Landscaping Rules in Palm Springs, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Palm Springs, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Palm Springs has no specific turf height number in code, but PSMC Chapter 11.72 (Public Nuisances) and Chapter 8.04 require property owners to keep grass, weeds, and vegetation maintained to prevent fire, rodent, and visual-blight hazards. In this desert climate overgrown lawns and dry weeds are a particular fire concern, and Code Compliance routinely cites neglected properties.
Palm Springs Grass Height and Weed Abatement Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Private trees on private property are generally the owner's responsibility to trim, but the city requires clearances over sidewalks (8 feet) and streets (14 feet) and protects city-owned street trees under PSMC Chapter 8.16. Palm Canyon Drive and the historic Tennis Club area have additional tree preservation considerations, and desert species like palms and mesquites have specialized trimming windows.
Palm Springs Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Palm Springs protects street trees and specific heritage/desert species. Removing a tree from the public right-of-way or a protected species requires a permit from Public Works or Planning. Most private non-protected trees on single-family lots can be removed without a permit, but replacement may be required for trees counted toward a landscape plan.
Palm Springs Tree Removal Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Palm Springs runs an annual weed abatement program under PSMC Chapter 11.72 that targets overgrown weeds, dry brush, rubbish, and combustible vegetation, particularly ahead of fire season and Santa Ana wind events. Properties receive notice, a compliance window, and if uncorrected the city abates and liens costs to the owner.
Palm Springs Weed Abatement Program
Heavy RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Palm Springs is served primarily by Desert Water Agency (and some areas by CVWD), both of which set watering day restrictions under Coachella Valley drought rules. California AB 1572 (2023) phases out potable-water irrigation of non-functional turf at commercial, industrial, institutional, and HOA common areas by 2027, and PSMC Chapter 8.70 implements the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance with strict desert-appropriate limits.
Palm Springs Water Restrictions and Watering Days
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation is legal and encouraged in Palm Springs, though rainfall is extremely limited (about 4-6 inches annually). Rain barrels under 5,000 gallons need no permit. Larger cisterns and any connection to potable plumbing require permits and backflow protection under the California Plumbing Code.
Palm Springs Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsCal. AB 1750 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012); Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 7027.5; Cal. Water Code § 10573
This bill would enact the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, which would provide that use of rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water right permit from the state board. This bill would additionally authorize a landscape contractor working within the classification of his or her license to enter into a prime contract for the construction of a rainwater capture system, as defined, i...
Native Plants
Palm Springs actively encourages Sonoran Desert natives and climate-appropriate plants under PSMC Chapter 8.70, with approved plant lists emphasizing low-water species like palo verde, ironwood, mesquite, ocotillo, desert willow, and native grasses. California Civil Code §4735 prevents HOAs from prohibiting drought-tolerant landscaping.
Palm Springs Native and Desert-Adapted Plants
Few RestrictionsCal. Civ. Code § 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 Palm Springs residential landscapes and is protected under California Civil Code §714.1, which prevents HOAs from prohibiting synthetic grass. Quality and installation standards may apply in new-construction landscape plans under PSMC Chapter 8.70, and in historic districts aesthetic review can restrict front-yard use.
Palm Springs Artificial Turf Rules
Few RestrictionsLooking for Riverside County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Palm Springs city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Riverside County →