Landscaping Rules in San Ramon, CA (2026)
7 verified landscaping rules for San Ramon, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
San Ramon declares it a public nuisance to let a tree's branches restrict access to a sidewalk or street, block traffic signs or lights, or overhang and obstruct a sidewalk, street, driveway or alley. Section B6-131 puts the duty to trim on the property owner, enforced through the city's nuisance abatement chapter.
San Ramon Tree Overhang Nuisance Rule
Some RestrictionsSan Ramon Municipal Code § B6-131(E)(11), (E)(12)(c)
11. Allowing growth of a tree or vegetation in such a manner that the branches of the tree or growth of the vegetation restrict or impede access to or public use of adjacent sidewalks or streets; obstruct traffic control signs and devices; obstruct street lights; obstruct visibility of traffic using the public street; or prevent access by city street sweepers. 12. Trees, weeds or other vegetati...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Removing, relocating, or cutting down a protected tree in San Ramon requires a Tree Removal Permit under Municipal Code Section D5-11. The review authority weighs health, design, and safety criteria before acting, and specific circumstances, including drainage harm or an active bird nest, require outright denial.
San Ramon Tree Removal Permit Rules
Significant RestrictionsSan Ramon Municipal Code § D5-11
B. Required findings for approval. The approval of a Tree Permit shall require that the review authority first make all the following findings: 1. The approval of the Tree Permit will not be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare, and approval of the Tree Permit is consistent with the provisions of this Chapter; and 2. Measures have been incorporated into the project or permit to m...
Weed 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
5004. “Noxious weed” means any species of plant that is, or is liable to be, troublesome, aggressive, intrusive, detrimental, or destructive to agriculture, silviculture, or important native species, and difficult to control or eradicate, which the director, by regulation, designates to be a noxious weed. In determining whether or not a species shall be designated a noxious weed for the purpose...
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
Some 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
Light 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 ...
Artificial Turf
San Ramon's Zoning Ordinance counts synthetic turf as landscaping under the 'Landscape Area – Softscape' definition, so artificial turf is allowed in required yards. New single-family developments must landscape the strip between the curb and the house front with water-conserving plants and irrigation, but turf, real or synthetic, cannot exceed 50 percent of that landscaped area under Municipal Code § D3-20(B).
San Ramon Artificial Turf Yard Rules
Some RestrictionsSan Ramon Municipal Code § D3-20(B); Glossary def. "Landscape Area – Softscape"
Landscape Area – Softscape. An area comprised of living elements, including but not limited to lawns, trees, shrubs, vines, hedges, and bedding plants. Includes porous materials such as synthetic turf. ... New single-family developments, except for single-family dwellings located on individual single-family residential parcels, shall provide landscaping with an automatic irrigation system for t...
Composting
San Ramon residents have a codified right to compost their own yard trimmings and food scraps at home instead of putting them in a hauler's bin. Municipal Code Section B6-7 lets any property owner or occupant recycle, compost or otherwise dispose of self-generated discarded material on-site, so long as it is done in a clean, sanitary manner.
San Ramon Home Composting Right
Few RestrictionsSan Ramon Municipal Code § B6-7
Every owner or occupant of any property for which Solid Waste, Organic Materials, and Recyclable Materials removal is required herein, shall have the right to remove Discarded Materials from the property that they own or occupy and Recycle, compost, or Dispose of such Discarded Materials in a clean and sanitary manner in conformance with all applicable law and regulations. This right of a prope...
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 →