Native Plants: Lincoln vs Rocklin
How do native plants rules compare between Lincoln, CA and Rocklin, CA?
Lincoln has fewer restrictions than Rocklin.
Lincoln, CA
Placer County
Lincoln residents have a state-law right to install drought-tolerant and California native landscapes; HOAs and the city cannot prohibit them under Civil Code 4735, and any new landscape over 500 sq ft must meet the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO).
View full Lincoln rules →Rocklin, CA
Placer County
Rocklin requires all new-construction residential landscape plans to comply with the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), in effect since December 1, 2015. The City publishes Residential Landscape Templates that guide homeowners toward water-efficient and drought-tolerant plant choices, including native species. Civil Code 4735 preempts HOA bans on drought-tolerant landscaping during a declared drought.
View full Rocklin rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lincoln | Rocklin |
|---|---|---|
| HOA cannot ban natives | Cal. Civ. Code 4735 | - |
| MWELO threshold (permit) | 500 sq ft | - |
| MWELO threshold (no permit) | 2,500 sq ft | - |
| Turf cap | Per MWELO water budget | - |
| Rebates available | Yes via PCWA | - |
| MWELO effective | - | December 1, 2015 (CCR Title 23) |
| Applies to | - | New construction & major rehab landscape plans |
| Permit hold trigger | - | Non-compliant residential landscape plan |
| HOA preemption | - | Civil Code 4735 protects drought-tolerant choices |
| Templates | - | City publishes 11x17 residential landscape templates |
| Whitney Ranch | - | Follows separate Design Guidelines Manual |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lincoln FAQ
Can my HOA force me to keep a grass lawn?
No. California Civil Code 4735 voids any HOA rule that prevents converting to drought-tolerant or native landscaping during a declared drought emergency.
Do I need approval to replace lawn with natives?
Aesthetic HOA design review may still apply, but the HOA cannot deny low water-use landscaping outright. Permitted landscape projects over 500 sq ft must meet MWELO.
Are there approved plant lists?
PCWA and the UC Master Gardeners of Placer County publish climate-appropriate plant guides aligned with MWELO.
Rocklin FAQ
Does Rocklin require native plants?
Rocklin does not mandate native species, but new-construction landscape plans must meet MWELO water-efficiency standards, and the City's templates recommend native and drought-tolerant species to hit the water budget. Native oaks are separately protected under RMC Ch 17.77.
Can my HOA force me to keep a thirsty lawn?
No. California Civil Code 4735 voids HOA covenants that prohibit low-water-using or drought-tolerant landscaping during a state, regional, or local water emergency. PCWA's Stage 2 status applies.
Do I need a landscape plan for a small front-yard project?
MWELO triggers (currently 500+ sq ft for residential when associated with a building permit) require submission of a landscape plan and water-use calculation through the Planning Division. Check current thresholds at rocklin.ca.us/water-landscape-guidelines.
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