Native Plants: Bakersfield vs Delano
How do native plants rules compare between Bakersfield, CA and Delano, CA?
Bakersfield has fewer restrictions than Delano.
Bakersfield, CA
Kern County
Bakersfield encourages drought-tolerant and native landscaping for the San Joaquin Valley climate. California Civil Code §4735 bars HOAs from prohibiting drought-tolerant or native plants, and Civil Code §4735(f) requires HOAs to allow dead lawns during declared droughts. The Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) applies to new and rehabilitated landscapes.
View full Bakersfield rules →Delano, CA
Kern County
AB-1572 prohibits using potable water to irrigate non-functional turf at commercial, institutional, and HOA-common areas, accelerating native and low-water landscape conversions statewide.
View full Delano rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bakersfield | Delano |
|---|---|---|
| HOA Preemption | Civil Code §4735 | - |
| Dead Lawn Protection | Civ. Code §4735(f) during drought | - |
| MWELO Threshold | 500 sq ft residential / 2,500 sq ft CII | - |
| Plant Database | WUCOLS IV plant factors | - |
| Rebates | Cal Water turf replacement ~$2/sq ft | - |
| Statute | - | AB-1572 Water Code 10608.14 |
| Full effect | - | By 2031 |
| HOA protection | - | Civil Code 4735 |
| Landscape standard | - | MWELO Gov Code 65591 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bakersfield FAQ
Can my HOA force me to keep a green lawn in Bakersfield?
No. California Civil Code §4735 prohibits HOAs from requiring irrigation that violates state conservation rules and from banning low-water or native plants. During declared droughts, §4735(f) also bars HOAs from fining owners for letting lawns go dormant.
Do I need a permit to convert my lawn to native plants?
Not for most residential conversions under 500 sq ft. Larger projects and all new development must submit MWELO-compliant landscape plans to the Bakersfield Planning Division. Apply for Cal Water rebates before starting work.
Delano FAQ
Can my HOA require a green lawn?
No. Civil Code 4735 voids HOA rules that prohibit low-water-using plants or require living turf during declared drought conditions.
Does this ban apply to single-family homes?
No. AB-1572 covers commercial, institutional, industrial, and HOA-common areas. Single-family front and back yards are not subject to the potable-turf ban.
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