Native Plants: Daly City vs San Mateo
How do native plants rules compare between Daly City, CA and San Mateo, CA?
Daly City and San Mateo have similar restriction levels.
Daly City, CA
San Mateo County
Native and drought-tolerant landscaping is encouraged in Daly City and protected by state preemption. Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 53087.7 prohibits any city, county, or city-county from enforcing an ordinance that bans the installation of drought-tolerant landscaping using living plant material on residential property. Cal. Civil Code Sec. 4735 voids HOA rules prohibiting low-water-using plants. Any new or rehabilitated landscape over 500 sq. ft. (residential developer projects) or 2,500 sq. ft. (homeowner DIY) must comply with the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), 23 CCR Sec. 490 et seq.
View full Daly City rules →San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
San Mateo encourages drought-tolerant and native landscaping consistent with California's MWELO. New landscapes over 500 square feet must comply with water-efficiency calculations. California law prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant plants.
View full San Mateo rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Daly City | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| State preemption | Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 53087.7 | - |
| HOA preemption | Cal. Civ. Code Sec. 4735 | - |
| MWELO threshold (DIY) | 2,500 sq. ft. | - |
| Lawn rebate | $1-$4/sq ft via BAWSCA | - |
| MWELO | - | New landscapes 500+ sq ft |
| State Protection | - | Cannot ban drought-tolerant plants |
| Water Provider | - | Cal Water Service |
| Climate Zone | - | USDA 10a-10b — Mediterranean |
| Tree Protection | - | Ch. 13.40 — Protected Trees |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Daly City FAQ
Can Daly City stop me from planting California natives?
No. Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 53087.7 prohibits local agencies from banning drought-tolerant landscaping using living plant material on residential property.
Can my HOA require a green lawn?
No. Cal. Civ. Code Sec. 4735 voids HOA provisions that prohibit low-water-using plants or that require lawn at the expense of drought-tolerant alternatives.
Are there rebates for replacing lawn with natives?
Yes - BAWSCA's lawn-replacement rebate offers $1-$4 per square foot for qualifying Daly City water customers, plus $300 for rain garden installations.
San Mateo FAQ
Can I replace my lawn with native plants?
Yes. California law protects your right to install drought-tolerant landscaping. Cal Water Service may offer rebates for turf replacement.
What native plants grow well in San Mateo?
San Mateo's Mediterranean climate supports coast live oak, toyon, manzanita, California fuchsia, ceanothus, and native bunch grasses.
Does MWELO apply to my project?
MWELO applies to new or renovated landscapes over 500 square feet. Smaller projects and existing landscapes are exempt.
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