Landscaping Rules in Pasadena, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Pasadena, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Pasadena's property maintenance standards require vegetation to be maintained at reasonable heights. Overgrown properties are addressed by the Code Compliance Division. Dry, dead vegetation must be cleared as a fire hazard.
Pasadena Lawn & Property Maintenance Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Pasadena has a strong urban forestry program. Property owners must maintain trees to provide clearance over sidewalks (8 feet) and streets (14 feet). City-owned street trees are maintained by the Public Works Department.
Pasadena Tree Protection Ordinance
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Public Resources Code Section 4291 (Defensible Space — Vegetation Management Around Structures)
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 sha...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Pasadena requires a tree removal permit for protected trees on private property. Public trees and landmark trees have additional protections. Replacement planting may be required.
Pasadena Tree Removal Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Pasadena requires property owners to maintain yards free of excessive weeds and overgrown vegetation. Particularly strict enforcement in fire hazard areas. Code Compliance addresses violations through investigation and citation.
Pasadena Weed & Vegetation Abatement
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Food and Agricultural Code Section 5004 (Statutory Definition of Noxious Weed)
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 purpose...
Water Restrictions
Pasadena Water and Power enforces water conservation measures year-round. Outdoor watering is limited to specific days and times. The city offers rebates for turf removal and drought-tolerant landscaping.
Pasadena Water Conservation Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Department of Water Resources, Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), implementing California Code of Regulations Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7
The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) establishes standards for new and retrofitted landscapes and encourages the use of efficient irrigation systems, graywater usage, onsite storm water capture, and other water efficiency measures. The MWELO is also referenced by Title 24, Part 11, Chapters 4 and 5 CalGreen Building Code. All local agencies must adopt, implement, and enforce th...
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in California. No permit required for rain barrels. Pasadena's LID requirements encourage on-site water retention. Pasadena Water & Power may offer conservation rebates.
Pasadena Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia AB 1750 (2012) — Water Code Sections 10570-10571 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012)
10570. This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. 10571. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: (a) As California has grown and developed, the amount of stormwater flowing off buildings, parking lots, roads, and other impervious surfaces into surface water streams, flood channels, and storm sewers has increased, thereby reducing the volum...
Native Plants
Pasadena encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping consistent with MWELO. The city's Tree Protection Ordinance (PMC 8.52) specifically protects native tree species. CA Gov Code 65595 prevents cities from prohibiting drought-tolerant landscaping.
Pasadena Native Plant & Xeriscape Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Department of Water Resources — Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) (encourages drought-tolerant/native plantings)
The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) is also referenced by Title 24, Part 11, Chapters 4 and 5 CalGreen Building Code. All local agencies must adopt, implement, and enforce the MWELO or a local Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) that is at least as effective as the MWELO. Usually, local agencies that adopt WELOs create a more stringent ordinance than MWELO. The purpose ...
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is permitted in Pasadena as a drought-tolerant landscaping option. CA Gov Code 65595 prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant landscaping. Pasadena Water & Power supports water conservation alternatives.
Pasadena Artificial Turf Regulations
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Section 4735 (HOA Artificial Turf and Low-Water Landscaping Protections)
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 t...
Looking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Pasadena city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Los Angeles County →