California Landscaping Laws to Keep in Mind in 2024

As we dig into another year, it’s good to check in with the state and federal landscaping laws that keep contractors and their clients safe from project to project.

It’s important to remember that local ordinances and special permitting for landscaping are often city or neighborhood-specific.

So after reviewing these broad strokes, check with the authorities who govern the area where your specific worksite is located to make sure you’ve got all your bases covered.

Licensing Requirements

• Some things never change. Anyone doing landscaping work must get a C-27 Landscaping Contractor license or rely on licensed subcontractors. You’re probably already all set with this one.

Gavin Newsom’s “Green Lawn Care” Law – Assembly Bill No. 1346

• This bill from October 2023 bans the sale of new gas-powered equipment in 2024. This covers a glut of landscaping tools – most notably leaf blowers and hedge trimmers.

Water-Efficient Landscaping

• The strict water conservation laws and regulations in California are no joke. Contractors like you need to observe the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). This holds landscapers accountable and promotes water-efficient landscaping practices involving plant selection and irrigation.

Irrigation Regulations

• Have you been hearing about how California lawmakers are making moves to ban the irrigation of decorative lawns? Landscaping contractors need to stay up on the changing regulations and local ordinances when it comes to irrigation systems.
• You can check the California Department of Water Resources for updates that pertain to you and your work so you adhere to state water use restrictions, and implement the proper installation of irrigation systems to minimize water waste.

Pesticide and Herbicide Use

• We all know pesticides and herbicides can be controversial at times. If you need pesticides or herbicides for your landscaping projects this year, refresh yourself on the California Department of Pesticide Regulation. It’s a public safety issue.
• There are special licensing requirements that ensure the safest application of pesticides possible. Holders of the Qualified Applicator License are cleared to apply or supervise the application of restricted-use pesticides, like fumigants and other toxic pesticides.

Erosion Control and Stormwater Management

• California Water Code (CWC) and Clean Water Act (CWA) – these laws, one at the state level and the other at the federal level, address the control of water pollution, including stormwater runoff.
• Contractors need to know how to implement the appropriate erosion control techniques to prevent soil erosion and minimize water runoff to comply with local stormwater management.

Protected Species and Habitats

• Be aware that your landscaping projects might impact endangered or threatened species and their habitats which are protected by the state. Assess the environment where you’re working and obtain the right permits before you begin construction.
• The California Department of Fish and Wildlife can help general contractors and landscapers alike by reinforcing their responsibilities.

Noise Ordinances

• Landscaping and construction get loud in California. Don’t we all know it? So the use of power equipment is restricted to specific permitted hours to minimize disturbances.
• Local noise ordinances vary depending on city and neighborhood so check that out before letting that monster of a leaf blower roar at the crack of dawn.

A Reminder For Landscaping Contractors

Depending on the region, scope, and scale of your landscaping projects you may have to secure certain permits and approvals to complete your work.

These may include grading permits, tree removal permits, or permits for outdoor structures like decks and patios. The rules surrounding all this are very local. It’s your responsibility to know these codes and keep up with any changes.

The process for renewing your C-27 License and keeping up with continuing education should keep you in the loop on what you need to know as laws change.