Landscaping Rules in Mountain View, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Mountain View, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Mountain View requires property owners to keep weeds and grass trimmed as a nuisance and fire-hazard standard. Overgrowth can trigger weed abatement and cost recovery.
Mountain View Grass Height Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Mountain View regulates pruning of heritage and street trees. Work on protected trees requires a permit and must follow ISA pruning standards.
Mountain View Tree Trimming Rules
Heavy RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Removing a Heritage Tree in Mountain View requires a permit, a finding of justification, and replacement plantings. Unpermitted removal carries significant penalties.
Mountain View Tree Removal Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Mountain View property owners must control weeds and rank growth that create fire hazards, blight, or vermin habitat. Santa Clara County Fire handles abatement.
Mountain View Weed Ordinance
Some RestrictionsCal. Food & Agric. 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 purpo...
Water Restrictions
Mountain View enforces permanent water waste rules and follows state mandates. Outdoor watering is limited and runoff, hosing down pavement, and leaks are prohibited.
Mountain View Water Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsCal. Code Regs. tit. 23, § 490 et seq. (Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance)
About 40% of the water Californians use at home is used outdoors. Large water savings can be gained by efficient landscape design, installation, management, and maintenance. This is accomplished by choosing climate adapted plants, improving soil conditions, using, and maintaining high efficiency irrigation equipment and managing the irrigation schedule to fit the plants water needs as they are ...
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting in rain barrels and small cisterns is legal and encouraged in Mountain View. Larger systems and any potable use require permits.
Mountain View Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia AB 1750 - Water Code Sections 10573-10574 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012)
10573. Solely for the purposes of this part, and unless the context otherwise requires, the following definitions govern the construction of this part: (a) "Developed or developing lands" means lands that have one or more of the characteristics described in subparagraphs (A) to (C), inclusive, of paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 56375.3 of the Government Code. (b) "Rain barrel system...
Native Plants
Mountain View encourages California native and low-water plants through its Bay-Friendly landscaping policies and water-efficient landscape ordinance for new projects.
Mountain View Native Plant Guidance
Few RestrictionsCal. Code Regs. tit. 23, § 490 et seq. (Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance)
About 40% of the water Californians use at home is used outdoors. Large water savings can be gained by efficient landscape design, installation, management, and maintenance. This is accomplished by choosing climate adapted plants, improving soil conditions, using, and maintaining high efficiency irrigation equipment and managing the irrigation schedule to fit the plants water needs as they are ...
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is allowed in Mountain View residential yards subject to setbacks, drainage, and design standards. Some front-yard coverage and aesthetic limits may apply.
Mountain View Artificial Turf Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. Civ. Code § 4735
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...
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Mountain View city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Santa Clara County →