January 6, 2020
The Millbrae City Code Enforcement Division would like to remind local homeowners that at least 60% of their front yard must be landscaped.
While 40% (maximum) of a front yard can be dedicated to a driveway, landscaped areas must NOT be covered with concrete, asphalt, or other impermeable materials. This area also includes the strip of landscaped vegetation between the street and the sidewalk. Homeowners must maintain this landscaped vegetation, but NO PAVING is allowed in this area.
There are two reasons why the city regulates the amount and location of paving stones and similar impermeable surfaces:
1) Increase rainwater uptake in the landscape and decrease rainwater runoff, which overloads our storm sewer system.
2) To get an aesthetic, landscaped appearance along the facade of residential properties
Enforcement of this code involves a combination of courtesy messages, violations, administrative quotes, and flags to stop work on packages. In some cases, fines of $ 500 may continue to be imposed until the violation is resolved.
In addition, landscaping plans for the front yard are required before a residential building or building permit is granted. Plans must conform to Millbrae Municipal Code 05/10/0620 prior to approval. If there are currently any violations, the homeowner must bring their front yard into compliance before granting a building permit.
“Landscaped area” means any part of a construction site that is intended and maintained for the cultivation of living vegetative materials such as trees, shrubs, grass (including artificial turf) and ground cover for primarily decorative purposes.
For more information about this and other city codes, contact the Code Enforcement Division for the City of Millbrae at (650) 259-2440.
This press release was produced by the City of Millbrae. The views expressed here are the author’s own.
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