Landscaping Rules in Santa Clara, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Santa Clara, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Santa Clara weed abatement rules treat grass or weeds exceeding about 6 inches on residential property as a public nuisance subject to abatement and lien.
Santa Clara Grass Height Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Santa Clara protects designated heritage and street trees. Routine trimming on private trees is allowed, but major work on protected trees requires a permit from the city.
Santa Clara Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsCalifornia 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...
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Removing street trees or protected heritage trees in Santa Clara requires a permit and often replacement planting. Removing small, non-heritage private trees is usually allowed.
Santa Clara Tree Removal Rules
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Santa Clara participates in the Santa Clara County weed abatement program. Noxious weeds and dry vegetation are public nuisances subject to notice, abatement, and cost recovery.
Santa Clara Weed Ordinance Rules
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Santa Clara Water and Sewer Utilities enforces year-round outdoor watering rules under Valley Water guidance. AB 1572 also phases out potable water on non-functional turf.
Santa Clara Water Restriction Rules
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia 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...
Rainwater Harvesting
Santa Clara allows rainwater harvesting under the CA Rainwater Capture Act. Rain barrels under 5,000 gallons typically need no permit, but larger cisterns and pumps do.
Santa Clara Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia 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...
Native Plants
Santa Clara encourages California native landscaping through MWELO compliance and Valley Water rebates. Native plants are allowed as lawn replacements citywide.
Santa Clara Native Plant Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia 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 ...
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf is permitted on residential lots in Santa Clara subject to setbacks, permeability, and product standards. Civil Code 4735 limits HOA bans on synthetic lawns.
Santa Clara Artificial Turf Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia 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...
Looking for Santa Clara County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Clara city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Santa Clara County →