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Landscaping Rules in Petaluma, CA (2026)

6 verified landscaping rules for Petaluma, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Grass Height Limits

Petaluma enforces a property-maintenance/weed-abatement code requiring owners to control overgrown grass, weeds and vegetation as a fire and nuisance hazard. Violations can lead to abatement and a cost lien.

Landscaping: Grass Height

Some Restrictions

Tree Trimming

Owners maintain trees on their own property in Petaluma; street trees and trees in the public right-of-way are managed by the city, which requires approval before pruning or removing them. Petaluma has a tree-protection ordinance for certain trees.

Landscaping: Tree Trimming

Few Restrictions

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Petaluma's tree-protection ordinance requires a permit to remove protected or heritage trees, even on private property; street-tree removal requires city approval. Replacement plantings may be required.

Landscaping: Tree Removal

Some Restrictions

Water Restrictions

Petaluma Code §15.17.050 implements California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). New and rehabilitated landscapes must meet ETo-based water budgets and use approved plant palettes.

Petaluma Water Use Efficiency & Drought Restrictions

Heavy Restrictions

Looking for Sonoma County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Petaluma city rules.

Landscaping Rules in Sonoma County