Landscaping Rules in Santa Clara, CA (2026)

California Public Resources Code § 4291(a)(2)-(5)

(2) Remove that portion of a tree that extends within 10 feet of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe. (3) Maintain a tree, shrub, or other plant adjacent to or overhanging a building free of dead or dying wood. (4) Maintain the roof of a structure free of leaves, needles, or other vegetative materials. (5) Before constructing a new building or structure or rebuilding a building or structure da...

Santa Clara, CA, City Code § 12.35.080 (Protected trees)

The following trees shall not be removed without first obtaining a permit from the City: (a) Heritage trees in all zoning districts. (b) All specimen trees with a diameter of twelve (12) inches or more when measured at fifty-four (54) inches above natural grade of the following species on private property: Aesculus californica (California buckeye); Acer macrophyllum (big leaf maple); Cedrus deo...

Santa Clara, CA, City Code § 8.15.020 (Permitting weeds to grow on premises, streets or sidewalks prohibited - Removal)

No owner, agent, lessee or other person occupying or having charge or control of any building, lot or premises within the city shall permit weeds to remain upon such premises, public sidewalks, streets or alleys between such premises and the centerline of any public street or alley. Every property owner shall remove or destroy weeds from his/her property and in the abutting half of any street o...

California Department of Water Resources — Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), 23 CCR § 490 et seq.

California's Water Conservation in Landscaping Act of 2006 (AB 1881) requires local agencies to adopt the updated 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 ef...

California AB 1750 (2012) — Rainwater Capture Act, Legislative Counsel's Digest

AB 1750, Solorio. Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. (1) Under existing law, the State Water Resources Control Board (state board) and the California regional water quality control boards prescribe waste discharge requirements for the discharge of stormwater in accordance with the national pollutant discharge elimination system (NPDES) permit program and the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act...

California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO)

Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance Low water using plants, mulch, and efficient irrigation save water while making habitat for pollinators. DWR/2015 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 ...

California Civil Code § 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 have t...

Santa Clara, CA, City Code § 8.25.050(b)(1)-(2) (Removal of refuse by persons)

Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a) of this section, a person who is not a collector may dispose of refuse as follows: (1) Any person may self-haul and dispose of refuse from his/her own private residence to a permitted disposal facility. (2) Any person may engage in composting of organic waste for use on that person's premises.