel is inspected spring (weeds/grasses) and fall (tumbleweeds/summer vegetation). Weeds and grasses must be cut to under 4 inches within 30 feet of any structure. Non-compliance triggers administrative abatement billed to the property tax roll.
Weed and Vegetation Abatement in Hesperia, CA
Heavy RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Hesperia Municipal Code §14.04.170 (Water Conservation Emergency Plan) is currently in Stage 2, enacted by joint Hesperia City Council/Hesperia Water District Resolutions 2022-46 and 2022-10. Irrigation of non-functional turf is prohibited at commercial, industrial, and institutional properties. Parks, golf courses, and schools may only irrigate between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.; all runoff is prohibited.
Water Use Restrictions in Hesperia, CA
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is broadly legal in California under AB 1750 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, codified at Water Code §10574). Hesperia has no specific local ordinance regulating residential rain barrels; harvesting from rooftops for non-potable landscape use is allowed without a permit. Larger cisterns or any potable use require state and county health department approval.
Rainwater Harvesting in Hesperia, CA
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Hesperia Municipal Code §16.24.110 requires preservation of native desert plants per San Bernardino County Code §88.01.060, including Joshua trees, Mojave yucca, desert willow, and creosote. California Civil Code §4735 prohibits HOAs from forbidding low-water native landscaping, and Cal. Government Code §65595 supports xeriscape. The Mojave Water Agency offers turf-replacement rebates for converting to native/drought-tolerant landscapes.
Native Plants and Desert Landscaping in Hesperia, CA
Some RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Hesperia's Development Code (Title 16) does not prohibit residential artificial turf. State law (AB 1164, codified at Cal. Government Code §53087.7) prohibits cities and HOAs from banning artificial turf for residential properties, and Cal. Civil Code §4735 prohibits HOAs from banning low-water alternatives. Synthetic turf must still meet landscape design and front-yard coverage requirements in the Development Code.
Artificial Turf Rules in Hesperia, CA
Few RestrictionsLooking for San Bernardino County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Hesperia city rules.
Landscaping Rules in San Bernardino County →