Landscaping Rules in Indio, CA (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for Indio, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Indio's landscaping code sets exact clearance heights for trees that overhang public sidewalks and streets, requiring property owners to keep branches trimmed clear of pedestrians and traffic.
Indio Street Tree Sidewalk Clearance Rule
Some RestrictionsIndio Unified Development Code § 3.02.09(J)(6)
Trees and shrubs shall not overhang or encroach upon walkways, drives, parking areas, and traffic signs to the extent that they interfere with the use of these areas. Tree limbs which overhang public sidewalks shall be kept trimmed to a height of at least eight feet above the sidewalk level. Tree limbs which overhang the street shall be kept trimmed to a height of at least 13 feet above the str...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Indio, California requires a Public Works Department permit before anyone plants, removes, cuts, prunes, or disturbs a public 'city tree': one located in a park, city easement, or on city-owned property in this Riverside County city.
Indio Permit Required to Remove City Trees
Some RestrictionsIndio Municipal Code § 98.07(A)
No person shall plant, remove, cut, prune, root prune, apply pesticides or otherwise disturb any city tree or shrubs without first obtaining a permit from the Director of Public Works. (B) Applications for permits must be made to the Public Works Department on forms provided by the Department, and shall include such information as the Director deems necessary to review the application. (C) ...
Weed Ordinances
Indio's nuisance code caps grass and weeds on private property at six inches, twelve inches on parkway strips, and lets code enforcement order abatement through a hearing process.
Indio Grass and Weed Height Limit: Six Inches
Some RestrictionsIndio Municipal Code § 95A.104(K)(2)
Lawn or grass in excess of six inches in height or which is dead, decayed, diseased, or not adequately maintained, except that lawn or grass may not exceed 12 inches in height on parkways; (3) Overgrown to a point which does, or has a potential to, harbor rats, vermin, excessive amounts of insects or other potential disease carriers; (4) Obstructs vision of motorists or pedestrians or off...
Water Restrictions
Once the City Council declares a Stage III water shortage, Indio limits spray-irrigation of outdoor landscapes to three days a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, while allowing drip or subterranean irrigation seven days a week at night.
Indio Watering-Day Limits Under Water Shortage Stages
Some RestrictionsIndio Municipal Code § 54.057(A)-(B), Stage III — Moderately limited water supplies [Ord. 1662, 10-15-2014; Ord. 1673, 5-20-2015; Ord. 1762, 7-21-2021]
Outdoor water use shall be allowed three days a week for spray irrigation (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). (B) Drip or subterranean irrigation shall be allowed seven days per week during non-daylight hours. (C) Commercial nurseries shall use water only on alternate days during non-daylight hours for outside operations. (D) Decorative ponds, non-irrigation system golf course water hazards, ...
Rainwater Harvesting
Indio's Unified Development Code exempts rain barrels from its renewable energy system land-use regulations, so residents in this Riverside County, California city can install rainwater-harvesting rain barrels without a renewable-energy permit or setback review.
Indio Rain Barrels Exempt From Renewable Energy Rules
Few RestrictionsIndio Unified Development Code § 7.01.02 (Renewable Energy System definition)
Any equipment installed for processing, generating, conducting, or storing of any type of renewable energy (solar, wind, or similar or new technologies). Rain barrels are not regulated under this land use. Systems are regulated in the following ways: BUILDING-MOUNTED — Any renewable energy system mounted or affixed to the outside of a building (new or existing) or located interior to the struc...
Native Plants
Indio requires new landscaping to be at least 50 percent drought-tolerant and native species, suited to the desert climate, under the Unified Development Code's landscaping standards.
Indio Native and Drought-Tolerant Plant Minimum
Some RestrictionsIndio Unified Development Code § 3.02.09(G)(1)
Landscape planting shall incorporate at minimum 50 percent drought-tolerant and native species (especially along natural, open space areas), and shall be suitable for the soil and climatic conditions specific to the site. 2. Group Plants by Water Use.Plants shall be grouped according to their water needs and irrigated separately from other groupings to promote water efficiency. 3. Street ...
Artificial Turf
Indio allows synthetic turf in yards and activity areas as a water-saving substitute for grass, but sets minimum pile height, drainage, and maintenance standards.
Indio Synthetic Turf Standards for Yards
Light RestrictionsIndio Unified Development Code § 3.02.09(H)(2)
Synthetic turf may be used as a substitute for natural turf for the purposes of water conservation, or in high activity or foot-traffic areas such as sports fields. The following standards shall apply to the use and maintenance of synthetic turf. a. Synthetic turf shall consist of lifelike individual blades of grass that emulate real grass in look and color and have a minimum pile height of ...
Looking for Riverside County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Indio city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Riverside County →