Native Plants: Altadena vs Long Beach
How do native plants rules compare between Altadena, CA and Long Beach, CA?
Altadena and Long Beach 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 →Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Long Beach encourages native and drought-tolerant plants. The Lawn-to-Garden program pays $3/sq ft (up to 5,000 sq ft) for lawn removal, requiring 65% plant coverage with 10% California native plants. CA law prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant landscaping.
View full Long Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Encouraged | MWELO and AB 1881 | - |
| Local Bans | Prohibited by state law | - |
| Coastal Areas | Native species required | - |
| Water District | May offer rebates | - |
| L2G Incentive | - | $3.00/sq ft up to 5,000 sq ft |
| Native Minimum | - | 10% of L2G project area |
| Plant Coverage | - | 65% of converted area |
| State Law | - | CA Gov Code §65595 |
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.
Long Beach FAQ
Can my HOA force me to keep a grass lawn?
Many states prohibit HOAs from banning xeriscaping or native plant gardens. Check your state laws and Long Beach ordinances.
Are there rebates for replacing my lawn?
Long Beach or your water utility may offer rebates for lawn replacement with drought-tolerant landscaping. Contact your local water provider.
Compare other topics
See how Altadena and Long Beach compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool