Guide to Landscape Regulations in San Diego City + Suburbs

In San Diego, landscaping isn’t just about design,  it’s also about regulations. And those rules can change depending on the city you live in and the type of work you’re doing.

Knowing what’s required upfront can save you from delays, fines, and having to redo work later. It also makes the entire process smoother, faster, and far less stressful.

Here’s what San Diego homeowners should know about landscape permits, city regulations, and how to move forward with confidence.

Why Landscape Regulations Exist in San Diego

San Diego’s regulations are designed to:

• Protect water resources
• Manage stormwater runoff 
• Prevent erosion and flooding
• Maintain neighborhood safety and property values
  
  

Because of drought conditions and varied terrain, San Diego has stricter landscaping and irrigation standards than many other cities.

Working with experienced San Diego landscapers ensures your project follows local codes from day one.

When Do You Need a Landscape Permit in San Diego?

Not every project requires a permit, but many do.

You may need a landscape permit in San Diego if your project includes:

• Retaining walls over 3 feet tall
• New patios, concrete slabs, or pavers over a certain size
• Grading or significant soil movement
• New irrigation systems or major modifications
• Drainage system installations
• Hillside landscaping projects
  
  

A safe rule: If your project changes grading, drainage, or structural elements, assume a permit is required.

Earth View Landscape helps homeowners navigate landscape permits in San Diego and surrounding cities so there are no surprises.

City of San Diego Landscape Requirements (LDC & Water-Efficient Ordinance)

San Diego follows a Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO) that applies to many new or renovated landscapes.

Common requirements include:

• Water-efficient irrigation systems
• Drip irrigation for planting beds
• Smart irrigation controllers
• Hydrozone grouping (plants with similar water needs together)
• Limitations on traditional turf areas
  
  

Example:
If you’re replacing your front yard lawn with drought-tolerant plants, your design must meet WELO efficiency standards.

This is why homeowners searching for landscape design San Diego should always work with a contractor familiar with these rules.

Irrigation Regulations in San Diego

Most new irrigation installations must include:

• Pressure-regulated heads
• Rain sensors or weather-based controllers
• Low-flow drip irrigation for shrubs and trees
• Proper backflow prevention
  
  

Improper irrigation design can lead to fines or required corrections.

If you're planning an irrigation upgrade, Earth View Landscape designs systems that meet San Diego irrigation code requirements and maximize water savings.

Retaining Walls, Hardscapes & Structural Landscaping

You will likely need permits for:

• Retaining walls over 3 feet
• Stacked stone walls with surcharge loads
• Large concrete patios
• Raised planters tied into structures
  
  

Engineering calculations may also be required depending on wall height and location.

For homeowners considering pavers San Diego or concrete patios San Diego, permitting is often overlooked, but essential.

Drainage & Grading Rules

Poor drainage is one of the biggest code violations in San Diego landscaping.

Rules typically require:

• Water must drain away from structures
• No runoff onto neighboring properties
• Proper slope percentages
• Use of area drains, channel drains, or dry wells when needed
  
  

Example:
If water pools near your foundation, adding a drain without a permit may still violate code if grading isn’t addressed.

HOA & Subdivision Rules Matter Too

Beyond city regulations, many San Diego neighborhoods have:

• HOA design guidelines
• Approved plant lists
• Fence and wall height limits
• Color and material restrictions
  
  

Earth View Landscape reviews both city codes and HOA rules before construction begins.

Landscape Regulations in San Diego Suburbs (What Changes City to City)

All cities in San Diego County follow California building codes, but local rules and enforcement vary. A project that doesn’t need a permit in one city may require plans and approvals in another.

Here are the most common differences homeowners run into:

Retaining Walls

• Many cities require permits for walls over 3 feet
  
• Some require engineering even under 3 feet if the wall supports a slope, driveway, or structure
  
  

Example: A 3.5-foot wall may move forward in one city but require stamped plans in another.

Patios & Hardscape

• Permit needs often depend on size, attachment to the home, and grading
  
• Ground-level pavers may be exempt in some cities, while others require review
  
  

Example: A small paver patio may be exempt in one city but require a permit if grading is involved elsewhere.

Grading & Drainage

• Cities differ on how much soil can be moved without a permit
  
• Drainage improvements may require plans in certain jurisdictions
  
  

Example: Leveling a backyard for turf might be considered minor work in one city but permitted grading in another.

Water-Efficient Landscaping Rules

• Turf limits, plant palettes, and documentation can vary slightly by city
  
• Most cities enforce California’s WELO standards

Landscape design in San Diego isn’t one-size-fits-all. Earth View Landscape designs projects around your specific city’s requirements, helping avoid delays, redesigns, and surprises.

What Happens If You Skip Permits?

Homeowners who skip permits risk:

• Stop-work orders
• Fines
• Forced removal of improvements
• Problems when selling the home
• Delays and extra costs
  
  

Getting it right from the beginning is always cheaper.

How Earth View Landscape Makes It Easy

We handle:

• Code-compliant design
• Permit guidance
• Documentation support
• Construction that meets inspection standards
  
  

Our team builds landscapes that look great and meet San Diego regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions