Landscaping Rules in Long Beach, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Long Beach, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Long Beach requires property owners to maintain grass and vegetation to prevent nuisance conditions under LBMC Ch. 9.37 (Nuisance Code). Overgrown vegetation visible from public view or neighboring properties is a code violation.
Long Beach Grass Height & Groundcover Standards
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Trimming or removing public/street trees in Long Beach requires a permit from the Director of Public Works under LBMC Ch. 14.28. Topping, heading back, stubbing, lion tailing, and pollarding are prohibited.
Long Beach Tree Trimming Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Street trees cannot be removed without city permit from Director of Public Works. City only approves removal for dead, dying, diseased, or hazardous trees. Private tree removal on private property governed by Chapter 14.28.
Long Beach Tree Removal Regulations
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Long Beach requires property owners to control weeds and overgrown vegetation under LBMC Ch. 9.37. Properties with weeds visible from public view may receive a nuisance citation. The city conducts regular code enforcement sweeps.
Long Beach Weed Abatement Ordinance
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Food and Agricultural Code § 5004 (Noxious Weed — Definition)
Noxious weed” means any species of plant that is, or is liable to be, troublesome, aggressive, intrusive, detrimental, or destructive to agriculture, silviculture, or important native species, and difficult to control or eradicate, which the director, by regulation, designates to be a noxious weed. In determining whether or not a species shall be designated a noxious weed for the purposes of pr...
Water Restrictions
Long Beach follows the MWELO (Smartscape) ordinance for new landscaping. Projects 500-2,500 sq ft have streamlined permits; over 2,500 sq ft require a landscape professional. High-water turf is prohibited in parkways and medians.
Long Beach Water Conservation Landscaping Requirements
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), 23 CCR § 490 et seq.
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. Usually, local agencies that adopt WELOs create a more stringent ordinance than MWELO. The ...
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is encouraged in Long Beach as part of stormwater management. The city's LID standards promote capturing rainfall on-site. No permit is required for residential rain barrels under state law.
Long Beach Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Assembly Bill 1750 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012)
This bill would enact the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, which would provide that use of rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water right permit from the state board. (2) Existing law, the Contractors’ State License Law, creates the Contractors’ State License Board within the Department of Consumer Affairs and provides for the licensing and regulation of contractors. Existing la...
Native Plants
Long Beach encourages native and drought-tolerant plants. The Lawn-to-Garden program pays $3/sq ft (up to 5,000 sq ft) for lawn removal, requiring 65% plant coverage with 10% California native plants. CA law prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant landscaping.
Long Beach Native Plant & Xeriscape Rules
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Artificial turf in Long Beach may cover up to 50% of a yard under LBMC rules. It is prohibited in parkways and public rights-of-way. The city is strengthening restrictions due to environmental and heat concerns. Not allowed in the Lawn-to-Garden program.
Long Beach Artificial Turf Regulations
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code § 4735 (Drought-Tolerant Landscaping; Artificial Turf in HOAs)
(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 have the effect of prohibiting, the use of artificial turf or any other synthetic surface that resembles grass. (3) Has the effect of prohibiting or restricting compliance with either of the follo...
Looking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Long Beach city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Los Angeles County →