Murrieta, CA Landscaping Rules: Grass Height Limits (2026)

Murrieta does not have a single fixed grass height for all properties, but the municipal code and state fire law require vegetation management to prevent fire hazards and property nuisances. Under California Public Resources Code Section 4291 and Government Code Section 51182, properties in or near State Responsibility Areas and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones must maintain defensible space clearing of flammable vegetation within 100 feet of structures: 30 feet of lean, clean, and green closest to the home, and 30-100 feet of reduced fuel with grass typically mowed to 4 inches or less during fire season. Much of Murrieta falls within Cal Fire State Responsibility Area or Local Responsibility Area high fire hazard zones.

City code enforcement also treats overgrown weeds, dry grass, and unkempt yards as a public nuisance when they create fire danger, harbor pests, accumulate debris, or substantially impact neighborhood appearance. In practice, residential grass and weeds over roughly 6 to 12 inches often trigger complaints and notices, particularly in front yards visible from the street. Owners of vacant lots are required to clear weeds annually before fire season (typically before June 1) or the city may abate at the owner's cost. Fire weed abatement programs issue notices each spring. HOAs typically impose stricter height and appearance standards. During drought, turf replacement with drought-tolerant landscaping is encouraged and protected by state law (Civil Code 4735).