Santa Monica, CA Landscaping Rules: Weed Ordinances (2026)
Key Facts
- Code
- SMMC Ch. 13.02
- Standard
- No overgrown, dying, or dead vegetation
- Ground Cover
- Required to prevent erosion
- Enforcement
- Code Enforcement
Summary
Santa Monica requires property owners to maintain landscaping and prevent weed growth under SMMC Ch. 13.02. Overgrown vegetation, dying or dead plants, and inadequate ground cover are property maintenance violations.
5004. "Noxious weed" means any species of plant that is, or is liable to be, troublesome, aggressive, intrusive, detrimental, or destructive to agriculture, silviculture, or important native species, and difficult to control or eradicate, which the director, by regulation, designates to be a noxious weed. In determining whether or not a species shall be designated a noxious weed for the purposes of protecting silviculture or important native plant species, the director shall not make that designation if the designation will be detrimental to agriculture.
Full Breakdown
Under SMMC property maintenance requirements, all landscaped areas must be permanently maintained and kept free of weeds, debris, and litter per Chapter 8.108. Fallen leaves or yard waste shall not accumulate on any paved surface (leaves used as mulch in dirt areas are exempt). The City's authority to prosecute violations is in addition to its authority under Chapter 13.06 (Abatement of Nuisances). Ground cover must be live plant material and cannot be comprised of pervious nonplant materials such as gravel, colored rock, bark, etc. Mulch is limited to areas around shrubs and trees and cannot substitute for ground cover plants.
Violations & Fines
Each day a violation continues is a separate offense. Administrative citations under Chapter 1.09 apply. The City may abate nuisances under Chapter 13.06.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Santa Monica cite me for weeds on my property?
Can I use gravel instead of grass in Santa Monica?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Monica
How Santa Monica compares: Cities with the Strictest Weed and Property Maintenance Rules·California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Monica to another location·View the California landscaping rules overview
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Weed Ordinances in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle weed ordinances.