Native Plants: Fullerton vs Midway City
How do native plants rules compare between Fullerton, CA and Midway City, CA?
Fullerton has fewer restrictions than Midway City.
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 →Midway City, CA
Orange County
AB-1572 prohibits using potable water to irrigate non-functional turf at commercial, institutional, and HOA-common areas, accelerating native and low-water landscape conversions statewide.
View full Midway City rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fullerton | Midway City |
|---|---|---|
| WELO Threshold | 500+ sq ft of new/renovated landscape | - |
| Low-Water Requirement | 75% of non-turf area must be low-water species | - |
| Turf Rebates | Typically $2-$3/sq ft through MWDOC | - |
| Plant Database | WUCOLS (UC Davis) classifies water use | - |
| Water Division | (714) 738-6844 | - |
| Statute | - | AB-1572 Water Code 10608.14 |
| Full effect | - | By 2031 |
| HOA protection | - | Civil Code 4735 |
| Landscape standard | - | MWELO Gov Code 65591 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Midway City FAQ
Can my HOA require a green lawn?
No. Civil Code 4735 voids HOA rules that prohibit low-water-using plants or require living turf during declared drought conditions.
Does this ban apply to single-family homes?
No. AB-1572 covers commercial, institutional, industrial, and HOA-common areas. Single-family front and back yards are not subject to the potable-turf ban.
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