5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 9 cities in Contra Costa County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated Contra Costa requires weeds and dry vegetation to be cut to 3 inches or less in developed areas and 4 inches in rural/wildland areas under the county weed abatement program. The fire marshal issues annual abatement notices each April and contracts out clearing at owner cost plus administrative fees if not completed.
Contra Costa County protects heritage and native trees under County Ordinance Code Chapter 816-6. A permit is required to remove any protected tree (most native oaks, bays, buckeyes, madrones, and sycamores) of 6.5 inches DBH or larger on private property. Unpermitted removal carries penalties up to $10,000 per tree plus replacement planting.
Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner enforces state noxious weed lists under Food & Ag Code 5004, targeting yellow starthistle, artichoke thistle, purple loosestrife, and other A/B-rated species. Property owners can be ordered to abate noxious weeds and billed for county removal under the weed abatement ordinance.
Permanent statewide water waste rules and water district schedules apply in unincorporated Contra Costa. EBMUD and Contra Costa Water District limit landscape irrigation to set days and hours, prohibit runoff and daytime watering, and can impose excessive-use penalties up to $2 per extra unit plus surcharges during droughts.
CA Dept. of Water Resources
1. Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance Guidebook C. Landscape, Irrigation, Water Budget Overview D. Compliance Pathways F. MWELO Performance Path Submittal Checklist L. Irrigation Scheduling Parameters O. Irrigation Audit Checklist Permitted Practices in California R. Certificate of Completion T. MWELO Plan Check Standard Corrections U. Landscape Inspection Checklist W. MWELO Resources Li...
New and rehabilitated landscapes over 500 sq ft in unincorporated Contra Costa must comply with the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). Rebates for lawn-to-xeriscape conversions are available through EBMUD and CCWD, and HOAs cannot prohibit drought-tolerant landscaping under Civil Code 4735.
9 cities in Contra Costa County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
5 verified rules • Grass Height Limits, Native Plants
5 verified rules • Grass Height Limits, Native Plants
6 verified rules • Grass Height Limits, Native Plants
5 verified rules • Grass Height Limits, Native Plants
5 verified rules • Grass Height Limits, Native Plants
5 verified rules • Grass Height Limits, Native Plants
5 verified rules • Grass Height Limits, Native Plants
5 verified rules • Grass Height Limits, Native Plants
5 verified rules • Grass Height Limits, Native Plants
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