Landscaping Rules in San Mateo, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for San Mateo, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
San Mateo requires property owners to maintain their lots free of excessive weeds and overgrown grass. Overgrowth that constitutes a fire hazard or public nuisance is subject to code enforcement and potential city abatement.
City of San Mateo Grass & Weed Height Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Private tree trimming in San Mateo does not require a city permit. Street trees (public right-of-way) require permission from the Parks Division. Trees must not encroach on adjacent properties or utilities without proper trimming.
City of San Mateo Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. Public Resources Code Sec. 4291 (Vegetation Clearance Around Structures)
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
Private tree removal in San Mateo generally does not require a city permit. Street tree removal requires Parks Division approval. Heritage or protected trees may require additional review.
City of San Mateo Tree Removal Rules
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
San Mateo requires property owners to maintain their lots free of overgrown weeds, dead vegetation, and fire hazards. Code Enforcement addresses complaints about unmaintained vegetation. The fire department enforces vegetation clearance in wildfire-prone hillside areas.
San Mateo Weed & Vegetation Abatement
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
San Mateo's water is provided by Cal Water (San Mateo District). Water conservation ordinances (SMMC Ch. 23.72) apply to landscaping. Year-round prohibitions include runoff, watering during/after rain, and midday irrigation.
City of San Mateo Water Restrictions
Some RestrictionsCA DWR Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) — Local Adoption Required
Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). The MWELO is also referenced by Title 24, Part 11, Chapters 4 and 5 CalGreen Building Code. All local agencies must adopt, implement, and enforce the MWELO or a local Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) that is at least as effective as the MWELO. Usually, local agencies that adopt WELOs create a more stringent ordinance than MWELO. The p...
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in San Mateo under California AB 1750. Rain barrels under 5,000 gallons are exempt from building permits. Cal Water may offer rebates. Collected rainwater can be used for irrigation and non-potable purposes.
San Mateo Rainwater Harvesting
Few RestrictionsCA Water Code §§ 10572–10574 — Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (AB 1750)
10572. Nothing in this part shall be construed to do any of the following: (a) Alter or impair any existing rights. (b) Change existing water rights law. (c) Authorize a landscape contractor to engage in or perform activities that require a license pursuant to the Professional Engineers Act (Chapter 7 (commencing with Section 6700) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code). (d) Impair...
Native Plants
San Mateo encourages drought-tolerant and native landscaping consistent with California's MWELO. New landscapes over 500 square feet must comply with water-efficiency calculations. California law prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant plants.
San Mateo Native & Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), 23 CCR Div. 2, Ch. 2.7
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 permitted in San Mateo. California Government Code 65595 prohibits cities from requiring natural grass. HOAs cannot prohibit water-efficient landscaping under Civil Code 4735. Cal Water may offer rebates for turf replacement.
San Mateo Artificial Turf Regulations
Few RestrictionsCal. Civil Code Sec. 4735 (HOA May Not Prohibit Artificial Turf or Low-Water Plants)
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 San Mateo County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Mateo city rules.
Landscaping Rules in San Mateo County →