Landscaping Rules in San Francisco, CA (2026)
2 verified landscaping rules for San Francisco, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
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
Few 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
Some 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...