Native Plants: Chino vs Hesperia
How do native plants rules compare between Chino, CA and Hesperia, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Hesperia.
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 →Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia Municipal Code §16.24.110 requires preservation of native desert plants per San Bernardino County Code §88.01.060, including Joshua trees, Mojave yucca, desert willow, and creosote. California Civil Code §4735 prohibits HOAs from forbidding low-water native landscaping, and Cal. Government Code §65595 supports xeriscape. The Mojave Water Agency offers turf-replacement rebates for converting to native/drought-tolerant landscapes.
View full Hesperia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Hesperia |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Local Code | - | HMC §16.24.110 → SBCC §88.01.060 |
| HOA Protection | - | Cal. Civ. Code §4735 |
| Tenant Protection | - | Cal. Civ. Code §1940.10 |
| MWELO Native Requirement | - | ≥75% low-water plants |
| Rebate Program | - | Mojave Water Agency Cash for Grass |
| Protected Species | - | Joshua tree, yucca, desert willow, creosote |
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.
Hesperia FAQ
Can my HOA in Hesperia force me to remove my drought-tolerant landscaping?
No. California Civil Code §4735 voids any HOA rule that prohibits low-water-using plants as a group. HOAs may impose reasonable design guidelines but cannot ban native or drought-tolerant landscaping.
Are there rebates for replacing my lawn with native plants in Hesperia?
Yes. The Mojave Water Agency administers turf-replacement rebates (commonly $1–$2 per sq ft) for converting traditional lawn to drought-tolerant/native landscaping in High Desert communities including Hesperia.
Compare other topics
See how Chino and Hesperia 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