Landscaping Rules in San Leandro, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for San Leandro, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
San Leandro weed abatement rules treat grass over 12 inches or dry combustible growth as a public nuisance. Notice, then city abatement with lien if ignored.
Landscaping: Grass Height
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
San Leandro property owners must keep vegetation trimmed back from streets and sidewalks. Street trees are regulated by Public Works; permits needed for city tree work.
Landscaping: Tree Trimming
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 Leandro requires permits to remove protected and street trees. Private non-protected trees generally do not need permits on residential lots.
Landscaping: Tree Removal
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
San Leandro declares overgrown weeds a nuisance under state weed abatement laws. Annual abatement program runs in spring with inspections and notices.
Landscaping: Weed Ordinances
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
San Leandro water is supplied by EBMUD. Permanent statewide rules ban runoff, hosing hard surfaces, and watering within 48 hours of rain. AB 1572 phases out non-functional turf.
Landscaping: Water Restrictions
Heavy 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 ...
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in San Leandro. Rain barrels under 5,000 gallons require no permit. EBMUD offers rebates for qualifying systems.
Landscaping: Rainwater Harvesting
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 Leandro encourages California native and drought-tolerant plants. MWELO applies to new landscapes over 500 sq ft with water budget calculations.
Landscaping: Native Plants
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 is allowed in San Leandro residential yards. HOAs cannot prohibit it outright under Civ Code 4735. Stormwater C.3 rules apply to large installations.
Landscaping: Artificial Turf
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...
Looking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Leandro city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Alameda County →