FILE · LANDSCAPING x DAVIS x CALIFORNIAPermit StackSpecs LedgerCostTimelineChecklistViolationsFAQ
LANDSCAPING x DAVIS x CALIFORNIA

Landscaping contractors in Davis, California.

Landscaping contractors operating in Davis, California, must navigate both state-level licensing requirements and local municipal ordinances. The C-27 license issued by the CSLB is the primary credential for projects exceeding $500. Contractors must ensure they are in good standing with the state and carry the required bonding and insurance to protect both the business and the property owner.

Locally, the City of Davis emphasizes water conservation and tree preservation. Compliance with the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) is a critical step for larger projects. Contractors should consult the City of Davis Building Division before breaking ground on any project involving hardscaping, grading, or significant tree work to ensure all necessary permits are secured and local environmental standards are met.

State License
STATE C-27CSLB
Permit Issuer
City of DavisBuilding Division
Avg. Plan Review
2-4 WeeksVaries by scope
Typical Start-Up
RANGE $800-$1,500Fees & Bonds
FILE · LANDSCAPING x DAVIS x CALIFORNIA
Compliance Dossier
Public
File
05 / 2026
State AuthorityContractors State License Board
CountyYolo County
City AuthorityCity of Davis Building Division
Statute / CodeCalifornia Business & Professions Code
Federal Cert.N/A
ReciprocityVerify with CSLB
FILE LANDSCAPINGLOCATION DAVIS, CALIFORNIATYPE COMPLIANCE GUIDE
VERIFIED 05 / 2026STATUS PUBLIC REFERENCE
What's specific to DavisWhat this leaf carries beyond the California state file.
Tree Preservation Focus
Davis has stringent tree protection ordinances that require specific permits for work near protected species.
MWELO Compliance
Strict adherence to state water efficiency standards is mandatory for all new landscape installations.
University Proximity
Work near UC Davis may involve additional campus-specific regulations or coordination with university facilities.
§ 01 · Permit Stack

Three layers govern Landscaping work in Davis.

Always check for specific neighborhood CC&Rs in addition to municipal codes.

State — Floor
CSLB
C-27 LicenseContractor Bond
County — Overlay
Yolo County
Environmental HealthStormwater runoff
City — Where you file
City of Davis
Business LicenseGrading Permits

Read it bottom-up.

Always check for specific neighborhood CC&Rs in addition to municipal codes.

This file exists to show what changes when the trade is Landscaping and the jurisdiction is Davis, California.

Source · State, county, and city issuing authoritiesLast verified · 05 / 2026
§ 02 · Specs Ledger

Every requirement, with a number on it.

Each row names the issuing authority, cost, timeline, citation, and status behind the requirement.

RequirementIssued byCostTimeCitationStatus
C-27 LandscapingRequired for jobs >$500
CSLB
Verify with CSLB
Verify with CSLB
B&P Code 7048
REQUIRED
Contractor BondMinimum $25,000
Surety Provider
Verify with provider
Immediate
CSLB
REQUIRED
Workers' CompRequired if employees
State Fund/Private
Verify with carrier
Immediate
Labor Code 3700
REQUIRED
Grading PermitFor major earthwork
City of Davis
Verify with City
2-4 weeks
Davis Muni Code
REQUIRED
Business LicenseCity operating permit
City of Davis
Verify with City
1-2 weeks
Davis Muni Code
REQUIRED
Tree PermitFor protected trees
City of Davis
Verify with City
Varies
Davis Muni Code
REQUIRED
§ 03 · Year-One Cost

What it costs to start Landscaping in Davis.

A practical floor for Davis, California. Verify each amount with the issuing authority.

Year-one ledger
Davis, California · Landscaping
CSLB License FeeInitial applicationVerify with CSLB
Contractor BondAnnual premiumVerify with provider
City Business LicenseAnnual feeVerify with City
Grading PermitPer projectVerify with City
Workers' CompAnnual premiumVerify with carrier
Plan Review FeeMWELO complianceVerify with City
Year-one floorVaries by project
Excludes tools, vehicle purchase, payroll, and marketing.
Note
Bonding

Bond costs fluctuate based on personal credit and business history.

Note
Permits

Permit fees are typically based on the total valuation of the project.

Note
Insurance

Insurance premiums vary widely based on the number of employees and equipment types.

§ 04 · Path to First Job

From day zero to first inspection.

A practical path for Landscaping contractors in Davis.

1
Day 0
Business Registration
City of Davis
2
Day 14
CSLB License Application
CSLB
3
Day 30
Bond & Insurance Procurement
Private
4
Day 45
Project Design & MWELO Review
City of Davis
5
Day 60
Permit Issuance
City of Davis
6
Day 90
Final Inspection & Closeout
City of Davis
§ 05 · Compliance Checklist

Check them off.

Each item names the issuing authority, cycle, and citation.

01
License Check
Ensure C-27 license is active.
CSLBLegalB&P 7048
ContractorIssuing authority
02
Permit Review
Check if project requires grading or tree permits.
CityPermitDavis Muni Code
ContractorIssuing authority
03
Water Efficiency
Verify landscape design meets MWELO.
WaterComplianceState Law
Designer/ContractorIssuing authority
04
Insurance Verification
Confirm active bond and WC.
InsuranceSafetyLabor Code
ContractorIssuing authority
05
Site Safety
Implement erosion control measures.
SafetyEnvironmentStormwater regs
ContractorIssuing authority
06
Final Inspection
Schedule inspection upon completion.
CityCloseoutBuilding Code
ContractorIssuing authority
§ 06 · Local Enforcement Data

Violations cited most in Davis.

When confirmed local data is unavailable, this section stays marked for verification.

Commonly cited
Verify with agency

Unpermitted Grading

Performing earthwork without a grading permit.

PenaltyStop-work order/Fines
Commonly cited
Verify with agency

Tree Damage

Pruning or removing protected trees without a permit.

PenaltySignificant fines/Restoration
Commonly cited
Verify with agency

Unlicensed Contracting

Operating without a C-27 license for projects over $500.

PenaltyLegal action/CSLB citations
§ 07 · Davis-specific FAQ

Questions Landscaping contractors ask about Davis.

Q01Do I need a license for simple lawn maintenance?+
If the total cost of labor and materials is less than $500, a CSLB license is not required, but you must still hold a local business license.
LicenseExemptionSource · CSLB Business and Professions Code Section 7048
Q02What is the MWELO requirement in Davis?+
The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance requires specific water-use efficiency standards for new landscapes and rehabilitated landscapes over a certain square footage.
WaterEnvironmentSource · City of Davis Municipal Code
Q03Are there specific tree protection ordinances?+
Yes, Davis has strict tree preservation ordinances that may require a permit for pruning or removing protected trees on private property.
TreesPermitSource · Davis Municipal Code Chapter 37
Q04Do I need a permit for a new patio?+
Patios that involve grading, drainage changes, or structural elements like retaining walls usually require a building permit from the City of Davis.
PermitHardscapeSource · City of Davis Building Division
Q05How do I verify a subcontractor's license?+
You can verify any contractor's license status, bond, and insurance information through the CSLB website's 'Check a License' tool.
VerificationCSLBSource · CSLB.ca.gov
Q06Is a business license required for Davis?+
Yes, all businesses operating within the City of Davis must obtain a business license from the Finance Department.
LicenseCitySource · City of Davis Finance Department
§ 08 · Related

Adjacent files.

These are the documents Iris tracks for you.

Store licenses, permits, policies, and renewal dates in one place.