Water restrictions in Santa Monica, CA — also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance — set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Santa Monica has strict water conservation rules. Spray irrigation is prohibited 10 AM-4 PM daily. The Water Neutrality Ordinance (SMMC §7.16.050) requires new development to offset water demand. New sprinkler systems are banned for existing landscapes.
Under SMMC §8.108.010, landscaping that is installed or replaced must use drought-resistant plantings, in whole or in part, and comply with the design standards in SMMC Chapter 9.26 (Landscaping). The city encourages conversion from water-intensive lawns to California-inspired gardens and offers the Cash for Grass rebate program and Spray to Drip irrigation conversion rebates. Trees must be minimum 15-gallon size with 1-inch diameter at breast height. Ground cover plants (other than grasses) must be at least 4-inch pot size. Landscaping must be installed consistent with approved plans to promote healthy plant growth. All applications must comply with §8.108.010 Landscape and Water Conservation Standards.
Non-compliant landscaping installations may be subject to code enforcement action. The City requires compliance with water-efficient landscape standards for all new and replacement landscaping.
Santa Monica, CA
Backyard chickens are allowed in Santa Monica with restrictions. Roosters are prohibited in residential areas due to noise. Livestock keeping is restricted b...
Santa Monica, CA
Dogs must be on a leash in all public areas in Santa Monica. Off-leash dogs are only permitted in designated dog parks. The city enforces leash laws through ...
Santa Monica, CA
Santa Monica does not impose breed-specific legislation. All dogs must be licensed per CA Food & Ag Code §30500+. Dangerous dog determinations are based on i...
Santa Monica, CA
Feeding wildlife in Santa Monica public parks and beaches is discouraged. The city's property maintenance code addresses nuisance conditions from wildlife at...
Santa Monica, CA
Portable fire pits on private property in Santa Monica must comply with South Coast AQMD regulations. Burns are prohibited on spare-the-air days. Beach fires...
Santa Monica, CA
Properties in fire hazard zones near Santa Monica must maintain defensible space per CA PRC §4291. Santa Monica itself is largely urban/coastal with limited ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle water restrictions.
See how Santa Monica's water restrictions rules stack up against other locations.
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