Landscaping Rules in Riverside, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Riverside, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Riverside Municipal Code Chapter 6.15 (Property Maintenance) requires owners to keep grass, weeds, and overgrown vegetation cut on all residential and commercial properties. Overgrowth exceeding six inches on improved lots is considered a public nuisance and fire hazard, particularly in hillside and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones mapped by CAL FIRE.
Grass Height Limits in Riverside, California
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Riverside Municipal Code Chapter 16.40 governs street trees and public tree care. The City Arborist approves trimming of any street tree or tree in the public right-of-way, and no person may prune, top, or remove a City tree without a permit. Private-tree trimming is generally unrestricted except for heritage trees and protected species in hillside zones.
Tree Trimming Rules in Riverside, California
Some RestrictionsCal. Pub. Resources Code § 4291
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
Under Riverside Municipal Code Chapter 16.40, no person may remove a City tree — any tree in a park, parkway, median, or public right-of-way — without a removal permit from the City Arborist. Private-property trees can generally be removed without a permit unless they are heritage trees, protected native species, or on hillside parcels subject to grading ordinances.
Tree Removal Rules in Riverside, California
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Riverside declares overgrown weeds and dry brush a public nuisance under RMC Chapters 6.15 and 8.80. The Fire Department runs an annual weed-abatement program that requires vacant and improved properties to be cleared of combustible weeds, tumbleweeds, and Russian thistle, with particular intensity in the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
Weed Control Rules in Riverside, California
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
Riverside Public Utilities (RPU) enforces a permanent water-use efficiency ordinance under RMC Chapter 14.12, which imposes staged restrictions based on drought conditions. Outdoor irrigation is limited to designated days and prohibited between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. year-round, with tighter schedules during declared Stage 2 or Stage 3 drought.
Water Use Restrictions in Riverside, California
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Riverside under California's Rainwater Capture Act (Water Code sections 10573–10574) and Title 24 Part 11 (CALGreen). Rain barrels and cisterns up to 5,000 gallons do not require a plumbing permit, provided the system is not connected to potable plumbing and has mosquito screens.
Rainwater Harvesting Rules in Riverside, California
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (AB 1750); Water Code Sections 10570-10574
10570. This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. [...] 10573. Solely for the purposes of this part, and unless the context otherwise requires, the following definitions govern the construction of this part: (a) "Developed or developing lands" means lands that have one or more of the characteristics described in subparagraphs (A) to (C), inclusive, of para...
Native Plants
Riverside encourages native and drought-tolerant plant landscaping under RMC Chapter 19.570 (Landscaping) and the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). California Civil Code section 4735 prohibits HOAs from banning low-water or native plantings. Turf is capped in new front yards and native species are the recommended alternative.
Native Plant Landscaping in Riverside, California
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Artificial turf is permitted in Riverside as a water-saving landscape alternative. California Civil Code section 4735 prevents HOAs from categorically banning synthetic grass. The City's landscape standards in RMC Chapter 19.570 require artificial turf to be professionally installed, permeable, and properly maintained, with limits on use in street parkways.
Artificial Turf Rules in Riverside, California
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Section 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 Riverside County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Riverside city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Riverside County →