Landscaping Rules in Santa Rosa, CA (2026)

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

Verified from official government sources

Grass Height Limits

Santa Rosa requires property owners to maintain vegetation and prevent overgrown conditions. Grass and weeds exceeding 12 inches are considered a nuisance subject to abatement.

Santa Rosa Grass Height Limits

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Tree Trimming

Santa Rosa requires property owners to maintain trees so they do not obstruct sidewalks, streets, or sight lines. Branches must be trimmed to at least 8 feet over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets.

Santa Rosa Tree Trimming Rules

Some Restrictions

Cal. Pub. Resources Code § 4291

4291. (a) A person who owns, leases, controls, operates, or maintains a building or structure in the state responsibility area shall at all times do all of the following: (1) (A) Maintain defensible space of 100 feet from each side and from the front and rear of the structure, but not beyond the property line, except as provided in subparagraph (B). The amount of fuel modification necessary sha...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Tree Removal & Heritage Trees

Santa Rosa protects certain trees through its Tree Preservation Ordinance. Removing heritage trees or trees over a specified diameter requires a permit. Protected trees include native oaks and other significant species.

Santa Rosa Tree Removal Regulations

Heavy Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Water Restrictions

Santa Rosa enforces water conservation regulations including restrictions on outdoor watering days and times. The city is served by Sonoma Water and follows state drought regulations.

Santa Rosa Water Restrictions & Landscape Watering Rules

Heavy Restrictions

Cal. 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 ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Looking for Sonoma County county-wide rules?

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

Landscaping Rules in Sonoma County →