Native Plants: El Cerrito vs San Ramon
How do native plants rules compare between El Cerrito, CA and San Ramon, CA?
San Ramon has fewer restrictions than El Cerrito.
El Cerrito, CA
Contra Costa County
New and rehabilitated landscapes over 500 sq ft in unincorporated Contra Costa must comply with the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). Rebates for lawn-to-xeriscape conversions are available through EBMUD and CCWD, and HOAs cannot prohibit drought-tolerant landscaping under Civil Code 4735.
View full El Cerrito rules →San Ramon, CA
Contra Costa County
San Ramon encourages drought-tolerant landscaping under California's MWELO (Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance). New and renovated landscapes over 500 sq ft must meet Maximum Applied Water Allowance limits. EBMUD and DSRSD offer lawn replacement rebates. HOAs cannot prohibit water-efficient landscaping per Civil Code Section 4735.
View full San Ramon rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Cerrito | San Ramon |
|---|---|---|
| MWELO threshold | 500 sq ft new/rehab landscape | - |
| Turf cap | Generally 25% of landscape area | - |
| HOA rule | Cannot ban drought-tolerant (Civ Code 4735) | - |
| EBMUD rebate | Up to $2/sq ft turf replacement | - |
| Greywater | Laundry-to-landscape permit-exempt | - |
| - | - |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Cerrito FAQ
Do I need a permit to replace my lawn with drought-tolerant plants?
Typically no permit is required for residential landscape replacement under 500 sq ft, but if you are installing new irrigation or retaining walls, a permit may apply.
Can my HOA require a front lawn?
No. Civil Code 4735 prohibits HOAs from requiring turf or penalizing members for drought-tolerant landscaping.
San Ramon FAQ
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