Landscaping Rules in Santa Paula, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Santa Paula, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Santa Paula property maintenance code requires residential properties to maintain grass and vegetation below 12 inches. Overgrown vegetation creating fire hazards, harboring vermin, or constituting a visual blight is subject to abatement.
Santa Paula Grass Height Limits
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Property owners in Santa Paula must maintain trees to provide clearance over sidewalks (8 feet) and streets (14 feet). Trees overhanging neighboring properties must be trimmed to the property line upon request. City street trees may only be trimmed by city crews or authorized contractors.
Santa Paula Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Santa Paula does not have a heritage tree ordinance, but removal of significant trees may require review during development projects. City street trees cannot be removed without city authorization. Environmental review may be triggered for tree removal near the Santa Clara River or in sensitive habitats.
Santa Paula Tree Removal Rules
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Santa Paula requires property owners to control weeds and maintain properties free of overgrown vegetation. Weeds over 12 inches constitute a nuisance. The city conducts proactive inspections during fire season and may abate non-compliant properties at the owner's expense.
Santa Paula Weed Control Ordinance
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Santa Paula water customers must follow the city's water conservation ordinance, which limits outdoor irrigation to designated days and prohibits runoff onto sidewalks and streets. During declared drought stages, additional restrictions apply including reduced watering days and prohibition of ornamental fountains.
Santa Paula Water Restrictions
Some RestrictionsCal. Code Regs. tit. 23, § 490 et seq. (Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance)
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 soil conditions, using, and maintaining high efficiency irrigation equipment and managing the irrigation schedule to fit the plants water needs as they are ...
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting is legal and encouraged in Santa Paula under California Water Code Section 10574. Residents may collect rooftop runoff for irrigation without a permit for systems under 5,000 gallons.
Santa Paula Rainwater Harvesting Ordinance
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Rainwater Capture Act of 2012 (AB 1750)
PART 2.4. 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 h...
Native Plants
Santa Paula encourages drought-tolerant and native plant landscaping through its water conservation program. New development must comply with the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). Turf-to-native conversion rebates may be available through local water agencies.
Santa Paula Native Plant and Drought-Tolerant Landscaping
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO)
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 soil conditions, using, and maintaining high efficiency irrigation equipment and managing the irrigation schedule to fit the plants water needs as they are ...
Artificial Turf
Santa Paula permits artificial turf installation as a water-saving landscaping option. Turf replacement may qualify for regional water conservation rebates.
Santa Paula Artificial Turf Ordinance
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code §4735
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 Ventura County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Paula city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Ventura County →