Landscaping Rules in San Bernardino, CA (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for San Bernardino, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree 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
San Bernardino requires a city permit before cutting down, uprooting, destroying or removing more than five trees from a development site or parcel within any 36-month period. The Development Services Department issues permits after an inspection confirms removal will not harm the environment or public welfare.
San Bernardino Tree Removal Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsSan Bernardino Municipal Code § 15.34.020
It is unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, partnership or association, either as owner, agent or otherwise, to cut down, uproot, destroy and/or remove more than five trees within any 36-month period from a development site or parcel of property without first being issued a permit from the City Development Services Department.
Weed Ordinances
San Bernardino enforces weed and vegetation fire-hazard abatement by adopting the San Bernardino County Weed Abatement Code by reference under Municipal Code § 8.19.010. City Code Enforcement, standing in for the County Fire Chief/Fire Warden, can cite property owners, with penalties reaching a $1,000 fine or six months in jail for repeat offenses.
San Bernardino Weed and Fire Hazard Abatement
Significant RestrictionsSan Bernardino Municipal Code §§ 8.19.010, 8.19.040
Chapter 3 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the San Bernardino County Code, entitled “Abatement of Fire Hazards and Hazardous Trees” (§§ 23.0301 through 23.0319) (“County Weed Abatement Code”), is adopted by reference under the authority of Cal. Gov't Code, §§ 50020 to 50022.9. ... (a) A first offense shall constitute an infraction offense and punished by a base fine not exceeding $100 and not less...
Rainwater 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
Some 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...
Composting
San Bernardino allows residents to compost yard and food waste on-site instead of disposing of it. Municipal Code Section 8.24.070(A)(2) carves backyard composting out of the general ban on disposing of solid waste on your own property, without imposing a bin permit or size standard.
San Bernardino Backyard Composting Rules
Few RestrictionsSan Bernardino Municipal Code § 8.24.070(A)(2)
(2) The occupant of any property may not dispose of solid waste on his or her property (with the exception of organic wastes that are composted on-site via backyard composting).
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 →