Landscaping Rules in Sonoma County, CA (2026)
7 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Sonoma County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Trimming
Routine pruning of your own trees generally needs no permit, but Sonoma County's defensible-space rules require trees pruned 6 feet up from the ground within 100 feet of structures, branches cleared 6 feet above roads, and all tree parts removed within 10 feet of chimneys. Heavy cutting of protected native trees can trigger tree-permit rules.
Sonoma County Tree Trimming & Limb Clearance
Light RestrictionsSonoma County Zoning Code Sec. 26-88-010(m); Chapter 26D
The Tree Protection Ordinance (Code Section 26-88-010(m)) requires a zoning permit and mitigation (e.g. replanting, preservation or in-lieu fees) when removing certain tree species above 6 inches diameter. The updated ordinance includes 31 tree species with trunks six inches in diameter or greater.
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
Unincorporated Sonoma County requires a permit to remove most protected native trees 6 inches in diameter or larger. A ministerial zoning permit covers smaller trees; a discretionary use permit is needed for hardwoods 36 inches or larger and redwoods 48 inches or larger. Mitigation fees apply, starting at $510 per arboreal value point.
Sonoma County Tree Removal Rules
Some RestrictionsSonoma County Code Sec. 26-88-010(M) (Tree Protection Ordinance)
4. Permit requirement. a. Unless a use permit is required per subsection A.4.b. or an exemption applies under subsection B, a ministerial zoning permit is required for removal of protected trees. b. Unless an exemption applies under subsection B, a use permit is required for the following: 1. removal of redwoods with single stem d.b.h. exceeding 48" 2. removal of oaks and other hardwoods with s...
Weed Ordinances
Sonoma County Code Chapter 13A declares hazardous vegetation and combustible material on unincorporated parcels a public nuisance. Owners must abate it - including cutting dry grasses and creating defensible space to 100 feet around structures. The County can inspect, order abatement, and lien properties for unpaid costs.
Sonoma County Weed Abatement Ordinance
Some RestrictionsSonoma County Code Sec. 13A-1; Sec. 13A-4 (Ord. No. 6148)
The purpose of this chapter is to provide for the removal of hazardous vegetation and combustible material situated in the unincorporated areas of the county so as to reduce the potential for fire and to promote the public health, safety and welfare of the community. In the state responsibility area, Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations Sections 1299.01-1299.05 applies to improved par...
Water Restrictions
On Sonoma County-operated water systems (Fitch Mountain, Freestone, Jenner, Salmon Creek), outdoor watering of ornamental landscaping is limited to two days a week - Tuesday and Friday - during early-morning and late-evening hours. Most county properties are on private wells or other water providers and instead follow state (SWRCB) and water-supplier rules.
Sonoma County Outdoor Water Use Restrictions
Some RestrictionsSonoma County Code Chapter 7D3 (Water Efficient Landscape)
For development after October 4, 2022, grass lawns are prohibited unless compliant with Water Efficient Landscape Regulations. Grass lawns shall be no greater than 2,500 square feet for all sites unless compliant with Water Efficient Landscape Regulations.
Rainwater Harvesting
Sonoma County encourages rainwater capture. Simple rain barrels for outdoor irrigation generally need no permit, but systems that collect rainwater for potable (indoor) use require a permit under Appendix K of the California Plumbing Code, which the County adopted in January 2017. Related graywater systems have their own tiered permit rules.
Sonoma County Rainwater Harvesting Rules
Few RestrictionsCal. Water Code Sec. 10574 (Rainwater Capture Act of 2012)
Use of rainwater collected from rooftops does not require a water right permit pursuant to Section 1201.
Artificial Turf
As of late 2025 there is no ban on artificial turf in unincorporated Sonoma County, but the County has raised environmental and health concerns and directed staff to develop a model ordinance that could let jurisdictions consider a moratorium. Installations tied to permitted projects must still satisfy the County's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
Sonoma County Artificial Turf Rules
Some RestrictionsCal. Government Code Sec. 53087.7
(a) A city, including a charter city, county, or city and county, shall not enact any ordinance or regulation, or enforce any existing ordinance or regulation, that prohibits the installation of drought-tolerant landscaping using living plant material on residential property. (b) For the purposes of this section, "drought-tolerant landscaping" shall not include the installation of synthetic gra...
Composting
Under California SB 1383 (effective Jan 1, 2022), all Sonoma County residents and businesses must keep organic waste - food scraps and yard trimmings - out of the landfill, typically by using the green organics cart. Backyard home composting is encouraged and can reduce what you set out. The mandate is a state law implemented locally by Zero Waste Sonoma.
Sonoma County Composting & Organics Recycling
Some RestrictionsCal. Public Resources Code Sec. 42652.5 (SB 1383)
The department, in consultation with the State Air Resources Board, shall adopt regulations to achieve the organic waste reduction goals for 2020 and 2025 established in Section 39730.6 of the Health and Safety Code. [...] not less than 20 percent of edible food that is currently disposed of is recovered for human consumption by 2025.
Landscaping Rules by City in Sonoma County
2 cities in Sonoma County have their own landscaping rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Sonoma County ordinances
See every category we cover for Sonoma County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
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