Native Plants: Costa Mesa vs Fullerton
How do native plants rules compare between Costa Mesa, CA and Fullerton, CA?
Costa Mesa and Fullerton have similar restriction levels.
Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
Costa Mesa encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping through compliance with California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). Rebates for turf replacement are available through Mesa Water District and Metropolitan Water District programs.
View full Costa Mesa rules →Fullerton, CA
Orange County
Fullerton encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping through the city's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (WELO), turf removal rebate programs, and California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. New development and major landscape renovations exceeding 500 square feet must comply with WELO requirements that favor low-water-use plant palettes. Residential turf replacement with native or drought-tolerant plants is eligible for rebates.
View full Fullerton rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Costa Mesa | Fullerton |
|---|---|---|
| State Requirement | MWELO for projects 500+ sq ft | - |
| Turf Rebates | Mesa Water District programs | Typically $2-$3/sq ft through MWDOC |
| HOA Restrictions | Limited by Civil Code §4735 | - |
| Climate Zone | Mediterranean — native species ideal | - |
| Plan Review | Development Services (714) 754-5245 | - |
| WELO Threshold | - | 500+ sq ft of new/renovated landscape |
| Low-Water Requirement | - | 75% of non-turf area must be low-water species |
| Plant Database | - | WUCOLS (UC Davis) classifies water use |
| Water Division | - | (714) 738-6844 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Costa Mesa FAQ
Can I replace my lawn with native plants in Costa Mesa?
Yes, and it is encouraged. Turf removal rebates are available through Mesa Water District and Metropolitan Water District programs.
Can my HOA block drought-tolerant landscaping in Costa Mesa?
No. California Civil Code Section 4735 prevents HOAs from unreasonably restricting water-efficient and drought-tolerant landscaping.
What native plants work well in Costa Mesa?
California sagebrush, buckwheat, manzanita, toyon, and native grasses are well-adapted to Costa Mesa's Mediterranean climate and low water requirements.
Fullerton FAQ
Do I have to replace my lawn with native plants in Fullerton?
No. Existing homeowners are not required to replace traditional lawns. However, turf removal rebates of $2-$3 per square foot are available through the Municipal Water District of Orange County, making conversion financially attractive. New construction must comply with the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance.
What native plants grow well in Fullerton?
Fullerton's Mediterranean climate supports many California natives including California buckwheat, Cleveland sage, white sage, deer grass, California poppy, toyon, and coast live oak. The WUCOLS database at UC Davis classifies plant water needs by climate zone.
Does new landscaping in Fullerton have to use drought-tolerant plants?
For new construction or landscape renovations over 500 square feet, yes. California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance requires that at least 75% of non-turf planted area use low-water or very-low-water-use species. Contact Community Development at (714) 738-6884 for landscape plan review requirements.
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