Pasadena Grass Height Limits Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Pasadena Municipal Code Chapter 8.36 (Property Maintenance) establishes the general standard that all properties must be kept free of overgrown, dead, or dying vegetation that creates fire hazards, attracts vermin, or constitutes a public nuisance. Unlike some California cities that set an explicit grass height limit (commonly 6 to 12 inches), Pasadena's code uses a nuisance-based standard: vegetation becomes enforceable when it is tall enough or dry enough to present a hazard or visual blight. In practice, the Code Compliance Division typically pursues enforcement when grass or weeds have gone substantially to seed, are clearly dead and dry, or have grown to a height that residents and officers would agree is neglected maintenance.

In areas designated as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones — which cover portions of north Pasadena along the San Gabriel Mountain foothills — the Pasadena Fire Department enforces a more specific standard: vegetation within 30 feet of structures must be kept at 4 inches or less in height during the dry season. This standard applies to grass, annual weeds, and similar low-growing vegetation in the defensible space zone. Annual weed abatement inspections are conducted each spring, generally starting in March, with notices sent to properties found in non-compliance. Properties that do not self-abate after notice may be abated by the City at the owner's expense with costs potentially liened against the property.

Pasadena has also been a leader in drought-tolerant landscaping policy. The City, in coordination with Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) and the Metropolitan Water District, offers financial incentives for homeowners who replace lawn with drought-tolerant, low-water-use plantings. Turf removal rebates, free mulch programs, and design assistance are available. Contact Code Compliance at (626) 744-4633 or Pasadena Water and Power at (626) 744-4005.