Landscaping Rules in Ventura, CA (2026)
8 verified landscaping rules for Ventura, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
Ventura does not set a numeric lawn-height limit. Overgrown grass, weeds, and dry vegetation are regulated as a public nuisance under the San Buenaventura Property Maintenance Code (Div. 7) and abated through the city's Code Enforcement Division.
Ventura Weed Abatement & Property Maintenance (SBMC Div. 7)
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Street trees and trees in the public right-of-way are regulated under Division 11 (Public Parks, Beaches and Street Trees) of the SBMC. A city permit is required to plant, prune, remove, or substantially alter any street tree.
Street Trees & Tree Preservation (SBMC Div. 11)
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
City of Ventura may require permits for removal of significant trees under SBMC Title 24 zoning provisions. Oak trees and heritage trees may have additional protections. Contact City Planning at (805) 654-7893 before removing large trees.
landscaping/tree-removal
Some RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Overgrown weeds, dry brush, and combustible vegetation are abated under the City's adopted Property Maintenance Code (referenced in Division 7), with California fire-code defensible-space standards layered in WUI areas.
Weed Abatement & Nuisance Vegetation (SBMC Div. 7)
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Ventura Water enforces water-waste prohibitions and stage-based outdoor watering schedules under Division 12 (Public Utilities) of the San Buenaventura Municipal Code, layered with California's statewide permanent water-waste rules.
Ventura Water Conservation (SBMC Div. 12 Public Utilities)
Heavy RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Ventura has no local prohibition on rainwater harvesting. California Water Code §10574 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012) allows residential property owners to install rooftop rainwater capture systems without a water-rights permit.
Rainwater Harvesting — No Local Ban (State-Permissive)
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Water Code Part 2.4 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012, AB 1750)
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 volume of water allowed to infiltrate into groundwater aquifers and increasing water and pollution fl...
Native Plants
Ventura affirmatively encourages native and climate-adapted plants. New and rehabilitated landscapes must follow California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), and HOAs cannot block low-water plants under Cal. Civil Code §4735.
Native Plants & MWELO Compliance (SBMC Div. 13 / CCR Title 23)
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Department of Water Resources — 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
Ventura's SBMC does not specifically restrict synthetic turf on private property. California Civil Code §4735 bars HOAs from prohibiting artificial turf or other synthetic surfaces resembling grass.
Artificial Turf — State Override of HOA Bans (Cal. Civ. Code §4735)
Few RestrictionsCalifornia Civil Code Section 4735 (Artificial Turf and Low Water-Using Plants in Common Interest Developments)
(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 that ha...
Looking for Ventura County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Ventura city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Ventura County →