Front yard vegetable gardens are allowed in unincorporated Orange County under California AB 2561 (2022). The county encourages drought-tolerant landscaping and does not prohibit food production in residential yards. HOAs may have separate landscaping requirements.
California AB 2561 (2022) protects the right to grow food on residential property, including front yards. Orange County's zoning code does not prohibit front yard food gardens in unincorporated areas. The county's compliance with MWELO encourages replacing high-water-use turf with drought-tolerant alternatives, and food gardens qualify as water-efficient replacements. Gardens must comply with property maintenance requirements (maintained in good condition) and fence/wall height limits. Front yard gardens should not obstruct sidewalks, driveways, or sight triangles. Many Orange County HOAs have strict front yard landscaping requirements — while AB 2561 prevents government bans, HOA CC&Rs are private agreements. Some HOAs have adapted their rules to allow front yard gardens within design guidelines. Water-efficient garden techniques (drip irrigation, mulching, raised beds) are encouraged.
No county penalties for food gardens. HOA violations are civil matters.
Costa Mesa, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Orange County.
See how other cities in Orange County handle front yard gardens.
See how Costa Mesa's front yard gardens rules stack up against other locations.
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