Landscaping Rules in Martinez, CA (2026)
5 verified landscaping rules for Martinez, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Martinez Municipal Code and ConFire weed abatement rules require property owners to keep grass and weeds cut below 6 inches during fire season (typically May–October). Overgrown vegetation is declared a public nuisance under CA Health & Safety Code §14875, and the city may abate with cost-recovery lien.
Landscaping: Grass Height
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Health & Safety Code § 14875
14875. "Weeds," as used in this part, means vegetation growing upon streets, sidewalks, or private property in any county, including any fire protection district and may include any of the following: (a) Vegetation that bears seeds of a downy or wingy nature. (b) Vegetation that is not pruned or is otherwise neglected so as to attain such large growth as to become, when dry, a fire menace to ad...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Martinez protects heritage and native trees under its zoning code. Removal of protected trees — including mature oaks, redwoods, and trees above a diameter threshold — typically requires a tree removal permit from the Planning Division with mitigation planting. Unpermitted removal carries substantial fines.
Landscaping: Tree Removal
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Martinez follows Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner noxious weed lists under CA Food & Ag Code §5004. Invasive species such as yellow star-thistle, French broom, pampas grass, and giant reed must be controlled by property owners. The city coordinates with the East Bay Regional Park District on broader invasive management.
Landscaping: Invasive Species
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Food & Agricultural Code § 5004
5004. "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 purpose...
Water Restrictions
Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) may impose mandatory water use restrictions during drought conditions, including limits on outdoor irrigation days and times, prohibitions on watering within 48 hours of rain, and bans on water runoff into streets. Current stage and restrictions are posted at ccwater.com. Violations may result in fines.
Martinez Water Restrictions & Landscape Watering Rules
Some RestrictionsNative Plants
California and Martinez encourage the use of native and drought-tolerant plants in landscaping. California Gov Code §65595 prohibits local governments from banning ornamental vegetation, including native plants. CCWD offers rebates for replacing water-intensive lawns with California native plants. Native plants generally require no irrigation once established and support local wildlife.
Martinez Native Plant & Xeriscape Rules
Few RestrictionsLooking for Contra Costa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Martinez city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Contra Costa County →