Native Plants: El Monte vs South Gate
How do native plants rules compare between El Monte, CA and South Gate, CA?
El Monte and South Gate have similar restriction levels.
El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
El Monte's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (Title 17, Chapter 17.74 — adopted 2016 to comply with the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance, 23 CCR §490) actively encourages the use of California-native and drought-tolerant plants. There is no restriction on planting natives in residential yards.
View full El Monte rules →South Gate, CA
Los Angeles County
South Gate does not restrict native or drought-tolerant landscaping; state law affirmatively protects it. California Civil Code § 4735 prohibits HOAs from banning low-water plants, and Government Code § 53087.7 plus AB 1572 (2023) further restrict watering of decorative turf at public/commercial sites. South Gate must comply with MWELO (CCR Title 23 § 490 et seq.) for new and rehabilitated landscapes meeting the threshold.
View full South Gate rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Monte | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| Code chapter | EMMC Title 17, Chapter 17.74 (MWELO compliance) | - |
| State framework | 23 CCR §490 (Model WELO) | - |
| ETAF (residential) | 0.55 max | - |
| HOA protection | Cal. Civil Code §4735 (HOAs cannot ban low-water plants) | Cal. Civ. Code § 4735 (drought-tolerant plants) |
| State standard | - | MWELO — Cal. Code Regs. tit. 23 § 490 et seq. |
| Threshold (full doc) | - | ≥ 2,500 sq ft new/rehabbed landscape |
| Local enforcement | - | South Gate Building Division (Ch. 9.02) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Monte FAQ
Can I rip out my front lawn and plant a native garden?
Yes. El Monte's WELO actively encourages drought-tolerant and native landscapes, and SoCal WaterSmart turf-replacement rebates are available through the Metropolitan Water District.
Does my HOA have to allow native plants?
Yes. California Civil Code §4735 prohibits HOAs from enforcing landscape rules that ban low-water-use plants or require irrigated turf during a declared drought emergency.
South Gate FAQ
Can my HOA force me to keep a lawn?
No. Civil Code § 4735 prohibits HOAs from banning low-water-using plants or requiring lawn during a state-declared drought emergency.
Does MWELO apply to my front-yard redo?
If the project requires a permit and the landscaped area is ≥ 500 sq ft (residential), MWELO efficiency standards apply. ≥ 2,500 sq ft requires the full Landscape Documentation Package.
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