California AB 2561 (2022) protects front-yard vegetable gardens. Santa Clara County residents can grow food in front yards. The county and many cities encourage drought-tolerant landscaping, including edible gardens, through the MWELO and water district rebate programs.
California AB 2561 prohibits local agencies and HOAs from banning residential vegetable gardens. This applies throughout Santa Clara County. The county's Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO) encourages water-efficient landscaping, which can include edible gardens. Santa Clara Valley Water District offers rebates for removing turf and replacing it with water-efficient landscaping. Many cities in the county, including San Jose and Sunnyvale, actively support community and residential gardens. Raised beds, container gardens, and in-ground plots are all permitted. Gardens must be maintained and not create nuisance conditions.
No penalties for front-yard food gardens. Local ordinances banning gardens are preempted by AB 2561. Unmaintained gardens may be cited under property maintenance codes.
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See how Santa Clara County's front yard gardens rules stack up against other locations.
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