Native Plants: San Mateo vs South San Francisco
How do native plants rules compare between San Mateo, CA and South San Francisco, CA?
San Mateo and South San Francisco have similar restriction levels.
San Mateo, CA
San Mateo County
San Mateo encourages drought-tolerant and native landscaping consistent with California's MWELO. New landscapes over 500 square feet must comply with water-efficiency calculations. California law prohibits cities from banning drought-tolerant plants.
View full San Mateo rules →South San Francisco, CA
San Mateo County
Unincorporated San Mateo County encourages native and drought-tolerant landscaping rather than mandating it for homeowners. The Countywide Water Pollution Prevention Program promotes natives for pollinators and watershed health, and BAWSCA's Lawn Be Gone rebate pays up to $4 per square foot to replace lawn with low-water plants. WELO indirectly favors natives through plant-factor rules.
View full South San Francisco rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | San Mateo | South San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| MWELO | New landscapes 500+ sq ft | - |
| State Protection | Cannot ban drought-tolerant plants | - |
| Water Provider | Cal Water Service | - |
| Climate Zone | USDA 10a-10b — Mediterranean | - |
| Tree Protection | Ch. 13.40 — Protected Trees | - |
| Homeowner mandate | - | None - voluntary/incentivized |
| Lawn replacement rebate | - | Up to $4 per square foot |
| Rain garden bonus | - | $300 |
| WELO plant factor | - | WUCOLS 0.3 favors natives |
| Program | - | Flows To Bay / BAWSCA / Office of Sustainability |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
San Mateo FAQ
Can I replace my lawn with native plants?
Yes. California law protects your right to install drought-tolerant landscaping. Cal Water Service may offer rebates for turf replacement.
What native plants grow well in San Mateo?
San Mateo's Mediterranean climate supports coast live oak, toyon, manzanita, California fuchsia, ceanothus, and native bunch grasses.
Does MWELO apply to my project?
MWELO applies to new or renovated landscapes over 500 square feet. Smaller projects and existing landscapes are exempt.
South San Francisco FAQ
Am I required to plant native plants in unincorporated San Mateo County?
No. Native planting is encouraged and incentivized, not mandated. WELO's low-water plant-factor standard for regulated projects, however, effectively steers new landscapes toward natives and other drought-tolerant species.
Is there money to replace my lawn with natives?
Yes. BAWSCA's Lawn Be Gone rebate pays up to $4 per square foot to swap lawn for drought-tolerant plants, with an extra $300 if you add a rain garden, through the County's water-pollution-prevention partners.
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