Native Plants: Rialto vs San Bernardino
How do native plants rules compare between Rialto, CA and San Bernardino, CA?
Rialto and San Bernardino have similar restriction levels.
Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
California Government Code §53087.7 and Civil Code §1940.10 protect a homeowner's right to install drought-tolerant and California-native landscaping; no city or HOA may prohibit it. Rialto encourages native plants and MWELO compliance for new and rehabilitated landscapes ≥500 sq ft.
View full Rialto 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 | Rialto | San Bernardino |
|---|---|---|
| Native Plants Protected | Gov. Code §53087.7 | - |
| HOA Bans Void | Civ. Code §4735 | - |
| MWELO Threshold | ≥500 sq ft (rehab) | - |
| Local Plants | Inland Empire CSS, oaks, sages | - |
| 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.
Rialto FAQ
Can my HOA require me to keep a green lawn in Rialto?
No. Civil Code §4735 voids any HOA rule that prohibits low-water plants or that fines members for brown lawns during a state-declared drought. The HOA can still require neat, well-maintained landscaping - just not turf specifically.
Will Rialto give me a rebate for replacing my lawn with natives?
Rialto residents are served by SoCalWater$mart and MWDSC turf-replacement rebates (commonly $2 to $5 per sq ft replaced) through metropolitan and West Valley Water District programs. Check rialtowater.com for current offers.
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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