Landscaping Rules in Westminster, CA (2026)
9 verified landscaping rules for Westminster, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Grass Height Limits
The City of Westminster's Municipal Code does not set a numeric grass-height limit. Instead, Chapter 8.20 (Nuisances) declares overgrown, dead, decayed, or diseased weeds, grass, and vegetation a public nuisance when it harbors pests or threatens public health. Code Enforcement abates uncorrected nuisances and can lien the property.
Westminster Grass and Weed Height Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Trimming
Trees in the parkway between the sidewalk and curb are City trees. The City trims them on a predetermined schedule, while the adjacent homeowner is responsible only for watering. Under Westminster's Street Forestry Policy (Chapter 12.12), no one may cut, trim, prune, or otherwise interfere with a street tree without a permit from the Public Works Director.
Westminster Tree Trimming Rules
Some RestrictionsTree Removal & Heritage Trees
Parkway and street trees are City property; residents may not remove them. Under Westminster's Street Forestry Policy (Chapter 12.12), no person may remove a street tree without a permit from the Public Works Director. The City handles removal and replacement of street trees, including those damaging public infrastructure.
Westminster Tree Removal Rules
Heavy RestrictionsWeed Ordinances
Westminster Municipal Code Chapter 8.20 (Nuisances) declares overgrown, dead, decayed, or diseased weeds, grass, and vegetation a public nuisance when it harbors pests or threatens public health. Section 8.20.030 lists the prohibited conditions. The City gives notice and a hearing, then may abate and lien the property.
Westminster Weed and Overgrowth Ordinance
Some RestrictionsWater Restrictions
Westminster has year-round water rules in Municipal Code Chapter 13.14, aligned with state regulations. Landscape watering days are capped by the City's posted schedule, and limits tighten under declared shortage levels (Level 1 = 4 days/week; Nov 1-Mar 31 = 2 days/week; Level 3 = 1 day/week). Runoff and leaks are restricted.
Westminster Outdoor Watering Restrictions
Some RestrictionsRainwater Harvesting
Westminster does not prohibit residential rainwater harvesting; California law (AB 1750) broadly allows rooftop rain capture. The City promotes water conservation through MWDOC rebates, drought-tolerant Conservation Gardens, and free water-use audits, but the city pages reviewed describe no specific city rain-barrel mandate.
Westminster Rainwater Harvesting and Conservation Incentives
Few RestrictionsNative Plants
Westminster encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping. New and rehabilitated landscapes subject to the City's Water Efficiency Landscape Measures (Chapter 17.310) must follow the state-based MWELO and the City's Handbook, favoring efficient irrigation and an appropriate plant mix. The City's Conservation Gardens model California-friendly and native plants.
Westminster Native and Drought-Tolerant Plant Rules
Few RestrictionsArtificial Turf
Westminster expressly allows artificial turf under Artificial Turf Design Standards in Municipal Code Section 17.310.035, applicable to all zoning districts and uses. Only cut-pile, in-filled turf (nylon, polyethylene, or polypropylene) with an 8-to-12-year minimum no-fade warranty is permitted. Indoor/outdoor plastic or nylon carpeting is prohibited.
Westminster Artificial Turf Rules
Some RestrictionsComposting
Under California SB 1383, Westminster requires residents and businesses to separate organic waste (food scraps, yard and pruning waste, food-soiled paper) for collection, not landfill. The City's franchised hauler provides organics (green-cart) service. Westminster also offers free locally sourced compost giveaways with Orange County.
Westminster Composting and Organic Waste Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Orange County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Westminster city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Orange County →