Landscaping Rules in Rancho Cucamonga, CA (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for Rancho Cucamonga, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Rancho Cucamonga regulates trimming of street trees through the Public Works Department. Homeowners may trim private trees but must not damage parkway trees or encroach on public right-of-way without a permit.
Rancho Cucamonga Tree Trimming Rules
Light RestrictionsCal. Pub. Resources Code Sec. 4291 (Defensible Space - 100-Foot Clearance Requirement)
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
Removing, relocating or topping more than 25% of a heritage tree on private property in Rancho Cucamonga requires a tree removal permit from the planning director under Municipal Code section 17.16.080. A heritage tree is defined by size and trunk diameter thresholds that vary by property type.
Rancho Cucamonga Heritage Tree Removal Permit
Significant RestrictionsRancho Cucamonga, CA, Municipal Code § 17.16.080(D)(1) (Tree removal permit)
No person, firm, or corporation shall remove, relocate, reduce in height by more than 25 percent of the original height of the tree (by "topping"), or destroy any heritage tree within the city limits, including an applicant for a building permit, without first obtaining a tree removal permit from the planning director.
Weed Ordinances
Every property owner in Rancho Cucamonga must abate fire hazards under Municipal Code Section 8.46.020, and Section 8.46.010 flags any dry grass over four inches tall as combustible vegetation. Section 8.46.040 sets that four-inch cap as the maintenance standard and requires clearing chaparral within 50 feet of structures, enforced by the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Protection District.
Rancho Cucamonga Weed and Fire Hazard Limits
Some RestrictionsRancho Cucamonga, CA, Municipal Code § 8.46.040(B)
Abatement for undeveloped parcels where the combustible vegetation is more than 50 percent chaparral can be accomplished by the removal of all vegetation that is within 50 feet of any structure, including structures on adjacent parcels; removal of all vegetation to a distance of 30 feet from property lines and adjacent roads; removal of all dead and dying tree and plant material and noxious wee...
Water Restrictions
Cucamonga Valley Water District sets outdoor watering schedules for most of Rancho Cucamonga. AB 1572 bans irrigating non-functional commercial turf with potable water, and MWELO applies to new landscapes.
Rancho Cucamonga Water Restrictions
Some RestrictionsCal. DWR - Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO, Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 23, Div. 2, Ch. 2.7)
Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance Skip to Main Content × Saving your location allows us to provide you with more relevant information. Set Location .cls-1{fill:#fff;stroke-width:0} Share: About Contact Current Conditions Settings × Default High Contrast Reset Increase Font Size Font Decrease Font Size Font Save links on hover --> Menu Contact Search Search this site: Search ...
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting for landscape irrigation is legal and encouraged in Rancho Cucamonga. CVWD and MWC offer rebates, and systems over 5,000 gallons or potable use require permits.
Rancho Cucamonga Rainwater Harvesting
Light RestrictionsCalifornia AB 1750 / Water Code Part 2.4 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012)
PART 2.4. 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 h...
Native Plants
Rancho Cucamonga encourages California native and drought-tolerant landscaping. HOAs cannot prohibit water-wise plants under Civil Code 4735, and MWELO requires efficient plant palettes for new landscapes.
Rancho Cucamonga Native Plants
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Section 4735
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...
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is permitted in Rancho Cucamonga. HOAs cannot ban it under Civil Code 4735, but the city regulates installation quality, drainage, and visibility from the street.
Rancho Cucamonga Artificial Turf Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Section 4735
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 San Bernardino County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Rancho Cucamonga city rules.
Landscaping Rules in San Bernardino County →