Native Plants: Anaheim vs Fullerton
How do native plants rules compare between Anaheim, CA and Fullerton, CA?
Anaheim and Fullerton have similar restriction levels.
Anaheim, CA
Orange County
Anaheim encourages native and water-efficient plants through its Landscape Water Efficiency Ordinance (AMC 10.19). New landscaping projects must meet water budget calculations using drought-tolerant species where feasible.
View full Anaheim rules →Fullerton, CA
Orange County
Fullerton encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping through the city's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO), turf removal rebate programs, and California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. New development and major landscape renovations exceeding 500 square feet must comply with WELO requirements that favor low-water-use plant palettes. Residential turf replacement with native or drought-tolerant plants is eligible for rebates.
View full Fullerton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Anaheim | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| ETAF Residential | 0.55 | - |
| ETAF Non-Res | 0.45 | - |
| Native Plants | Encouraged | - |
| Code | AMC Ch. 10.19 | - |
| WELO Threshold | - | 500+ sq ft of new/renovated landscape |
| Low-Water Requirement | - | 75% of non-turf area must be low-water species |
| Turf Rebates | - | Typically $2-$3/sq ft through MWDOC |
| Plant Database | - | WUCOLS (UC Davis) classifies water use |
| Water Division | - | (714) 738-6844 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Anaheim FAQ
Does Anaheim require native plants?
Not strictly required, but strongly encouraged through water efficiency standards. New landscaping must meet MAWA calculations favoring low-water-use species.
What is the water budget requirement?
New landscapes use an ETAF of 0.55 (residential) or 0.45 (non-residential) under AMC 10.19. Lower water-use plants help meet this budget.
Fullerton FAQ
Do I have to replace my lawn with native plants in Fullerton?
No. Existing homeowners are not required to replace traditional lawns. However, turf removal rebates of $2-$3 per square foot are available through the Municipal Water District of Orange County, making conversion financially attractive. New construction must comply with the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
What native plants grow well in Fullerton?
Fullerton's Mediterranean climate supports many California natives including California buckwheat, Cleveland sage, white sage, deer grass, California poppy, toyon, and coast live oak. The WUCOLS database at UC Davis classifies plant water needs by climate zone.
Does new landscaping in Fullerton have to use drought-tolerant plants?
For new construction or landscape renovations over 500 square feet, yes. California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance requires that at least 75% of non-turf planted area use low-water or very-low-water-use species. Contact Community Development at (714) 738-6884 for landscape plan review requirements.
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