Landscaping Rules in Monterey, CA (2026)
4 verified landscaping rules for Monterey, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
The City of Monterey, not the adjoining property owner, cuts, prunes and trims trees in the City right-of-way to keep streets and sidewalks clear, and does it at no cost to the owner whenever the City Forester finds the work necessary for safety or traffic clearance.
Monterey Street Tree Trimming for Clearance
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 37-4
The City shall, at no cost to adjoining property owners, remove, cut, prune, and trim any tree in the City right-of-way where found to be potentially dangerous to health and safety by the City Forester, where necessary to encourage growth in adjacent areas in compliance with good forestry practices as specified in ANSI/Z133 Tree Care Standards, or to provide required visibility and clearances f...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Removing, damaging or relocating a protected tree on private property in Monterey requires a City Forester permit. A protected tree is one over 2 inches in diameter on a vacant parcel, or over 6 inches on a developed parcel, measured 4'6" above natural grade.
Monterey Private Tree Removal Permit
Significant RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 37-8
No person shall remove, damage or relocate, or cause to be removed, damaged or relocated, any tree on any private property within the City unless the City Forester has issued a permit, or unless exempt as set forth below. Normal pruning or trimming of trees on private property is expressly permitted. ... “Excessive pruning” as defined in Section 37-2(G) without prior approval is a violation of ...
Weed Ordinances
Monterey does not set a numeric inch or foot limit on grass and weed height. Instead, Section 14-10 defines 'weeds' by what they do: seed-bearing growth, large dry growth that becomes a fire hazard, noxious plants, poison oak or ivy, and piles of combustible garden refuse are all regulated as a public nuisance.
Monterey Weed Ordinance: What Counts as a Nuisance
Some RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 14-10
“Weeds,” as used in this Article, means all weeds growing upon streets, alleys, sidewalks or private property in the City and includes any of the following: a.Weeds which bear or may bear seeds of a downy or wingy nature. b.Weeds and indigenous grasses which may attain such large growth as to become, when dry, a fire menace to adjacent improved property. c.Weeds which are otherwise noxious or d...
Composting
Monterey lets a resident keep a small pile or compost heap of yard waste out of general public view instead of putting it in a collection container. The material still cannot create odor, pest or litter problems for the neighborhood, under City Code § 14-3(3)-(4).
Monterey Backyard Compost Pile Allowance
Light RestrictionsMonterey City Code § 14-3(3)-(4)
3.Small amounts of yard waste may, however, be kept in a small pile or as a compost heap out of general public view. 4.Solid waste must be maintained in such a manner that it does not create odor, vector, or litter impacts to the community or create a public or private nuisance.
Looking for Monterey County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Monterey city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Monterey County →