Moreno Valley, CA Landscaping Rules: Composting (2026)

140 folds the state Model Water Efficient Landscaping Ordinance's soil-preparation requirements directly into city code for any single-family, multifamily, public, institutional, or commercial project with a new landscape area over 500 square feet, or a rehabilitated landscape area over 2,500 square feet. The landscape design plan submitted with the permit must include a soil preparation, mulch, and amendments section. For new installations, compost must be worked into the soil to a depth of six inches at a minimum rate of four cubic yards per 1,000 square feet of permeable area; soils already testing above 6% organic matter in the top six inches are exempt from the compost and tilling requirement.

A minimum three-inch layer of mulch is separately required on exposed soil in planting areas, with an exception for turf, groundcovers, and direct-seeding areas, and up to 5% of the landscape area may be left unmulched if designated as insect habitat on the plan. Organic mulch made from recycled or post-consumer material must be used ahead of inorganic material or virgin forest products unless recycled material isn't locally available, and organic mulch is not required where a local fuel modification plan bars it. 7) for remaining requirements. 03.