Native Plants: Altadena vs Carson
How do native plants rules compare between Altadena, CA and Carson, CA?
Altadena and Carson have similar restriction levels.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Native and drought-tolerant landscaping is encouraged in unincorporated LA County per MWELO and state water conservation mandates. CA Gov Code 65595 prohibits banning native plant gardens. Coastal areas specifically require native species for erosion control landscaping.
View full Altadena rules →Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Carson has no ordinance mandating native plant species, but the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO, CCR Title 23 §§490–495) effectively favors low water-use (often California-native or Mediterranean) species for new and rehabilitated landscapes ≥500 sq ft by capping the Maximum Applied Water Allowance via plant factors from the WUCOLS database.
View full Carson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Carson |
|---|---|---|
| Encouraged | MWELO and AB 1881 | - |
| Local Bans | Prohibited by state law | - |
| Coastal Areas | Native species required | - |
| Water District | May offer rebates | - |
| State standard | - | MWELO — CCR Title 23 §§490–495 (≥500 sq ft) |
| Plant factor source | - | WUCOLS IV database |
| Turf restriction | - | AB 1572 (Gov Code §53087.7) — non-functional turf irrigation ban (CII, 2027) |
| HOA protection | - | Civil Code §4735 — HOAs cannot ban drought-tolerant landscaping |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Does LA County require native plants?
No. The county doesn't mandate native plants but encourages them through MWELO's reduced irrigation requirements. Native and drought-tolerant plants require less water, making it easier to meet water efficiency standards.
What is MWELO?
The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance requires new landscaping projects over 500 sq ft to meet maximum applied water allowance standards. It applies to new construction, rehabilitated landscapes, and large new plantings.
Where can I get help with native plant landscaping?
Contact your local water district for free native plant guides and rebates. The Theodore Payne Foundation and the California Native Plant Society have LA-area chapters with resources. Many nurseries specializing in California natives operate in LA County.
Carson FAQ
Does Carson require native plants?
No — there is no native plant mandate. However, MWELO's water budget effectively favors low water-use species, many of which are California natives.
Can my HOA make me remove drought-tolerant plants?
No — California Civil Code §4735 prohibits HOAs from banning or requiring removal of drought-tolerant or low-water-use landscaping.
Compare other topics
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