Landscaping Rules in Moreno Valley, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Moreno Valley, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Moreno Valley requires property owners to maintain vegetation and prevent overgrown conditions. The dry Inland Empire climate creates fire hazards from unmaintained yards. Code Enforcement actively patrols.
Moreno Valley Grass Height & Weed Regulations
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Moreno Valley requires property owners to maintain trees so they do not obstruct sidewalks or streets. City trees in the right-of-way are maintained by Public Works. Tree trimming near power lines requires coordination with SCE.
Moreno Valley Tree Trimming Regulations
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Moreno Valley generally allows removal of private trees on private property. City-owned street trees require city authorization. Trees in development areas may require review before removal.
Moreno Valley Tree Removal Regulations
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Moreno Valley conducts annual weed abatement inspections between April and June to reduce wildfire risk. Property owners must cut weeds and grasses to 4 inches or less and clear dead vegetation within 100 feet of structures. Non-compliant properties face city abatement and lien charges.
Weed Abatement in Moreno Valley
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Public Resources Code Section 4291
(a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in the state responsibility area shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary shall con...
Water Restrictions
Moreno Valley enforces water conservation through Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) and other providers. Restrictions include no excess runoff, watering schedules, and compliance with California's statewide water conservation mandates.
Moreno Valley Water Conservation Rules
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting from rooftops for landscape irrigation is legal and encouraged in Moreno Valley under California's Rainwater Capture Act (AB 1750). Rain barrels under 100 gallons do not require a permit. Larger cisterns or systems connected to plumbing require a building permit and backflow prevention.
Rainwater Harvesting in Moreno Valley
Few RestrictionsAB 1750 — Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (California Water Code Part 2.4, Section 10570 et seq.)
SEC. 2. Part 2.4 (commencing with Section 10570) is added to Division 6 of the Water Code, to read: PART 2.4. Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. 10570. This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. [...] 10574. Use of rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water right permit pursuant to Section 1201. [...] This bill would enact the Rainwater Capture...
Native Plants
Moreno Valley encourages California native and drought-tolerant landscaping to comply with the state's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) and AB 1572. New and renovated landscapes over 500 square feet must meet MWELO water budgets. HOAs cannot prohibit low-water landscaping under Civil Code 4735.
Native Plants and Drought Landscaping in Moreno Valley
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Section 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 that ha...
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is allowed in Moreno Valley residential yards and protected by California Civil Code section 4735 against HOA prohibition during drought. Installations must include proper drainage and should comply with MWELO mulch and hydrozone rules if part of a permitted landscape plan.
Artificial Turf Rules in Moreno Valley
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Section 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 that ha...
Looking for Riverside County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Moreno Valley city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Riverside County →