Landscaping Rules in Santa Monica, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Santa Monica, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Santa Monica requires property owners to maintain landscaping under SMMC Ch. 13.02 (Property Maintenance). Overgrown, dying, or dead vegetation is a violation. Landscaping must prevent blowing dust or erosion.
Santa Monica Property Maintenance & Vegetation Standards
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Trimming public trees in Santa Monica requires a Public Works permit under SMMC Ch. 7.40. No person may remove, cut, trim, prune, or injure any public tree without a permit. Trees must be protected during construction with guards or protectors.
Santa Monica Tree Code
Heavy RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 7.40 (Tree Code) strictly protects public trees. No person may remove, cut, trim, or interfere with any tree on public property without a City permit. The Landmark Tree Program protects exceptional trees on both public and private property. Permits expire in 30 days.
Santa Monica Tree Code & Removal Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Santa Monica requires property owners to maintain landscaping and prevent weed growth under SMMC Ch. 13.02. Overgrown vegetation, dying or dead plants, and inadequate ground cover are property maintenance violations.
Santa Monica Weed Abatement & Property Maintenance
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Food and Agricultural Code Section 5004 (Statutory Definition of Noxious Weed)
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
Santa Monica has strict water conservation rules. Spray irrigation is prohibited 10 AM-4 PM daily. The Water Neutrality Ordinance (SMMC §7.16.050) requires new development to offset water demand. New sprinkler systems are banned for existing landscapes.
Santa Monica Water Conservation & Landscape Standards
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Santa Monica strongly encourages rainwater harvesting as part of its water self-sufficiency goal. The city promotes stormwater harvesting through BMPs and infrastructure. Landscape rebates are available for rainwater capture systems.
Santa Monica Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsCalifornia AB 1750 (2012) - Water Code Sections 10570-10571 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012)
10570. This part shall be known, and may be cited, as the Rainwater Capture Act of 2012. 10571. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: (a) As California has grown and developed, the amount of stormwater flowing off buildings, parking lots, roads, and other impervious surfaces into surface water streams, flood channels, and storm sewers has increased, thereby reducing the volum...
Native Plants
Santa Monica encourages drought-tolerant and native plantings. The city's landscaping standards under SMMC Ch. 9.26 promote water-efficient landscapes. CA Gov Code §65595 prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant landscaping.
Santa Monica Native Plant & Xeriscape Rules
Some RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Santa Monica heavily restricts new turf. New residential properties may use high-water plants (including turf) in no more than 20% of total landscaped area. New commercial properties are prohibited from using turf. Ground cover must be live plant material.
Santa Monica Artificial Turf Regulations
Heavy RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Section 4735 (HOA Artificial Turf and Low-Water Landscaping Protections)
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 t...
Looking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Monica city rules.
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