Native Plants: Midway City vs Santa Ana
How do native plants rules compare between Midway City, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Santa Ana has fewer restrictions than Midway City.
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 →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Santa Ana encourages the use of native and drought-tolerant plants for landscaping in compliance with the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). New development and major landscape projects must meet water efficiency standards.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Midway City | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | AB-1572 Water Code 10608.14 | - |
| Full effect | By 2031 | - |
| HOA protection | Civil Code 4735 | - |
| Landscape standard | MWELO Gov Code 65591 | - |
| Native Plants | - | Encouraged, not mandated for existing homes |
| MWELO Threshold | - | Landscapes over 500 sq ft (new/rehab) |
| HOA Restrictions | - | Cannot prohibit drought-tolerant plants |
| State Law | - | Gov. Code §65595; Civ. Code §4735 |
| Permit Required | - | No (for residential replacement) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Santa Ana FAQ
Can I replace my lawn with native plants in Santa Ana?
Yes. No permit is required to replace a residential lawn with native or drought-tolerant plants. HOAs cannot prohibit this change under California Civil Code Section 4735.
Does Santa Ana require drought-tolerant landscaping?
New development and major landscape projects over 500 square feet must comply with MWELO water efficiency standards. Existing residential properties are encouraged but not required to use drought-tolerant plants.
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