Native Plants: Chino vs Ontario
How do native plants rules compare between Chino, CA and Ontario, CA?
Chino has fewer restrictions than Ontario.
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 →Ontario, CA
San Bernardino County
Ontario enforces the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). New residential landscapes over 500 sq ft must meet water-budget, plant, and irrigation rules favoring natives and low-water species.
View full Ontario rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Ontario |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | Civil Code 4735 protects natives |
| Local plan check | Chino Municipal Code Title 20 (Zoning) | - |
| State rule | - | MWELO 23 CCR 490 et seq. |
| Residential threshold | - | Over 500 sq ft triggers review |
| Commercial threshold | - | Over 2,500 sq ft triggers review |
| AB 1572 | - | Ends turf at commercial sites 2027 |
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.
Ontario FAQ
Does Ontario require me to use native plants?
The city does not mandate natives specifically, but MWELO water budgets practically favor natives, Mediterranean, and other low-water species in new landscape plans.
Can my HOA block me from replacing lawn with drought-tolerant plants?
No. California Civil Code 4735 bars HOA rules that prohibit low-water landscaping, though design review for appearance is allowed.
Compare other topics
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