5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 10 cities in Orange County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Orange County enforces weed and vegetation abatement in unincorporated areas through the OC Agricultural Commissioner under California Health and Safety Code Sections 14875-14922. Dry weeds and grass within 100 feet of structures must be cleared as a fire and nuisance hazard.
Orange County maintains trees within public rights-of-way in unincorporated areas on a 2.5-year trimming cycle. Private property owners are responsible for maintaining trees at their own expense and must not allow trees to obstruct sidewalks, streetlights, or traffic signs.
California Public Resources Code § 4291
(2) Remove that portion of a tree that extends within 10 feet of the outlet of a chimney or stovepipe. (3) Maintain a tree, shrub, or other plant adjacent to or overhanging a building free of dead or dying wood. (4) Maintain the roof of a structure free of leaves, needles, or other vegetative materials. (5) Before constructing a new building or structure or rebuilding a building or structure...
OCCO Zoning Code Section 7-9-69 establishes the Protected Tree Ordinance for unincorporated Orange County. Protected trees with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 5 inches or more cannot be removed without a Protected Tree Removal or Damage Permit. Replacement ratios of at least 5:1 apply.
Orange County adopted its Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) on March 14, 2016, implementing California's Model WELO for all new construction and major landscape renovations in unincorporated areas. Projects must submit landscape and irrigation plans complying with state water efficiency standards.
California Department of Water Resources — Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), Cal. Code Regs. tit. 23 § 490 et seq.
New development and retrofitted landscape water efficiency standards are governed by the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) . The MWELO is also referenced by Title 24, Part 11, Chapters 4 and 5 CalGreen Building Code. All local agencies must adopt, implement, and enforce the MWELO or a local Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) that is at least as effective as the MWELO. Us...
Backyard composting is permitted and encouraged in unincorporated Orange County. California SB 1383 requires organic waste diversion statewide. OC Waste & Recycling provides composting resources and sells compost at regional landfills.
10 cities in Orange County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
9 verified rules • Artificial Turf, Composting
9 verified rules • Artificial Turf, Composting
9 verified rules • Artificial Turf, Composting
9 verified rules • Artificial Turf, Composting
8 verified rules • Artificial Turf, Grass Height Limits
9 verified rules • Artificial Turf, Composting
9 verified rules • Artificial Turf, Composting
7 verified rules • Artificial Turf, Grass Height Limits
4 verified rules • Grass Height Limits, Tree Trimming
9 verified rules • Artificial Turf, Composting
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