Pittsburg encourages drought-tolerant landscaping. CA Civil Code 1940.10 and 4735 prohibit landlords and HOAs from penalizing tenants or homeowners for drought-friendly yards. New and rehabilitated landscaping over 500 sq ft must comply with the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO).
Drought-tolerant and xeriscape landscaping are actively encouraged in Pittsburg consistent with CCWD conservation programs and state law. Civil Code 4735 prohibits HOAs from enforcing CC&R provisions that require or promote high-water-use landscaping or penalize owners who install low-water landscaping during state or local drought declarations. Civil Code 1940.10 similarly protects tenants from landlord retaliation for reducing watering or installing drought-friendly plants during declared drought. For new construction, redevelopment, and rehabilitated landscapes of 500 square feet or more, the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) codified at Title 23 California Code of Regulations Division 2 Chapter 2.7 requires: a landscape documentation package, a water budget not exceeding the Maximum Applied Water Allowance (MAWA), weather-based irrigation controllers, drip or high-efficiency irrigation for non-turf areas, a minimum 3 inches of mulch on non-turf planting areas, no overhead spray on strips narrower than 10 feet, and restricted turf percentage. CCWD offers turf replacement rebates and landscape conversion programs for existing properties. Artificial turf is permitted subject to local design and drainage standards. Permeable hardscape is encouraged to reduce runoff and comply with stormwater LID requirements.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Pittsburg, CA
Pittsburg restricts RV, boat, and trailer storage in residential areas through zoning regulations in Municipal Code Title 18. Recreational vehicles and trail...
Pittsburg, CA
Open burning prohibited in the Bay Area under BAAQMD Regulation 5. Pittsburg falls within BAAQMD jurisdiction. Subsurface fires (peat, vegetation) must be ex...
Pittsburg, CA
Wood-burning fire pits subject to BAAQMD Spare the Air restrictions. When alerts are called, all wood burning is illegal indoors and outdoors throughout the ...
Pittsburg, CA
All Pittsburg residences must have working smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every floor, plus carbon monoxide alarms outside...
Pittsburg, CA
Pittsburg is one of the few Contra Costa cities that permits state-approved 'Safe and Sane' fireworks. Sale and discharge are allowed only from noon on July ...
Pittsburg, CA
Pittsburg Municipal Code Chapter 15.56 applies to any pool deeper than 18 inches or larger than 250 square feet, including above-ground pools. A 5-foot enclo...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Contra Costa County.
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