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🌿 Landscaping Rules/Native Plants

Native Plants: Long Beach vs Santa Monica

How do native plants rules compare between Long Beach, CA and Santa Monica, CA?

Long Beach has fewer restrictions than Santa Monica.

Long Beach, CA

Los Angeles County

Few Restrictions

Long Beach encourages native and drought-tolerant plants. The Lawn-to-Garden program pays $3/sq ft (up to 5,000 sq ft) for lawn removal, requiring 65% plant coverage with 10% California native plants. CA law prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant landscaping.

View full Long Beach rules β†’

Santa Monica, CA

Los Angeles County

Some Restrictions

Santa Monica encourages drought-tolerant and native plantings. The city's landscaping standards under SMMC Ch. 9.26 promote water-efficient landscapes. CA Gov Code Β§65595 prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant landscaping.

View full Santa Monica rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactLong BeachSanta Monica
L2G Incentive$3.00/sq ft up to 5,000 sq ft-
Native Minimum10% of L2G project area-
Plant Coverage65% of converted area-
State LawCA Gov Code Β§65595CA Gov Code Β§65595
Encouraged-Drought-tolerant and native plants
Code-SMMC Ch. 9.26
Rebates-Landscape rebates available

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Long Beach FAQ

Can my HOA force me to keep a grass lawn?

Many states prohibit HOAs from banning xeriscaping or native plant gardens. Check your state laws and Long Beach ordinances.

Are there rebates for replacing my lawn?

Long Beach or your water utility may offer rebates for lawn replacement with drought-tolerant landscaping. Contact your local water provider.

Santa Monica FAQ

Can my HOA force me to keep a grass lawn?

Many states prohibit HOAs from banning xeriscaping or native plant gardens. Check your state laws and Santa Monica ordinances.

Are there rebates for replacing my lawn?

Santa Monica or your water utility may offer rebates for lawn replacement with drought-tolerant landscaping. Contact your local water provider.

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