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Vacaville, CA HOA Rules: Architectural Review (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
VMC § 14.27.030.060(A)(1)(h)
Applies to
Common interest development architectural guidelines
Protected practice
Low water use plants used as a group
Adopting ordinance
Ord. 1972, effective 02/22/2022
Penalty authority
VMC Chapter 1.16 general penalties

Summary

Vacaville's water-efficient landscape code overrides HOA architectural review power on one specific point: a common interest development's design guidelines cannot prohibit, or effectively prohibit, homeowners from using low water use plants as a landscaping group.

The architectural guidelines of a common interest development, which include community apartment projects, condominiums, planned developments, and stock cooperatives, shall not prohibit or include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting the use of low water use plants as a group.

View official code

Full Breakdown

0) as prohibited in street medians. The rule targets HOA architectural review committees specifically: while an association can still set aesthetic standards, maintenance requirements, or plant-height limits, it cannot use its design-review authority to categorically reject drought-tolerant or low water use landscaping schemes citywide. 27 to implement the state Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance locally, so the low water use protection is a mandatory floor under any HOA's covenants, conditions, and restrictions for lots inside Vacaville.

Violations & Fines

Chapter 14.27 penalties run through Section 14.27.030.030, tying violations to Vacaville Municipal Code Chapter 1.16's general penalty schedule and any other remedy allowed by law. A homeowner denied approval for a compliant low water use planting scheme, or an HOA whose guidelines categorically bar such plants, is out of step with this section; the Director of Community Development administers Chapter 14.27 compliance for landscape documentation packages the city reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my Vacaville HOA reject my drought-tolerant landscaping?
Not categorically. City Code Section 14.27.030.060(A)(1)(h) says a common interest development's architectural guidelines cannot prohibit, or effectively prohibit, the use of low water use plants as a group, though the HOA can still apply reasonable aesthetic and maintenance standards.
What counts as a common interest development under this rule?
The section covers community apartment projects, condominiums, planned developments, and stock cooperatives, meaning HOA architectural review boards for these property types cannot use design guidelines to block low water use landscaping.
When did this HOA landscaping protection take effect in Vacaville?
It was adopted as part of Ordinance 1972, which repealed and replaced Chapter 14.27 effective February 22, 2022, implementing the state's water-efficient landscape framework at the local level.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Vacaville

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Height LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions

All Vacaville rules

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