Native Plants: Chino vs Fontana
How do native plants rules compare between Chino, CA and Fontana, CA?
Chino and Fontana have similar restriction levels.
Chino, CA
San Bernardino County
California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) under CCR Title 23 sections 490-495 applies in Chino because Chino is required to either adopt a local water-efficient landscape ordinance 'at least as effective as' MWELO or default to the state model under Cal. Gov. Code section 65595. New residential landscapes over 500 square feet and non-residential landscapes over 2,500 square feet must comply. California-native and low-water plants are encouraged, and Civil Code section 4735 forbids HOAs from banning low-water plantings or drought-tolerant replacements of turf.
View full Chino rules →Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
California Civil Code 4735 blocks HOAs and Fontana from banning drought-tolerant plants. Residents can convert lawns to natives without a permit; larger commercial projects meet MWELO.
View full Fontana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Fontana |
|---|---|---|
| State authority | Cal. Gov. Code section 65595 / CCR Title 23 sections 490-495 (MWELO) | - |
| Residential trigger | Landscape >= 500 sq ft (new with permit) | - |
| Non-residential trigger | Landscape >= 2,500 sq ft (new or rehabilitated) | - |
| HOA override | Cal. Civil Code section 4735 (HOAs cannot ban low-water plants) | - |
| Local plan check | Chino Municipal Code Title 20 (Zoning) | - |
| HOA protection | - | Civil Code 4735 voids HOA bans on drought-tolerant plants |
| City protection | - | Gov Code 53087.7 blocks bans on water-efficient yards |
| MWELO threshold | - | Applies to permitted residential landscapes over 2,500 sq ft |
| Smart irrigation | - | Required controller and hydrozoning on MWELO projects |
| Rebates | - | SoCal WaterSmart turf replacement rebates available |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chino FAQ
Can my HOA in Chino force me to keep a green lawn?
No. Civil Code section 4735 voids any HOA rule that prohibits low-water plants or drought-tolerant replacements for turf. During declared drought emergencies, HOAs also cannot fine owners for reducing irrigation.
Do I need to submit landscape plans for a new home in Chino?
If the landscape area is 500 sq ft or more (residential new construction with a permit), yes — MWELO documentation is required, including plant lists, irrigation design, and a water-budget calculation.
Fontana FAQ
Can I replace my Fontana lawn with California natives?
Yes. State law encourages conversions and protects you from HOA or city rules that would ban water-efficient plantings.
Do I need a permit to convert my front lawn?
No city permit is needed for a typical residential conversion without grading. Large or permitted projects trigger MWELO compliance.
Are there rebates for lawn removal in Fontana?
Yes. SoCal WaterSmart offers per-square-foot rebates for turf conversion - apply before starting work to be eligible.
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