Native Plants: Citrus Heights vs Fair Oaks
How do native plants rules compare between Citrus Heights, CA and Fair Oaks, CA?
Citrus Heights and Fair Oaks have similar restriction levels.
Citrus Heights, CA
Sacramento County
Citrus Heights encourages native and low-water landscaping, with MWELO governing new projects over 500 square feet of landscape area.
View full Citrus Heights rules →Fair Oaks, CA
Sacramento County
Sacramento County encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping through MWELO and regional water-wise programs. New development over 500 sq ft must meet Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance water budget rules.
View full Fair Oaks rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Citrus Heights | Fair Oaks |
|---|---|---|
| MWELO Trigger | Over 500 sq ft | - |
| State Regulation | CCR Title 23 Section 492 | - |
| Water Budget | Required | - |
| Rebates | Cash for Grass | - |
| Examples | Salvia manzanita ceanothus | - |
| MWELO Threshold | - | 500 sq ft new install |
| ET Factor | - | 0.55 residential |
| Natives | - | Valley oak, redbud, poppy |
| Rebate | - | Lawn conversion funds |
| Irrigation | - | Drip/high-efficiency required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Citrus Heights FAQ
Is there a turf removal rebate?
Yes. Regional Water Authority offers Cash for Grass rebates for qualifying lawn conversions to low water plantings.
Do I have to use natives?
No, but MWELO limits high water turf and requires climate appropriate plants on qualifying projects.
Fair Oaks FAQ
Do I have to rip out my lawn?
No. MWELO applies only to new or major rehabilitated landscapes, not existing ones.
Can I still have a small lawn?
Yes, but new lawns are limited by MWELO water budget and hydrozone rules.
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