Landscaping Rules in Huntington Beach, CA (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for Huntington Beach, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Huntington Beach's property maintenance standards require owners to keep landscaping maintained. Overgrown vegetation and dead landscaping may trigger code enforcement action.
Huntington Beach Grass Height Limits
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Property owners in Huntington Beach must maintain trees to provide adequate clearance over sidewalks and streets. The city maintains street trees in the public right-of-way.
Huntington Beach Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Huntington Beach does not have a comprehensive private tree removal ordinance, but trees in the public right-of-way and in specific plan areas may be protected. Environmental review may apply to significant tree removal.
Huntington Beach Tree Removal & Regulation
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Huntington Beach requires property owners to maintain lots free of weeds and overgrown vegetation under HBMC Chapter 17.10 (Nuisance Code). Weeds creating fire, health, or safety hazards are declared nuisances subject to abatement.
Huntington Beach Weed Abatement Rules
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Huntington Beach enforces water conservation measures through the city's water division. California's statewide water conservation requirements apply, and the city may impose additional restrictions during drought.
Huntington Beach Water Restrictions & Landscape Watering Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Code Regs. tit. 23, §§ 490-495 - Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO)
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...
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Huntington Beach under California Water Code Section 10574. Standard rain barrels do not require a city permit.
Huntington Beach Rainwater Harvesting
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
Huntington Beach encourages sustainable and native plant landscaping through its water conservation programs. MWELO applies to new landscapes over 500 sq ft. HOAs cannot prohibit drought-tolerant plants under CA Civil Code §4735.
Huntington Beach Native Plant Landscaping
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Artificial turf is permitted in Huntington Beach and encouraged for water conservation. HOAs cannot prohibit it under CA Gov. Code §4735. No special city permit is needed for residential turf replacement.
Huntington Beach Artificial Turf Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Section 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
Backyard composting is permitted in Huntington Beach. SB 1383 requires organic waste diversion. Republic Services provides green waste collection.
Huntington Beach Composting Rules
Few RestrictionsCA Health & Safety Code Section 39730.6 (SB 1383)
(a) Consistent with Section 39730.5, methane emissions reduction goals shall include the following targets to reduce the landfill disposal of organics: (1) A 50-percent reduction in the level of the statewide disposal of organic waste from the 2014 level by 2020. (2) A 75-percent reduction in the level of the statewide disposal of organic waste from the 2014 level by 2025. (b) Except as provide...
Looking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Huntington Beach city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Orange County →