California law (AB 2561, effective 2015) prohibits HOAs and local governments from banning drought-tolerant landscaping and edible gardens in front yards. Riverside County's landscaping ordinance (No. 859) encourages California-friendly, water-efficient plantings. Front yard vegetable gardens are generally allowed in unincorporated areas.
California Assembly Bill 2561 (2014, effective January 2015) amended Government Code §65595.3 to prohibit local agencies and HOAs from penalizing homeowners for replacing turf with drought-tolerant landscaping, including edible gardens. Additionally, AB 1561 (2022) specifically protects the right to grow food in front yards statewide. In unincorporated Riverside County, Ordinance No. 859 (the Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance) promotes California-friendly landscaping with an emphasis on drought-tolerant, low-water-use plants. Front yard gardens — whether ornamental or edible — are permitted as long as they meet basic maintenance standards and do not create visibility hazards at intersections (sight-line triangles per county road standards). The Riverside County landscaping guidelines provide a comprehensive list of recommended California-friendly plants organized by water use zone. Residents in the western Riverside County Municipal Water District and Coachella Valley Water District service areas may qualify for turf removal rebates when converting lawns to drought-tolerant landscaping, including edible gardens.
There are no penalties for maintaining a front yard garden in unincorporated Riverside County, provided it is maintained and does not create a public nuisance (overgrown, attracting pests, or obstructing sight lines). Unmaintained gardens may be cited under Ordinance No. 725 (Public Nuisance).
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