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.
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. Combined with Government Code 53087.7, 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. Dead or dying turf itself can be cited under AMC 6.44 blight rules. The Metropolitan Water District and the city both offer turf-replacement rebates during drought declarations. Vegetable gardens and fruit trees in front yards are permitted provided they are maintained, and chickens or livestock remain subject to AMC 8.08 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.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Anaheim, CA
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