Native Plants: Tulare vs Visalia
How do native plants rules compare between Tulare, CA and Visalia, CA?
Tulare and Visalia have similar restriction levels.
Tulare, CA
Tulare County
Tulare Municipal Code Chapter 10.196 (Landscaping) implements California's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO, 23 CCR § 490 et seq.) for new and substantially renovated landscapes. Residential projects ≥ 500 sq ft of new landscape area and non-residential ≥ 500 sq ft must submit a Landscape Documentation Package with a Water Efficient Landscape Worksheet showing the Estimated Total Water Use does not exceed the Maximum Applied Water Allowance. Native and low-water plants are strongly favored.
View full Tulare rules →Visalia, CA
Tulare 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 Visalia rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Tulare | Visalia |
|---|---|---|
| City citation | TMC Chapter 10.196 | - |
| State framework | MWELO — 23 CCR §§ 490–495 | - |
| Trigger | ≥ 500 sq ft new/renovated landscape | - |
| HOA preemption | Civil Code § 4735 protects natives | - |
| Statute | - | AB-1572 Water Code 10608.14 |
| Full effect | - | By 2031 |
| HOA protection | - | Civil Code 4735 |
| Landscape standard | - | MWELO Gov Code 65591 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Tulare FAQ
Does MWELO apply to my backyard re-landscape?
Only if the total rehabilitated area is ≥ 2,500 sq ft and requires a permit, plan check, or design review. Smaller residential projects are exempt but should still follow WELO best practices to comply with city water-waste rules.
Can my HOA make me keep my lawn?
No. Civil Code § 4735 voids HOA rules that prohibit low water-using plants or that require lawn maintenance during a declared drought emergency. Tulare's Stage 3 declarations qualify.
Visalia 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.
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