Landscaping Rules in Pleasanton, CA (2026)
5 verified landscaping rules for Pleasanton, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Pruning of any protected tree in Pleasanton must be performed under an ISA-certified arborist's supervision, following current ISA and ANSI A300 pruning standards, plus any special conditions the director sets. Pruning done outside those guidelines can trigger removal-permit penalties.
Protected Tree Pruning Rules in Pleasanton, CA
Some RestrictionsPleasanton Municipal Code § 17.16.080
All pruning of protected trees shall be performed under the supervision of an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist, in accordance with pruning guidelines, established by the current versions of the ISA Best Management Practices, Tree Pruning and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 - Part 1 Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant Management Standard Practices, ...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
No one may remove or effectively remove a protected tree in Pleasanton without a permit from the director. Protected trees include native species 37 inches or more in circumference and non-native species 55 inches or more, measured 4.5 feet above ground.
Protected Tree Removal Permit in Pleasanton, CA
Significant RestrictionsPleasanton Municipal Code § 17.16.010
No person shall remove, or effectively remove, any protected tree growing within the city without a permit except as provided in this chapter. Normal maintenance and pruning of a protected tree shall not require a permit but shall in all cases be in conformance with the guidelines in Section 17.16.080.
Weed Ordinances
Pleasanton caps weeds and uncontrolled plant growth on developed property at 20 inches under Pleasanton Municipal Code § 20.65.100. If an owner ignores a notice to cut, the city can send crews onto the property to remove the growth and bill the owner for the cost.
Pleasanton Weed and Overgrowth Height Limit
Some RestrictionsPleasanton Municipal Code § 20.65.100
All premises and exterior property shall be maintained free from weeds or uncontrolled plant growth in excess of 20 inches in height. All noxious weeds shall be prohibited on developed properties. Weeds shall be defined as all grasses, annual plants and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs provided: however, this term shall not include cultivated flowers and gardens. Upon failure of the owner...
Water Restrictions
Pleasanton requires all regular lawn and landscape irrigation to run between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., a rule that applies at all times regardless of drought status; hand watering and drip irrigation are exempt from the clock. When the city council declares a water shortage, mandatory stages further cap outdoor watering to as few as two non-consecutive days a week and add escalating drought surcharges.
Pleasanton Lawn Irrigation Watering Hours
Significant RestrictionsPleasanton Municipal Code § 9.30.080
Pleasanton customers shall always observe the following regulations on water use: ... Schedule regular irrigation of lawn and landscape between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. the following day. Watering is permitted at any hour if a hand-held nozzle or drip irrigation is used. Special landscapes are exempted.
Rainwater Harvesting
Pleasanton doesn't mandate rainwater harvesting outright, but qualifying development projects must adopt at least one listed site-design technique, and directing roof runoff into cisterns or rain barrels is the first option § 9.14.140 lists alongside vegetated dispersal and permeable paving.
Pleasanton Rainwater Harvesting Option
Light RestrictionsPleasanton Municipal Code § 9.14.140
Development projects that fall into the applicable thresholds as defined in the MRP shall incorporate at least one of the following site design techniques, as applicable to the project: a. Direct roof runoff into cisterns or rain barrels for use. b. Direct roof runoff onto vegetated areas through disconnected roof leaders that are properly located to prevent erosion of landscaped materials. c. ...
Looking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Pleasanton city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Alameda County →