Landscaping Rules in Santa Ana, CA (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for Santa Ana, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Santa Ana enforces property maintenance standards under SAMC Chapter 8, Article X (Property Maintenance) and Chapter 18 (Health and Sanitation) that require property owners to keep vegetation trimmed and free of overgrown weeds and grass that constitute a nuisance or fire hazard.
Santa Ana Grass Height & Weed Regulations
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Tree trimming on public rights-of-way in Santa Ana requires authorization from the Public Works Agency under SAMC Chapter 33. Private property tree trimming is generally unrestricted but should be done by licensed arborists for larger trees.
Santa Ana Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Santa Ana regulates tree removal on public property and street trees under SAMC Chapter 33 (Streets and Sidewalks). Private property tree removal generally does not require a city permit unless the tree is in a designated area or subject to environmental review.
Santa Ana Tree Removal Regulations
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Santa Ana requires all property owners to maintain their premises free of weeds, dead vegetation, and overgrown plants under SAMC Chapter 8, Article X (Property Maintenance) and Chapter 18 (Health and Sanitation). The city conducts annual weed abatement programs.
Santa Ana Weed Abatement Ordinance
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Santa Ana enforces water conservation measures through the city's water utility consistent with the Metropolitan Water District and state drought regulations. Outdoor irrigation restrictions include prohibited watering times and limits on watering days.
Santa Ana Water Use Restrictions
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Santa Ana under California Water Code Section 10574. Residential rain barrels up to a reasonable size typically do not require permits. The city promotes water conservation through stormwater capture.
Santa Ana Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Santa Ana encourages the use of native and drought-tolerant plants for landscaping in compliance with the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). New development and major landscape projects must meet water efficiency standards.
Santa Ana Native Plant Landscaping
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Santa Ana permits artificial turf installation on residential properties as an alternative to natural grass. Under California Government Code Section 4735, HOAs cannot prohibit artificial turf on residential properties. No special city permit is required for turf replacement.
Santa Ana Artificial Turf Regulations
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Section 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 that ha...
Composting
Backyard composting is permitted in Santa Ana. SB 1383 requires organic waste diversion. Composting must not create nuisance conditions.
Santa Ana Composting Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia SB 1383 (2016); Health and Safety Code Section 39730.6 and Public Resources Code Section 42652.5
39730.6. (a) Consistent with Section 39730.5, methane emissions reduction goals shall include the following targets to reduce the landfill disposal of organics: (1) A 50-percent reduction in the level of the statewide disposal of organic waste from the 2014 level by 2020. (2) A 75-percent reduction in the level of the statewide disposal of organic waste from the 2014 level by 2025. [...] 42652....
Looking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Ana city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Orange County →