Native Plants: Mountain View vs San Jose
How do native plants rules compare between Mountain View, CA and San Jose, CA?
Mountain View and San Jose have similar restriction levels.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Mountain View encourages California native and low-water plants through its Bay-Friendly landscaping policies and water-efficient landscape ordinance for new projects.
View full Mountain View rules →San Jose, CA
Santa Clara County
Santa Clara County encourages California native plants with Valley Water rebates for turf conversions. MWELO requires 75 percent low-water plants in new landscapes, and heritage native oaks are protected countywide.
View full San Jose rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Policy | MWELO and Bay-Friendly | - |
| Applies to | New landscapes over 500 sq ft | - |
| Turf cap | About 25 percent | - |
| Natives | Encouraged | - |
| Invasives | Discouraged | - |
| MWELO threshold | - | 500 sq ft landscapes |
| Plant requirement | - | 75 percent low water |
| Rebate program | - | Valley Water per sq ft |
| Heritage oaks | - | Protected county-wide |
| HOA protection | - | Civil Code 4735 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
Do I have to follow MWELO for my yard redesign?
MWELO applies to new or renovated residential landscapes over 500 square feet that require a permit; smaller do-it-yourself yards generally do not.
Where can I see recommended natives?
The Santa Clara Valley Water District Landscape Rebate Program and the California Native Plant Society list recommended species for Mountain View conditions.
San Jose FAQ
Do I need to water native plants in summer?
Established natives need little to no summer water. Newly planted natives need occasional deep watering for the first 1-2 summers. Avoid summer irrigation under established oak driplines to prevent fatal root fungus.
Where can I get advice on native plant selection?
The California Native Plant Society Santa Clara Valley Chapter, UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County, and Valley Water partner nurseries offer plant lists, garden tours, and landscape design resources.
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