Landscaping Rules in San Ramon, CA (2026)
5 verified landscaping rules for San Ramon, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
San Ramon enforces weed and grass abatement under California Government Code Sections 39560-39588 and the municipal code. Overgrown vegetation over approximately 6 inches may be declared a public nuisance, especially as a fire hazard in VHFHSZ areas where CAL FIRE requires grass cut to 4 inches in Zone 2 defensible space.
Landscaping: Grass Height
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
San Ramon's Tree Preservation Ordinance (Municipal Code Chapter D2-50) requires a permit to remove protected trees including native oaks, California bay, buckeye, and sycamore above specified trunk diameters. Removal of heritage trees and significant trees on private property without approval carries fines up to $1,000+ per tree and replanting requirements.
Landscaping: Tree Removal
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Noxious weeds designated by the Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner under California Food and Agricultural Code Section 5004 must be controlled on private property. Common San Ramon targets include yellow starthistle, Italian thistle, French and Scotch broom, and artichoke thistle. Enforcement is handled by the county with city abatement backstop.
Landscaping: Weeds Noxious
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Food & Agricultural Code § 5004
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Water Restrictions
San Ramon water service is provided by EBMUD and Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD). Permanent statewide water waste rules under SWRCB prohibit runoff, watering within 48 hours of rain, and hosing hard surfaces. Local drought stages trigger day-of-week watering limits, typically 2-3 days per week during drought.
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 ...
Native Plants
San Ramon encourages drought-tolerant landscaping under California's MWELO (Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance). New and renovated landscapes over 500 sq ft must meet Maximum Applied Water Allowance limits. EBMUD and DSRSD offer lawn replacement rebates. HOAs cannot prohibit water-efficient landscaping per Civil Code Section 4735.
Landscaping: Xeriscape Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) - Department of Water Resources
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 ...
Looking for Contra Costa County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement San Ramon city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Contra Costa County →