Landscaping Rules in Santa Cruz, CA (2026)

1 verified landscaping rules for Santa Cruz, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Water Restrictions

Santa Cruz Municipal Code §16.02.040 bans irrigating turf, gardens, and ornamental landscape between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. except by drip or hand-held shutoff nozzle, and prohibits runoff and other wasteful uses.

Santa Cruz Water Waste Prohibitions

Some Restrictions

Santa Cruz Municipal Code §16.02.040(a)(11)

Use of potable water to irrigate turf, lawns, gardens, or ornamental landscaping between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. unless by drip irrigation, or by hand watering with a quick acting positive shut off nozzle. (Exceptions may be made by the director for professional gardeners where there is no ability to not water between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.)

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Looking for Santa Cruz County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Cruz city rules.

Landscaping Rules in Santa Cruz County →