Landscaping Rules in San Diego, CA (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for San Diego, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
San Diego requires property owners to maintain vegetation and cut grass to approximately 2 inches on flat parcels under weed abatement provisions. Vegetation over 12 inches may be cited as a public nuisance. Properties in fire hazard zones subject to stricter standards under SDMC 54.0201.
San Diego Grass Height & Vegetation Maintenance
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
San Diego requires property owners to trim trees that overhang sidewalks (minimum 8 ft clearance) and streets (minimum 14 ft) per SDMC. Topping trees is prohibited under California state law. City street trees may only be trimmed by the City or authorized contractors.
San Diego Tree Trimming Rules
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
San Diego requires permits for removing or encroaching upon protected trees under SDMC 142.0403-142.0413. Heritage trees (large specimen trees) have additional protections. Trees removed must be replaced at specified ratios. Development projects must incorporate tree preservation plans.
San Diego Tree Removal & Protected Trees
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
SDMC Section 54.0201 declares all weeds, waste, and rubbish on property a public nuisance. Property owners must maintain lots free of weeds over approximately 12 inches. Vacant lots inspected annually by Fire Prevention Services Inc. Non-compliance triggers city abatement at owner's expense.
San Diego Weed Abatement Ordinance
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
Water use in San Diego is managed by the San Diego Public Utilities Department. Restrictions include no watering 10 AM-6 PM, assigned watering days, no runoff, and compliance with the city's Water Conservation Program.
San Diego Water Use Restrictions
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is encouraged in San Diego through rebate programs and stormwater management goals. Rain barrels and cisterns under 5,000 gallons do not require a permit. Systems over 5,000 gallons require a building permit. Collected rainwater may not be used as drinking water per state and local regulations. The County's Waterscape Rebate Program offers enhanced rebates for rain gardens and rain-saving containers.
San Diego Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsCal. Water Code § 10574 (AB 1750, Rainwater Capture Act of 2012)
This bill would enact the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, which would provide that use of rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water right permit from the state board. (2) Existing law, the Contractors’ State License Law, creates the Contractors’ State License Board within the Department of Consumer Affairs and provides for the licensing and regulation of contractors. Existing la...
Native Plants
San Diego encourages native plant landscaping through the County's Native Landscape Program approved in December 2022 and the San Diego County Water Authority's Nifty 50 guide of water-wise native plants. The City's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) promotes drought-tolerant landscaping. Native plants support local biodiversity and are adapted to the region's Mediterranean climate.
San Diego Native Plant & Xeriscape Rules
Few RestrictionsCal. Code Regs. tit. 23, § 490 et seq. (Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance)
About 40% of the water Californians use at home is used outdoors. Large water savings can be gained by efficient landscape design, installation, management, and maintenance. This is accomplished by choosing climate adapted plants, improving soil conditions, using, and maintaining high efficiency irrigation equipment and managing the irrigation schedule to fit the plants water needs as they are ...
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf installation in San Diego generally does not require a building permit for the turf itself, but the associated grading and drainage systems may trigger municipal review under MWELO guidelines. San Diego's stormwater management requirements apply to drainage changes. Notably, artificial turf is NOT eligible for the County's Waterscape Rebate Program. The City encourages water-wise landscaping alternatives including drought-tolerant plants.
San Diego Artificial Turf Regulations
Few RestrictionsCal. Civ. Code § 4735
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
Backyard composting is permitted in San Diego. SB 1383 requires organic waste diversion. The city provides organics collection through its Environmental Services Department.
San Diego Composting Rules
Few RestrictionsCal. SB 1383 (2016) — Public Resources Code § 42652 et seq.
SB 1383, Lara. Short-lived climate pollutants: methane emissions: dairy and livestock: organic waste: landfills. [...] This bill would require the state board, no later than January 1, 2018, to approve and begin implementing that comprehensive strategy to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants to achieve a reduction in methane by 40%, hydrofluorocarbon gases by 40%, and anthropogeni...
Looking for San Diego County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Diego city rules.
Landscaping Rules in San Diego County →