Native Plants: Hesperia vs San Bernardino
How do native plants rules compare between Hesperia, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
San Bernardino has fewer restrictions than Hesperia.
Hesperia, CA
San Bernardino County
Hesperia Municipal Code §16.24.110 requires preservation of native desert plants per San Bernardino County Code §88.01.060, including Joshua trees, Mojave yucca, desert willow, and creosote. California Civil Code §4735 prohibits HOAs from forbidding low-water native landscaping, and Cal. Government Code §65595 supports xeriscape. The Mojave Water Agency offers turf-replacement rebates for converting to native/drought-tolerant landscapes.
View full Hesperia rules →San Bernardino, CA
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino encourages native and climate-appropriate landscaping under MWELO and local rebates. HOAs cannot prohibit low-water plantings under California Civil Code 4735.
View full San Bernardino rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Hesperia | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Local Code | HMC §16.24.110 → SBCC §88.01.060 | - |
| HOA Protection | Cal. Civ. Code §4735 | - |
| Tenant Protection | Cal. Civ. Code §1940.10 | - |
| MWELO Native Requirement | ≥75% low-water plants | - |
| Rebate Program | Mojave Water Agency Cash for Grass | - |
| Protected Species | Joshua tree, yucca, desert willow, creosote | - |
| MWELO rule | - | State Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance applies at permit |
| HOA protection | - | Civil Code 4735 bars HOA bans on drought-tolerant plants |
| Turf rebate | - | SBMWD and MWD offer per sq ft rebates to replace turf |
| Native palette | - | Manzanita, toyon, ceanothus, sage fit inland climate |
| Fire zones | - | Use fire-resistant spacing near structures in VHFHSZ |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Hesperia FAQ
Can my HOA in Hesperia force me to remove my drought-tolerant landscaping?
No. California Civil Code §4735 voids any HOA rule that prohibits low-water-using plants as a group. HOAs may impose reasonable design guidelines but cannot ban native or drought-tolerant landscaping.
Are there rebates for replacing my lawn with native plants in Hesperia?
Yes. The Mojave Water Agency administers turf-replacement rebates (commonly $1–$2 per sq ft) for converting traditional lawn to drought-tolerant/native landscaping in High Desert communities including Hesperia.
San Bernardino FAQ
Can my HOA force me to keep a lawn?
No. California Civil Code 4735 bars HOAs from prohibiting or penalizing drought-tolerant or native landscaping that is properly maintained.
Are there rebates for replacing my lawn?
Yes. San Bernardino Municipal Water Department and Metropolitan Water District periodically offer turf replacement rebates per square foot for approved conversions.
Does MWELO apply to my home landscape?
Yes for new homes and for substantial renovations involving over 500 sq ft of irrigated landscape area that go through city plan check.
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