Lancaster, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)

Chapter 15.24 is the Property Maintenance Code, which Ordinance No. 1139 amended in its entirety on October 28, 2025. It adopts the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code, including Appendix A, as amended, to regulate the use and maintenance of all existing structures, premises and certain equipment therein. Section 15.24.150 amends Section 302.4 of that code: all premises and exterior property must be maintained free from weeds or plant growth in excess of six (6) inches, and all noxious weeds are prohibited. The section defines weeds as all grasses, annual plants, and vegetation, other than trees or shrubs, and states that the term does not include cultivated flowers, fruits, and/or vegetables.

Chapter 8.30, Residential Landscaping Installation and Maintenance, sets its own standard. Under Section 8.30.020 its provisions apply to all developed residential lots within the city, except as otherwise noted, and Section 8.30.030 removes residential lots in the rural residential zones (RR-2.5, RR-1, and SRR). Section 8.30.060 requires all landscaping and irrigation systems installed pursuant to the chapter to be continuously maintained, including mowing, pruning, weeding, fertilizing, repair, and replacement as necessary. Its first example of a lack of maintenance is grasses used as part of a lawn that are more than eight inches in height, have significant numbers of seed heads, or are thatched and matted. Another example is planter or lawn areas containing significant numbers of large weeds.

Two further sections extend the duty. For existing single family lots, Section 8.30.050 requires landscaping on all portions open to view from a public street that are not used for buildings, vehicle access, or parking. Section 8.30.065 makes property owners responsible for maintaining and replacing the trees, grass and landscaping in the public parkway, which Section 8.30.010 defines as all areas between the curb and the sidewalk in front of or along side a residential lot.

Section 8.30.070 lets the director of community development waive the chapter's requirements, in whole or in part, case by case. A waiver for construction, remodeling, or similar work stays in effect only until the construction work is completed.