Native and drought-tolerant landscaping is encouraged in unincorporated LA County per MWELO and state water conservation mandates. CA Gov Code 65595 prohibits banning native plant gardens. Coastal areas specifically require native species for erosion control landscaping.
Native and drought-tolerant landscaping is actively encouraged in unincorporated LA County through the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO). New landscaping projects over 500 sq ft in residential areas must comply with MWELO requirements including maximum applied water allowance calculations. LA County does not mandate native plants specifically but incentivizes them through reduced irrigation requirements under MWELO. Many local water districts offer free native plant guides and rebates for drought-tolerant landscape conversions. The county's LID standards encourage native plantings for stormwater management.
MWELO violations apply only to new landscaping installations over 500 sq ft. Non-compliant landscape plans will not receive building permit approval. There are no penalties for existing landscaping. Water waste from over-irrigation may violate water district restrictions with fines ranging from $100-$500 per occurrence depending on the water provider.
Altadena, CA
LA County allows backyard chickens in R-1 zones in unincorporated areas (including Altadena) subject to coop setbacks under LA County Code Title 10 and Title...
Altadena, CA
LA County Code Section 10.32.010 prohibits dogs running at large in any public place or private property other than the owner's, unless restrained by a chain...
Altadena, CA
Commercial filming in Altadena's unincorporated areas requires a permit from FilmLA (the official film office contracted by LA County). Permits cover insuran...
Altadena, CA
Mobile food facilities operating in Altadena need a LA County Department of Public Health Mobile Food Facility permit, a LA County business license under Tit...
Altadena, CA
LA County Code Chapter 7.86 limits garage sales in residential zones to no more than 2 per calendar year per address, with each sale lasting no more than 3 c...
Altadena, CA
Drone airspace is federally regulated — 49 USC 44809 governs recreational use. Altadena is under JWA/Burbank/LAX/El Monte airspace controls. LA County parks ...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle native plants.
See how Altadena's native plants rules stack up against other locations.
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