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Santa Rosa, CA Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Governing section: SRCC § 14-30.040(B)(1)(c)
Compost rate: 6 cubic yards per 1,000 sq ft
Incorporation depth: Minimum 8 inches
Exemption: Soils over 6% organic matter
Applies to: Permitted new/rehabbed landscapes

Summary

Santa Rosa's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, § 14-30.040(B)(1)(c), makes builders and homeowners work six cubic yards of compost per 1,000 square feet into the top eight inches of soil on any permitted new or rehabilitated landscape.

(B) For each landscape project subject to this chapter applicants shall submit a landscape design plan in accordance with the following: (1) Amendments, Mulching and Soil Conditioning. (a) Prior to the planting of any materials, compacted soils shall be transformed to a friable condition. (c) Incorporate compost into the soil to a minimum depth of eight inches at a minimum rate of six cubic yards per 1,000 square feet. Soils with greater than six percent organic matter in the top six inches of soil are exempt from adding compost and tilling.

View official code

Full Breakdown

020(A). 040(B) covering amendments, mulching, and soil conditioning. 035. 040(B)(1)(c) requires compost incorporated into the soil to a minimum depth of eight inches at a minimum rate of six cubic yards per 1,000 square feet of landscape area. The code carves out one exception: soils already testing above six percent organic matter in the top six inches are exempt from adding compost and tilling. The same subsection also requires a minimum three-inch mulch layer on exposed soil in planting areas, with up to five percent of the landscape area allowed to stay unmulched as designated insect habitat. 020.

Violations & Fines

A landscape design plan that omits the required compost incorporation, soil analysis, or mulch depth does not meet § 14-30.040 and can be rejected at plan check or final inspection by the City's Water Department, delaying permit sign-off until the plan is corrected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every Santa Rosa yard need added compost?

Only landscape projects that require a building or grading permit, plan check, design review, or utilities certificate under § 14-30.020(A). Existing landscaping with no permitted work is not covered by the compost mandate in § 14-30.040(B)(1)(c).

How much compost does Santa Rosa's ordinance require?

Section 14-30.040(B)(1)(c) requires compost worked into the soil to a minimum depth of eight inches at a minimum rate of six cubic yards per 1,000 square feet, unless a soil test shows organic matter already exceeds six percent in the top six inches.

Is mulch also required along with compost?

Yes. The same subsection requires a minimum three-inch mulch layer over exposed planting-area soil, though up to five percent of the landscape can be left unmulched if designated as insect habitat in the design plan.

Sources & Official References

[1]City of Santa Rosa, CA Municipal Code § 14-30.040, Landscape design plan (qcode)

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