Native Plants: Chino vs Rialto
How do native plants rules compare between Chino, CA and Rialto, CA?
Chino and Rialto 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 →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
California Government Code §53087.7 and Civil Code §1940.10 protect a homeowner's right to install drought-tolerant and California-native landscaping; no city or HOA may prohibit it. Rialto encourages native plants and MWELO compliance for new and rehabilitated landscapes ≥500 sq ft.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Native Plants Protected | - | Gov. Code §53087.7 |
| HOA Bans Void | - | Civ. Code §4735 |
| MWELO Threshold | - | ≥500 sq ft (rehab) |
| Local Plants | - | Inland Empire CSS, oaks, sages |
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.
Rialto FAQ
Can my HOA require me to keep a green lawn in Rialto?
No. Civil Code §4735 voids any HOA rule that prohibits low-water plants or that fines members for brown lawns during a state-declared drought. The HOA can still require neat, well-maintained landscaping - just not turf specifically.
Will Rialto give me a rebate for replacing my lawn with natives?
Rialto residents are served by SoCalWater$mart and MWDSC turf-replacement rebates (commonly $2 to $5 per sq ft replaced) through metropolitan and West Valley Water District programs. Check rialtowater.com for current offers.
Compare other topics
See how Chino and Rialto 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