Landscaping Rules in Imperial County, CA (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Imperial County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Digging up or possessing bulbs, plants or branches of certain protected native species in Imperial County requires a board of supervisors permit, not just a horticultural sign-off.
Imperial County Native Plant Removal Permit
Significant RestrictionsImperial County Code § 12.48.020
To dig up or remove the bulbs of the Lemon Lily or the Tiger Lily, To dig up or remove the Snow Plant, Maidenhair Fern, Sword Fern Family, or Giant Canyon Fern, To remove or cut or have in possession any of the branches, leaves, plants or berries of the Mountain Dogwood, Western Azalea, or the California Holly Toyon Berry, growing on public or private land in the county of Imperial, without a p...
Weed Ordinances
Imperial County bars landowners in the unincorporated area from letting weeds and other vegetation, including fire-prone brush and chaparral, overgrow and infest their property, backed by a nuisance-abatement process and misdemeanor penalties.
Imperial County Weed and Vegetation Abatement
Some RestrictionsImperial County Code § 91801.01
It is unlawful for the owner or occupant of any land, lot, yard, or tract of land in an unincorporated area of the county of Imperial to cause or to allow such premises to become overgrown and infested with weeds and other vegetation.
Water Restrictions
Imperial County caps supplemental irrigation at 30 inches of water per year for landscaped areas in new development, enforced through its landscaping-chapter design standards.
Imperial County Landscape Water Use Cap
Some RestrictionsImperial County Code § 90302.15(A)(1)
Water Use Criteria. All landscapes shall comply with the following water use criteria:1.The maximum amount of water that can be applied per year to any landscape shall average no greater than thirty (30) inches of supplemental water.2.The planted area shall balance the water demands of different plant species to create an overall landscape which requires a moderate amount of water. For design p...
Artificial Turf
Imperial County allows artificial turf in mobile home and RV park developments but counts it as hard surface, not toward the required 10% landscaping minimum.
Imperial County Artificial Turf Landscaping Credit
Some RestrictionsImperial County Code § 90302.02(E)
Ornamental or landscaping rock and gravel areas, artificial turf, or other areas covered with artificial materials shall be considered hard surface and not qualify as part of the ten percent (10%) landscaping minimum requirement.F.Landscaping materials including trees, shrubs and ground cover should be the type suitable for the climatic conditions of the county of Imperial and shall be low volu...
All Imperial County ordinances
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