Anaheim, CA Invasive Plant Rules: Front Yard Gardens (2026)
Key Facts
- Civil Code
- Civil Code 4735 protects drought-tolerant landscaping
- Restrictions
- Gov Code 53087.7 bars bans on native front-yard plants
- Landscaping
- Front-yard vegetable gardens and fruit trees allowed
- Hours/Times
- Dead turf still citable as blight under AMC 6.44
- Landscaping
- MWELO applies to landscape projects over 500 sq ft
Summary
Front-yard native and drought-tolerant gardens are expressly protected in Anaheim by California Civil Code 4735, which prevents HOAs or the city from banning low-water landscaping or requiring turf. AMC Title 18 still requires front-yard areas to be maintained and free of weeds, but expressly allows xeriscape, edible gardens, and native plantings.
4735. (a) Notwithstanding any other law, a provision of the governing documents or architectural or landscaping guidelines or policies shall be void and unenforceable if it does any of the following: (1) Prohibits, or includes conditions that have the effect of prohibiting, the use of low water-using plants as a group or as a replacement of existing turf. (2) Prohibits, or includes conditions that have the effect of prohibiting, the use of artificial turf or any other synthetic surface that resembles grass. (3) Has the effect of prohibiting or restricting compliance with either of the following: (A) A water-efficient landscape ordinance adopted or in effect pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 65595 of the Government Code. (B) Any regulation or restriction on the use of water adopted pursuant to Section 353 or 375 of the Water Code. (b) This section shall not prohibit an association from applying landscaping rules established in the governing documents, to the extent the rules fully conform with subdivision (a). (c) Notwithstanding any other provision of this part, except as provided in subdivision (d), an association shall not impose a fine or assessment against an owner of a separate interest for reducing or eliminating the watering of vegetation or lawns during any period for which either of the following have occurred: (1) The Governor has declared a state of emergency due to drought pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 8558 of the Government Code.
Full Breakdown
California Civil Code 4735 preempts any HOA rule, CC&Rs provision, or local ordinance that prohibits or unreasonably restricts the use of low-water-using plants, artificial turf (in HOA contexts), or drought-tolerant landscaping. 7, which bars cities from banning front-yard native plants, Anaheim residents have broad freedom to remove lawns in favor of native, pollinator, or edible gardens. AMC Title 18 still imposes general landscape maintenance requirements: vegetation must be alive and groomed, cannot exceed height limits near driveways that block sightlines, and must not harbor vermin.
44 blight rules. The Metropolitan Water District and the city both offer turf-replacement rebates during drought declarations. 08 animal-keeping rules separately. Property owners installing xeriscape should follow the California Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance for projects over 500 square feet, which sets water-budget, mulch, and irrigation-efficiency standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my HOA force me to keep a lawn in front of my Anaheim home?
Can I grow vegetables in my front yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Anaheim
California rules heatmap·Compare Anaheim to another location·View the California invasive plant rules overview
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