Native Plants: Chino vs San Bernardino
How do native plants rules compare between Chino, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Chino and San Bernardino 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 →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino encourages native and climate-appropriate landscaping under MWELO and local rebates. HOAs cannot prohibit low-water plantings under California Civil Code 4735.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chino | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| MWELO rule | - | State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance applies at permit |
| HOA protection | - | Civil Code 4735 bars HOA bans on drought-tolerant plants |
| Turf rebate | - | SBMWD and MWD offer per sq ft rebates to replace turf |
| Native palette | - | Manzanita, toyon, ceanothus, sage fit inland climate |
| Fire zones | - | Use fire-resistant spacing near structures in VHFHSZ |
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.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can my HOA force me to keep a lawn?
No. California Civil Code 4735 bars HOAs from prohibiting or penalizing drought-tolerant or native landscaping that is properly maintained.
Are there rebates for replacing my lawn?
Yes. San Bernardino Municipal Water Department and Metropolitan Water District periodically offer turf replacement rebates per square foot for approved conversions.
Does MWELO apply to my home landscape?
Yes for new homes and for substantial renovations involving over 500 sq ft of irrigated landscape area that go through city plan check.
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