Landscaping Rules in Redlands, CA (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for Redlands, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Redlands has no published fixed lawn-grass height number in its city code. Instead, overgrown vegetation is regulated through Municipal Code Chapter 8.40 (Abatement of Weeds and Rubbish), which treats fire-prone and nuisance vegetation as a condition the city can order abated rather than enforcing a turf-height limit.
Redlands Grass and Weed Height
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Redlands treats street trees as city assets. Trimming any tree in a city easement or public place requires a Public Tree Encroachment Permit, and the work must meet International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) standards per Municipal Code Chapter 12.52. The city waives permit fees when residents hire certified contractors.
Redlands Tree Trimming
Heavy RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Removing any tree in a Redlands city easement or public place requires a Public Tree Encroachment Permit under Municipal Code Chapter 12.52. Heritage trees, landmark trees, and historic species groves (such as the Cajon Street palms) receive special protection, and significant or historic removals can require an independent arborist review.
Redlands Tree Removal
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Redlands regulates weeds, dry brush, and rubbish under Municipal Code Chapter 8.40 (Abatement of Weeds and Rubbish). Fire (Community Risk Reduction) inspects high fire hazard areas twice a year; if a property fails, the owner is noticed and, if non-compliant, the city clears the hazard and bills the cost back to the property.
Redlands Weed and Brush Abatement
Heavy RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Redlands runs its own water utility (Municipal Utilities & Engineering) and enforces permanent outdoor watering rules under Municipal Code Chapter 13.06 (Water Conservation Plan). Even addresses water Mon/Thu/Sat, odd addresses Tue/Fri/Sun, never on Wednesdays, and never between noon and 8 p.m.
Redlands Water Use Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Redlands has no city ordinance restricting residential rainwater harvesting; the city actively encourages capturing stormwater. Its drought-tolerant landscaping guidance promotes rain gardens that capture runoff from rooftops, gutters, and streets and let it infiltrate within 24 to 48 hours. California's Rainwater Capture Act broadly permits residential capture statewide.
Redlands Rainwater Harvesting and Rain Gardens
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Redlands encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping and offers conversion rebates. There is no requirement to plant natives, but front yards must be at least 80% plant material (no more than 20% hardscape) under the city's landscaping code, and natives count toward that requirement.
Redlands Native and Drought-Tolerant Plants
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Artificial (synthetic) turf is allowed in Redlands and counts as plant material toward the city's front-yard landscaping requirement. Under the city's code, at least 80% of the visible front yard must be plant material - which can include synthetic turf - with no more than 20% hardscape.
Redlands Artificial Turf
Few RestrictionsComposting
Redlands requires residents to recycle organic and food waste under California's SB 1383. Food scraps and yard/green waste go in the city's green curbside bin, not the regular trash. Backyard composting is still encouraged, and the city has provided free kitchen compost pails.
Redlands Composting and Organic Waste
Some RestrictionsLooking for San Bernardino County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Redlands city rules.
Landscaping Rules in San Bernardino County →