Native Plants: Rialto vs Victorville
How do native plants rules compare between Rialto, CA and Victorville, CA?
Rialto has fewer restrictions than Victorville.
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 →Victorville, CA
San Bernardino County
Victorville enforces the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). New landscapes over 500 sq ft must meet water budgets favoring Mojave natives. Joshua trees and native yuccas are protected under AB 122.
View full Victorville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Rialto | Victorville |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| State rule | - | MWELO 23 CCR 490 et seq. |
| Residential threshold | - | Over 500 sq ft triggers review |
| Joshua tree | - | Protected under AB 122 |
| AB 1572 | - | Ends turf at commercial sites 2027 |
| HOA override | - | Civil Code 4735 protects natives |
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.
Victorville FAQ
Does Victorville require me to use native plants?
Native use is not mandated by name, but MWELO water budgets practically favor Mojave Desert natives, and any existing Joshua trees must be preserved or permitted through CDFW before any site change.
Can my HOA block me from replacing lawn with desert plants?
No. California Civil Code 4735 bars HOA rules that prohibit low-water landscaping, though reasonable aesthetic standards on color and quality are allowed.
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