Landscaping Rules in San Francisco, CA (2026)
5 verified landscaping rules for San Francisco, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
San Francisco requires a Public Works permit before anyone plants or removes a street tree, with a hearing available if a neighbor objects.
SF Street Tree Removal Permit Required
Significant RestrictionsSan Francisco, CA, Public Works Code Article 16, § 806(b)(1)
It shall be unlawful for any person to plant or to remove any Street Tree without a valid permit for such work issued by the Department. All permits for the Planting or Removal of Street Trees issued by the Director for residential properties shall be recorded on the Report of Residential Building Records in accordance with Section 351 of the Housing Code. All work associated with a Street Tree...
Weed Ordinances
San Francisco bans overgrown weeds, rank growth and dead vegetation on any lot, improved or not, as a form of property blight enforced by Public Works.
San Francisco Overgrown Weeds Blight Rule
Some RestrictionsSan Francisco, CA, Administrative Code § 80.3(b) (Definitions — "Blight," subsection (A))
Property, whether improved or not, which is not kept substantially clean and free from accumulations including, but not limited to, overgrown, dead or decayed trees, weeds or other vegetation, rank growth, rubbish, junk, garbage, litter, debris, flyers or circulars. (B) Buildings or structures which are unpainted or the exterior paint is substantially worn off provided, however, that no...
Water Restrictions
San Francisco bans irrigation runoff and caps water use for new and rehabbed landscapes citywide under the Water Efficient Irrigation Ordinance.
SF Landscape Irrigation Water Rules
Some RestrictionsSan Francisco, CA, Administrative Code § 63.7(b) (Water Waste Prevention)
(b) Water runoff leaving the landscape area due to low head drainage, overspray, broken irrigation hardware, or other similar conditions where water flows onto adjacent property, walks, roadways, parking lots, structures, or non-irrigated areas designated for non-development such as open spaces and existing native vegetation, is prohibited.
Rainwater Harvesting
San Francisco actively promotes rainwater harvesting through the SFPUC Non-Potable Water Program. Residential rain barrels are unregulated and encouraged with rebates. Larger cisterns and greywater systems require permits under the Plumbing Code and Non-Potable Water Ordinance.
Rainwater Harvesting Rules in San Francisco
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Water Code Sec. 10570 et seq. (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 — No Permit Required for Rooftop Capture)
PART 2.4. Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. 10570. This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012... 10573. ...(b) 'Rain barrel system' is a type of rainwater capture system that does not use electricity or a water pump and is not connected to or reliant on a potable water system. (c) 'Rainwater' means precipitation on any public or private parcel that has not ent...
Artificial Turf
California Civil Code 4735 preempts HOA bans on artificial turf, and San Francisco allows artificial turf in residential front and rear yards subject to Planning Code landscaping requirements. Permeability, heat-island, and microplastic concerns mean the city discourages synthetic turf in new construction.
Artificial Turf Rules in San Francisco
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Section 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...