Landscaping Rules in Montebello, CA (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for Montebello, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Montebello's code sets no numeric lawn or grass-height limit. Overgrown vegetation, weeds, and dead or diseased plants are treated as a public nuisance under Municipal Code Chapter 8.16, and owners must keep sidewalks and parkways free of weeds and overgrowth.
Montebello Grass Height and Overgrown Vegetation
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Montebello's Tree Division (Public Works) maintains trees in parkways, medians, parks, and the golf course and trims right-of-way trees on request. Residents may not prune City trees. Private-tree trimming needs no permit, and neighbor branch disputes are civil matters.
Montebello Tree Trimming
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Montebello has no citywide protected-tree ordinance, so removing a tree on private property generally needs no City permit. Trees in parkways, medians, parks, and the public right-of-way are City-owned and are removed only by the Public Works Tree Division.
Montebello Tree Removal
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Montebello treats weeds and overgrown vegetation as a public nuisance under Municipal Code Chapter 8.16. Owners must remove weeds, dead or diseased plants, and pest-attracting growth and keep sidewalks and parkways clear. The City may notice and abate weed nuisances at the owner's expense.
Montebello Weed Abatement Ordinance
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Montebello's water is supplied by private retailers - chiefly San Gabriel Valley Water Company, plus California Water Service and others - not a single City utility. The City keeps a Water Conservation / Water Supply Shortage program in Municipal Code Chapter 8.29, and permanent statewide efficiency rules apply.
Montebello Water Restrictions
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Montebello has no ordinance prohibiting residential rainwater harvesting, and California law expressly allows rooftop capture without a water-rights permit. Barrels and simple cisterns are generally allowed; larger tanks, plumbing tie-ins, or structural supports may need building or plumbing permits under the City's adopted codes.
Montebello Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Montebello encourages drought-tolerant and low-water landscaping. The property-maintenance ordinance expressly allows drought-tolerant ground cover and city-approved vegetation, and California law protects a homeowner's right to install low-water and native plants and to replace a lawn with water-wise landscaping.
Montebello Native and Drought-Tolerant Plants
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Montebello has no dedicated artificial-turf ordinance in its published code, so synthetic turf is reviewed under general Title 17 zoning landscape standards. California's SB 676 (2023) lets cities regulate artificial turf, so residents should confirm current requirements with the Planning Division before installing.
Montebello Artificial Turf Rules
Some RestrictionsComposting
Under Municipal Code Chapter 8.13 (Ordinance No. 2445, adopted December 2021 for SB 1383), Montebello residents and businesses must separate organic waste - food scraps and yard trimmings - into the City's organics collection unless approved to self-haul. Backyard composting and grasscycling are encouraged as alternatives.
Montebello Composting and Organic Waste
Some RestrictionsLooking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Montebello city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Los Angeles County →