Landscaping Rules in Richmond, CA (2026)
5 verified landscaping rules for Richmond, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Richmond requires property owners to maintain grass and weeds to prevent fire hazards and visual blight under California Government Code 39560–39588 and the Richmond Municipal Code. Overgrown vegetation exceeding roughly 12 inches may be declared a public nuisance, with the city able to abate and lien the property.
Landscaping: Grass Height
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Richmond regulates removal of protected and heritage trees on private property. Permits are typically required before removing native oaks, heritage-designated trees, or trees of specific size/species on developed or subdivision lots. Street trees are city-owned and require Public Works authorization for any work.
Landscaping: Tree Removal
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Richmond enforces weed abatement primarily for fire and blight concerns, with county-level noxious weed designations maintained by the Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner under California Food & Ag Code Section 5004. Properties with state-listed noxious weeds such as yellow starthistle, pampas grass, or French broom must abate.
Landscaping: Weeds Noxious
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Food & Agricultural Code §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 purposes of p...
Water Restrictions
Richmond receives water from East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), which enforces permanent water-waste prohibitions and drought-stage restrictions. The State Water Resources Control Board has adopted permanent statewide conservation rules, including no watering during/within 48 hours after rain, no runoff, and no hose-washing of hard surfaces.
Landscaping: Water Restrictions
Heavy RestrictionsNative Plants
Xeriscaping is encouraged in Richmond. Under California Civil Code 4735 and Government Code 53087.7, HOAs and cities cannot prohibit drought-tolerant landscaping or artificial turf as a water conservation measure. EBMUD offers rebates for lawn conversions. New landscapes over 500 sq ft must comply with MWELO.
Landscaping: Xeriscape Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code §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 that ha...
Looking for Contra Costa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Richmond city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Contra Costa County →