Native Plants: Santa Paula vs Simi Valley
How do native plants rules compare between Santa Paula, CA and Simi Valley, CA?
Santa Paula and Simi Valley have similar restriction levels.
Santa Paula, CA
Ventura County
Santa Paula encourages drought-tolerant and native plant landscaping through its water conservation program. New development must comply with the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). Turf-to-native conversion rebates may be available through local water agencies.
View full Santa Paula rules →Simi Valley, CA
Ventura County
Ventura County encourages native plant landscaping in unincorporated areas through its water-efficient landscape ordinance, consistent with the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). New development and major renovations must use water-efficient plants.
View full Simi Valley rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Santa Paula | Simi Valley |
|---|---|---|
| MWELO Threshold | 500+ sq ft new landscape | New landscapes over 500 sq ft |
| Mandate | No — encouraged, not required for existing | - |
| HOA Restrictions | Cannot prohibit drought-tolerant (AB 2104) | - |
| Rebates | May be available for turf removal | - |
| Common Natives | Sagebrush, toyon, manzanita, buckwheat | - |
| Existing Landscapes | - | No conversion required |
| Recommended Species | - | Coast live oak, toyon, manzanita, sages |
| Climate Zone | - | Mediterranean (WUCOLS Zone 3) |
| Resources | - | UC Cooperative Extension Ventura County |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Santa Paula FAQ
Does Santa Paula require native plants?
Not for existing properties. New development with 500+ sq ft of landscape must meet MWELO water efficiency standards, which encourage native and drought-tolerant plants.
Can my HOA prevent me from removing my lawn?
No, California AB 2104 prohibits HOAs from fining or restricting homeowners who replace turf with drought-tolerant or native landscaping.
Are there rebates for replacing my lawn?
Check with the City of Santa Paula water department and local water agencies for current turf removal rebate programs.
Simi Valley FAQ
Am I required to plant native plants in unincorporated Ventura County?
Not for existing landscapes. New construction and significant landscape renovations over 500 square feet must comply with MWELO water efficiency standards, which encourage but do not mandate exclusively native plants.
What native plants grow well in Ventura County?
Coast live oak, valley oak, California sycamore, toyon, manzanita, California buckwheat, black sage, white sage, and California poppies are all well-suited to the region's Mediterranean climate.
Are there incentives for planting native species?
Some local water districts offer rebates for turf replacement with drought-tolerant landscaping including native plants. The UC Cooperative Extension Ventura County provides free guidance on native plant selection and establishment.
Compare other topics
See how Santa Paula and Simi Valley compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool