Landscaping Rules in Pittsburg, CA (2026)
5 verified landscaping rules for Pittsburg, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Pittsburg limits grass, weeds, and vegetation to approximately 6-12 inches on residential lots under its weed abatement program. Overgrown properties receive a notice to abate; if the owner fails to comply, the city cuts the lot and places a lien for costs plus administrative fees.
Landscaping: Grass Height
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Pittsburg regulates tree removal through its zoning ordinance. Protected and heritage trees and street trees in the public right-of-way require a permit from the city; removal without authorization can result in fines, replanting orders, and replacement assessments based on tree value.
Landscaping: Tree Removal
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Property owners in Pittsburg must control state-listed noxious weeds and invasive vegetation under the Contra Costa County Department of Agriculture program. Yellow starthistle, medusahead, puncturevine, and other Cal-IPC listed invasives can be abated as public nuisances alongside standard weed abatement.
Landscaping: Weeds Noxious
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 purpose...
Water Restrictions
Pittsburg water customers are served by Contra Costa Water District and the city's municipal system. Permanent statewide conservation rules prohibit runoff, watering within 48 hours of rain, hosing hard surfaces, and non-recirculating fountains. Additional drought-stage restrictions apply when declared by the State Water Board or CCWD.
Landscaping: 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 ...
Native Plants
Pittsburg encourages drought-tolerant landscaping. CA Civil Code 1940.10 and 4735 prohibit landlords and HOAs from penalizing tenants or homeowners for drought-friendly yards. New and rehabilitated landscaping over 500 sq ft must comply with the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO).
Landscaping: Xeriscape Rules
Few RestrictionsLooking for Contra Costa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Pittsburg city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Contra Costa County →