Glendale Grass Height Limits Rules (2026): What You Need to Know

Glendale Municipal Code Chapter 30.31 requires that in the ROS, R1R, and R1 zones, all street setback areas be landscaped with plant materials or a combination of plant materials and permeable surfaces and permanently maintained in a neat and orderly manner. Plant materials must compose a majority (more than 50%) of the street setback areas, exclusive of permitted driveways. Non-living materials such as wood chips, bark, decorative rock, or stone may be used as ground cover, but all non-planted areas must be covered (top dressed) with materials such as wood chips or approved alternatives.

Chapter 12.48 governs parkway landscaping. All landscaping in parkways must be permanently maintained in a clean, orderly, and healthy manner at all times pursuant to Chapter 8.32. No permit is required to replace a grass parkway with drought-tolerant plantings and non-living materials like pavers, decomposed granite, or gravel, provided that living plant material covers at least 30% of the parkway area. However, a permit from the Director of Public Works is required to install any material in the parkway greater than 12 inches in height. Materials over 18 inches are prohibited entirely.

Vegetation, shrubs, trees, and bushes on property or easements must be trimmed so that no part or branch extends above any part of the paved portion of any street or sidewalk to a height of less than 9 feet. Every owner or tenant must keep vegetation trimmed so it does not interfere with safe vehicle operation on streets. Drought-tolerant, California-friendly plantings are encouraged throughout the city to conserve water.