Landscaping Rules in San Bernardino, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for San Bernardino, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
San Bernardino requires owners to keep grass and weeds below nuisance thresholds year-round. In foothill fire zones, vegetation must be mowed to four inches or less during fire season.
San Bernardino Grass Height and Weed Abatement
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
San Bernardino owners must keep trees trimmed for sidewalk and street clearance, and in foothill fire zones limbs must be at least six feet above ground and canopies 10 feet apart under PRC 4291.
San Bernardino Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Public Resources Code §4291 — Defensible space and vegetation/tree maintenance
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
Private yard trees in San Bernardino can usually be removed without a permit, but heritage and street trees require city approval, and riparian or hillside trees may trigger CEQA and nesting rules.
San Bernardino Tree Removal Permits
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
San Bernardino County Fire runs a mandatory annual weed abatement program in city fire hazard areas. Owners must clear dry weeds each spring or face county-contracted abatement billed as a lien.
San Bernardino Weed Abatement Program
Heavy RestrictionsWater Restrictions
San Bernardino Municipal Water Department enforces year-round water waste rules and drought stages. Hosing hardscape is banned, irrigation is limited to set days, and AB 1572 phases out non-functional turf.
San Bernardino Water Conservation Rules
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting for irrigation is legal in San Bernardino under the CA Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. Simple rooftop barrels up to 5,000 gallons need no permit; pressurized systems need plumbing permits.
San Bernardino Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Water Code §§10570–10574 (AB 1750 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 has increased, thereby reducing the volum...
Native Plants
San Bernardino encourages native and climate-appropriate landscaping under MWELO and local rebates. HOAs cannot prohibit low-water plantings under California Civil Code 4735.
San Bernardino Native and Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code §4735 — Drought-tolerant and low water-using plants in HOAs
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 allowed in San Bernardino yards and is protected under California Civil Code 4735, which bars HOA bans. Installations must meet drainage, fire, and landscape ordinance standards.
San Bernardino Artificial Turf Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code §4735 — Artificial turf permitted in common interest developments
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 San Bernardino city rules.
Landscaping Rules in San Bernardino County →