Landscaping Rules in Lancaster, CA (2026)
6 verified landscaping rules for Lancaster, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Lancaster requires property owners to keep street trees trimmed to a minimum clearance of 10 feet over sidewalks and 13.5 feet over streets under Municipal Code Section 12.20.030. Owners must also prevent trees from blocking streetlights, traffic signs, or intersection sightlines. No permit is needed to trim for clearance, and failure to comply lets the city step in and bill the owner for removal.
Lancaster Street Tree Clearance and Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsLancaster, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 12.20.030 (Obstruction)
The trees and ground cover shall be maintained so as not to constitute a hazard and in addition, to avoid interference with vehicular or pedestrian use of streets and sidewalks. The property owner shall be required to maintain trees in such a manner so as not to encroach into or over any adjacent sidewalk or street. Absent special circumstances and approved by the city the minimum clearance of ...
Weed Ordinances
Lancaster caps weeds and plant growth on every property at six inches under Municipal Code Section 15.24.150, part of the city's adopted International Property Maintenance Code, and bans noxious weeds outright, though cultivated flowers, fruits, and vegetables are excluded from the rule. Violations become misdemeanors or administrative citations enforced by Building & Safety code officers.
Lancaster Weed Height Limit for Properties
Some RestrictionsLancaster, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 15.24.150 (Weeds)
Section 302.4 of the International Property Maintenance Code is hereby amended to read as follows: 302.4 Weeds. All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of six (6) inches. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants, and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs; however, this term shall not inc...
Water Restrictions
Lancaster's water waste ordinance bans irrigating lawns or landscaping between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. from March through October under Section 8.48.030(E). Sprinkler runoff onto streets or gutters can't run more than two minutes, hoses must be shut off, and any waste of water is a public nuisance the city can abate under Chapter 8.28 with misdemeanor penalties.
Lancaster Irrigation Watering-Hours Ban
Some RestrictionsLancaster, CA, Municipal Code Sec. 8.48.030(D),(E) (Prohibited acts - waste of water)
Any one of the following acts shall constitute a waste of water, as the term is used in this chapter, and shall be prohibited at all times: ... D.Allowing runoff into streets, gutters or other paved areas, from irrigating landscaped improvements, whether because of broken or misdirected sprinkler systems, to persist for more than two minutes total duration.E.Irrigating lawns and/or landscaped i...
Rainwater Harvesting
Lancaster allows residential rainwater harvesting. California has no significant state-level restrictions on rainwater collection for personal use.
Lancaster Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. AB 1750 (2012) - Rainwater Capture Act (Legislative Counsel Digest)
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 1750, Solorio. Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. (1) Under existing law, the State Water Resources Control Board (state board) and the California regional water quality control boards prescribe waste discharge requirements for the discharge of stormwater in accordance with the national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permit program and the Porter-Col...
Native Plants
Lancaster may encourage or require native and drought-tolerant landscaping. Some areas restrict traditional grass lawns in favor of water-efficient alternatives.
Lancaster Native Plant & Xeriscape Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. Dept. of Water Resources - Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO)
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. Usually, local agencies that adopt WELOs create a more stringent ordinance than MWELO. The purpose of water efficient landscape ordi...
Artificial Turf
Lancaster generally permits artificial turf installation with some requirements for drainage, appearance, and base preparation.
Lancaster Artificial Turf Regulations
Some RestrictionsCal. Civ. Code Section 4735 (Common Interest Developments - Landscaping Restrictions Void)
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...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lancaster city rules.
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