Landscaping Rules in Perris, CA (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for Perris, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Perris does not set a numeric grass-height limit for ordinary residential yards. Front-yard and street-visible landscaping must be maintained (no overgrown, dead, or missing vegetation) under Chapter 7.42. On weed-abatement parcels, grasses must be cut to no more than six inches under PMC 7.08.045.
Perris Grass Height & Overgrowth Limits
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Perris addresses tree trimming through its Urban Forestry chapter (PMC 19.71) for public and protected trees, and through weed/fire abatement (PMC 7.08.045), which requires trees on abatement parcels to be trimmed clear of their trunk at least eight feet above ground. Crown-raising and crown-reduction standards for street trees are defined in code.
Perris Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Perris protects public and certain private trees under Chapter 19.71. Mature backyard trees are exempt, but front-yard and street trees are protected. Removing a public, heritage, or protected tree requires city/arborist review (PMC 19.71.090, 19.71.100). Hazardous-tree removals need a city arborist recommendation and replanting within 45 days.
Perris Tree Removal Rules
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Perris Chapter 7.08 declares weeds, dry grasses, dead shrubs/trees, and rubbish that pose a fire hazard or nuisance unlawful. Abatement standards (PMC 7.08.045) require grasses cut to six inches, trees trimmed eight feet above grade, clearing of tumbleweeds, and (on larger parcels) 100-foot firebreaks. The city can abate and bill the owner.
Perris Weed Abatement Ordinance
Heavy RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Perris water customers are now served by Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD). EMWD's permanent rules limit irrigation to 9 p.m.-6 a.m., cap unattended sprinkler stations at 15 minutes, ban runoff, hosing pavement, and watering within 48 hours of rain. EMWD's contingency plan can mandate 2 watering days/week (Jun-Aug) and 1 day/week (Sep-May).
Perris Outdoor Water Use Restrictions (EMWD)
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Perris has no ordinance restricting residential rain barrels, and the city's landscape code encourages capturing rainfall. Under California's Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, rooftop rainwater collection for outdoor non-potable use needs no state water-right permit, and rain barrels/cisterns under 360 gallons generally need no building or plumbing permit.
Perris Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Perris encourages and, for new/rehabilitated landscapes, effectively requires water-wise, low-water-use planting under Chapter 19.70. The code caps landscape water demand at 70% of reference ET, requires water-wise plants on slopes, limits front-yard turf to 70% of planting area, and bars invasive species listed in the Western Riverside MSHCP.
Perris Native & Drought-Tolerant Plant Rules
Some RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Perris has no standalone artificial-turf ban, and synthetic turf can help meet the city's water-efficient landscape goals. Installations are reviewed within Chapter 19.70 (turf must conform to the project water budget) and through building/grading permits for drainage. California's AB 1572 phases out potable irrigation of nonfunctional turf, but exempts single-family homes.
Perris Artificial Turf Rules
Some RestrictionsComposting
Perris implements California's SB 1383 organic-waste law through PMC Chapter 7.17, which requires residents and businesses to separate organic waste (food scraps and yard/green waste) for collection. Backyard home composting is allowed and encouraged as a way to keep organics out of the landfill; the green-cart program is mandatory.
Perris Composting & Organic Waste Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Riverside County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Perris city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Riverside County →