Native Plants: Rohnert Park vs Sonoma
How do native plants rules compare between Rohnert Park, CA and Sonoma, CA?
Rohnert Park and Sonoma have similar restriction levels.
Rohnert Park, CA
Sonoma 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 Rohnert Park rules →Sonoma, CA
Sonoma County
The City does not mandate native plants by species list, but SMC § 19.40.060 (Landscape standards) and SMC Ch. 14.32 require drought-tolerant plantings in conformance with the city's low-water-use landscaping ordinance, and prohibit turf in commercial landscapes except in active play areas.
View full Sonoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Rohnert Park | Sonoma |
|---|---|---|
| Statute | AB-1572 Water Code 10608.14 | - |
| Full effect | By 2031 | - |
| HOA protection | Civil Code 4735 | - |
| Landscape standard | MWELO Gov Code 65591 | - |
| Native-only mandate | - | No (drought-tolerant required) |
| Commercial turf | - | Prohibited except play areas (§ 19.40.060) |
| Plant database used | - | WUCOLS (low/medium/high) |
| Oak / native tree preference | - | Yes (SMC Ch. 12.08) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Rohnert Park 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.
Sonoma FAQ
Does Sonoma require me to plant California natives?
No. The City requires drought-tolerant, water-efficient plantings under SMC Ch. 14.32 and § 19.40.060, but does not mandate a native-only species list for residential gardens. Natives generally satisfy the lowest plant-water-use category in WUCOLS and make MAWA compliance easier.
Can a new commercial development have a lawn?
Generally no. SMC § 19.40.060 prohibits lawn in commercial landscaping unless it is part of an active play area. Decorative turf is treated as 'non-functional' and not allowed.
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