Landscaping Rules in Tracy, CA (2026)
6 verified landscaping rules for Tracy, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Removing or altering any street tree in Tracy's rights-of-way or planting easements requires a permit from the Parks and Community Services Department under Tracy Municipal Code § 7.08.040. The Director weighs the Street Tree Removal Criteria against the property owner's hardship before authorizing work, the job must finish within 60 days, and work risking $750 or more in City property damage needs a posted bond.
Tracy Street Tree Removal Permit
Significant RestrictionsTracy Municipal Code § 7.08.040
(c)In the event a property owner desires to remove or alter a street tree located in the right-of way or planting easement abutting his or her property, he or she or his or her authorized agent shall make application to the Parks and Community Services Department. The Parks and Community Services Department shall determine whether the street tree is located in a separately assessed landscape an...
Weed Ordinances
Tracy declares weeds, rubbish, refuse and flammable material on any lot, vacant or improved, a public nuisance dangerous to public health and safety. The Fire Chief can order abatement within twenty days of certified notice, and an owner who misses the deadline gets billed for City-performed cleanup, with unpaid costs becoming a county lien.
Tracy Weed and Fire-Menace Nuisance Rule
Some RestrictionsTracy Municipal Code §§ 4.12.250, 4.12.260, 4.12.280
4.12.250 - Definitions: (a) 'Weeds' shall mean weeds and wild grasses which, when mature, bear wingy or downy seeds, such as those commonly known as foxtails, tumbleweeds, devil thorn, horehound, and gourd vines, and other weeds and wild grasses which attain such a large growth as to become a fire menace when dry or which are otherwise noxious or dangerous. ... 4.12.260 - Weeds, rubbish, refuse...
Water Restrictions
Tracy restricts landscape irrigation year-round and tightens it further once the City Council declares a drought stage: Stage 1 (Municipal Code Section 11.28.170) limits all watering to before 9:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m., and Stage 2 (Section 11.28.180) cuts irrigation to three days a week by odd/even address, escalating through Stage 5, which can ban all outdoor potable water use.
Tracy Stage 1-5 Watering Day Restrictions
Significant RestrictionsTracy Municipal Code §§ 11.28.170, 11.28.180
11.28.170 - Stage 1 water restrictions. (a)All landscape irrigation is restricted to before 9:00 a.m. or after 7:00 p.m. daily. This applies to residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, municipal and other public agencies or entities. 11.28.180 - Stage 2 water restrictions. In addition to Stage 1, the following requirements apply: (a)Landscapes, including residential, commercial, indu...
Rainwater Harvesting
Tracy encourages, but does not mandate, rainwater capture: section 11.28.490 tells project applicants that stormwater best management practices, on-site retention and rain harvesting or catchment systems are "encouraged" and "recommended" tools for meeting the landscape ordinance's water budget, with a suggested 24-hour capacity target tied to local rainfall.
Tracy Rainwater Harvesting Guidance
Few RestrictionsTracy Municipal Code § 11.28.490
(a)Stormwater management practices minimize runoff and increase infiltration which recharges groundwater and improves water quality. Implementing stormwater best management practices into the landscape and grading design plans to minimize runoff and to increase on-site rainwater retention and infiltration are encouraged. ... (d)It is strongly recommended that landscape areas be designed for cap...
Native Plants
Tracy's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance lets any plant be used on a covered project as long as the design does not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance, and it names protecting native species and choosing local native plants as the lead method for meeting that budget under Municipal Code section 11.28.390(a)(1)(A).
Tracy Native Plant Landscaping Rules
Few RestrictionsTracy Municipal Code § 11.28.390(a)(1)(A)
(A)Any plant may be selected for the landscape, providing the Estimated Total Water Use in the landscape area does not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. Methods to achieve water efficiency shall include one or more of the following:(i)protection and preservation of native species and natural vegetation;(ii)selection of water-conserving plant, tree and turf species, especially local na...
Artificial Turf
Tracy caps artificial turf at 30 percent of the front landscape area for new multiple-unit and mixed-use housing projects under Municipal Code Section 10.10.070(e)(8). All other artificial or synthetic plant materials are flatly prohibited on these sites. The rule sits inside the city's objective design standards for apartment, condo and mixed-use development reviewed by Community Development, not a citywide cap on single-family front yards.
Tracy Artificial Turf Cap for New Housing Projects
Some RestrictionsTracy Municipal Code § 10.10.070(e)(8)
Plant selection. Artificial or synthetic plants, except for turf, are prohibited. Artificial turf or a natural lawn substitute shall be limited to a maximum of thirty (30%) percent of the front landscape area.(9)Solar access. Landscaping shall not obstruct solar access to adjacent solar collectors for water heating, space heating or cooling, or electricity generation.(10)Privacy. Landscape scre...
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